With extreme weather events becoming more frequent and severe, cities face significant risks to their environments, economies and public health. But they also hold the potential to implement creative solutions for climate adaptation and resilience, according to the new research of Zurich Insurance Group (Zurich) and Economist Impact.

The report “Resilience from the ground up: assessing city-level approaches to climate risk and adaptation” is based on a literature review, a general population survey and interviews with 15 climate experts from reputable organizations such as the World Economic Forum, the International Labour Organization and the UN-Habitat. The survey gathered insights from 5,000 residents in Amsterdam, Cairo, Cape Town, Dubai, Jakarta, Madrid, Mumbai, New York City, São Paulo and Tokyo.

The key findings of the research include:

• City preparedness: Four in five respondents believe their city is underprepared for climate-related risks, with major concerns about heatwaves, air pollution, water shortages and flooding.
• Water management: Over 41% of respondents feel their city's water management infrastructure is at risk, underscoring the urgency of addressing water-related climate challenges such as water shortages and flooding.
• Inequalities: Climate change impacts vary significantly across gender, age and socioeconomic groups, disproportionately affecting women, children, the elderly and vulnerable populations.
• Government responsibility: A majority of respondents expect national and local governments to lead on climate adaptation efforts, highlighting the need for coordinated action.
• Corporate action: While 28% of respondents believe businesses should lead on climate adaptation, 58% feel companies are not doing enough.
• Individual efforts: Nearly a third of respondents feel personally responsible for climate adaptation, with 95% taking or planning steps to increase resilience. However, high costs, insufficient knowledge and lack of trust in government policies are significant barriers.

The report emphasizes that building climate resilience is essential for cities facing accelerating risks. This requires investment in climate-resilient infrastructure, integration of mitigation and adaptation measures, and collaboration across government levels and departments. It also highlights the critical role of transparent communication and community engagement to foster confidence and ensure that these processes involved are equitable and inclusive.

“Cities are on the frontline of the climate crisis, but they also have the power to lead the charge in building community resilience. To effectively navigate their climate-related challenges, cities must take decisive and collaborative action. Insurers with their natural hazard expertise and capabilities can play a critical role in supporting urban areas, businesses and communities in developing robust strategies to enhance their resilience and secure a sustainable future”, explained Dirk De Nil, Global Head of Zurich Resilience Solutions.