Climate Resilience Takes Center Stage As Climate Impacts Intensify

The devastation from Hurricanes Helene and Milton and other extreme weather events makes climate resilience more critical than ever. This urgency is amplified by communities' ongoing efforts to recover from the intensifying impacts of climate change, which disrupt lives, dislocate livelihoods and cause substantial economic damages. Climate resilience, in this context, refers to the ability to prepare for, recover from and adapt to these impacts. As a pioneer in the field, I see that understanding and implementing climate resilience is gaining traction, but the pace must accelerate to keep up with the escalating frequency and severity of these events.

The impact of hurricane events and other natural disasters, along with the $28 billion disasters recorded in 2023, underscores weaknesses in infrastructure, social systems, and economies, highlighting a growing shift towards resilience measures. This shift is driven not only by the increasing visibility of vulnerabilities but also by the growing focus on federal climate-related programs, local community initiatives, and the recognition by corporate America that resilience is crucial for their bottom lines, employees and the communities they serve.

At the federal level, several programs are spearheading efforts to enhance climate resilience. The National Climate Assessment, for instance, provides a comprehensive analysis of climate change impacts across the United States, guiding policymakers to better understand and address risks. FEMA’s Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities program is another critical initiative, offering funding for pre-disaster mitigation projects and encouraging communities to invest in resilient infrastructure.

Similarly, the Climate Resilience Toolkit, developed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, equips communities with resources to assess vulnerabilities and plan for resilience. And the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act marks a significant legislative milestone, dedicating over $50 billion to climate resilience investments, from upgrading infrastructure to enhancing the resilience of water systems and power grids.

Corporate America’s role in advancing climate resilience cannot be overlooked. Companies are increasingly integrating climate risk into their strategies, driven by the need for long-term sustainability. They are assessing the potential impacts of climate change on their operations, supply chains, and assets, and developing strategies to mitigate these risks.

This proactive stance is partly due to growing investor pressure demanding disclosure of climate risks and resilience strategies. Governments are also implementing regulations that push companies to address these risks, with the Securities and Exchange Commission proposing rules requiring disclosure of climate-related risks. Moreover, many businesses are embracing resilience as part of their broader corporate social responsibility efforts, investing in resilient practices to enhance their reputation, attract customers, and support their employees and communities.

Some major corporations are leading the way. Microsoft, for example, supports disaster preparedness through its AI for Earth program, while Walmart is working to make its supply chain more resilient by collaborating with suppliers to reduce emissions. And Bank of America integrated climate risk into its lending and investment decisions, ensuring that its investments align with resilience and sustainability goals.

Cities and states are also taking proactive measures to build resilience. Miami, with its vulnerability to sea-level rise and hurricanes, launched the $400 million Miami Forever Bond to fund resilience projects like upgrading stormwater systems and raising roads. Louisiana, facing unique geographic challenges, developed a Coastal Master Plan for restoring and protecting its coastline — alongside initiatives such as the Louisiana Watershed Initiative and a comprehensive Climate Action Plan.

In New York City, the OneNYC 2050 plan aims to strengthen coastal defenses, upgrade infrastructure, and improve emergency preparedness, with the East Side Coastal Resiliency Project focusing on protecting vulnerable neighborhoods. California, a state at the forefront of resilience efforts, implemented the Safeguarding California Plan, investing in wildfire prevention, water conservation and sustainable agriculture.

Other notable efforts include Norfolk, Virginia’s resilience strategy, which addresses the city’s vulnerability to sea-level rise through projects that elevate homes, improve drainage systems and create green spaces to absorb floodwaters. And Austin, Texas' focus on reducing its carbon footprint and enhancing the resilience of its water supply through its Climate Resilience Action Plan.

Despite these efforts, more attention is essential to scale up climate resilience initiatives. Public education is vital to raise awareness and garner support for resilience investments. Policymakers must advocate for resilience investments through business tax incentives and grants for infrastructure upgrades. Public-private partnerships are crucial to drive innovation and ensure comprehensive and effective resilience measures.

Engaging communities in resilience planning is equally critical. Resilience strategies must be inclusive and participatory, involving community members in decision-making processes to ensure that measures are tailored to their specific needs and contexts.

Ultimately, building resilience isn’t just a technical challenge. It’s a social imperative. It requires collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to equity and sustainability. To meet the escalating threat of extreme weather, we must accelerate our efforts to build a more resilient future.