Zurich Launches Climate Resilience Alliance

Zurich Launches Climate Resilience Alliance
Zurich Insurance Group and its corporate foundation, the Z Zurich Foundation, have launched the Zurich Climate Resilience Alliance (the Alliance) to assess current levels of resilience within vulnerable communities and implement appropriate solutions to climate hazards.

The Alliance evolved from the Zurich Flood Resilience Alliance launched in 2013, bringing together a diverse group of humanitarian organizations, NGOs, research partners and the private sector.

Currently, it encompasses the same original nine members, namely Zurich, Concern Worldwide, the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), Mercy Corps, Plan International, Practical Action, the International Institute for Applied Systems and Analysis (IIASA), the London School of Economics (LSE) and the Institute for Social and Environmental Transition International (ISET).

After a decade of developing the flood resilience experience, the Alliance aims to reflect the urgent need for adaptation efforts to address the escalating impact of climate change.

Gregory Renand, Head of the Z Zurich Foundation, said: “Since 2018, the Alliance’s initiatives have positively impacted the lives of over 3 million climate-vulnerable people across more than 350 communities worldwide, from the Philippines to Zimbabwe to Mexico and points in between.

“The advocacy work of the Alliance influenced an increase in resilience spending of more than 1.25 billion USD. Now, we are expanding our focus beyond floods to tackle additional climate hazards such as heatwaves, wildfires, and storms. This broadened scope reaffirms our unwavering commitment to creating a more resilient future for vulnerable communities around the globe.”

Zurich stated that despite growing natural threats, the potential for climate adaptation to mitigate impacts on vulnerable communities remains largely unrealized. Insufficient investment in preparedness, risk reduction and recovery has resulted in increased loss and damage following each disaster.

Linda Freiner, Chief Sustainability Officer, Zurich Insurance Group, said: “I am delighted to see this evolution. Over the past decade, Alliance members have made significant strides in addressing the climate crisis, showcasing the power of collaboration and innovation. However, our work is far from over.

“The urgency of the climate crisis requires that we accelerate our collective efforts, leveraging the lessons learned and the collaborations forged to drive even greater impact. The next decade is crucial, and I am confident that together, we can achieve the ambitious goals necessary to secure a sustainable future for generations to come.”

The Zurich Climate Resilience Alliance is committed to addressing systemic barriers that hinder resilience-building efforts and aims to deliver large-scale impact.

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