Introduction: The Resilience Imperative

The scale of climate disruption has moved from future projections to current reality. In 2024, there were 27 billion-dollar climate disasters in the United States alone—three times the annual average over the previous 44 years. The first half of 2025 brought more than $162 billion in economic losses from global climate catastrophes.

Yet the investment response remains dramatically misaligned with the risk. As of June 2025, less than $8 billion had been raised for dedicated climate resilience investments from fewer than 120 funds, compared to over $650 billion for decarbonization and broader sustainability investments. This gap represents both an urgent challenge and an extraordinary opportunity.

The business case for resilience has never been clearer. Climate hazards could cause $560 billion to $610 billion in annual fixed asset losses globally by 2035, rising to $1.1 trillion by 2055. Companies could lose 6.6% to 7.3% of average earnings annually by 2035 from climate impacts—with exposed industries like utilities, telecommunications, and travel facing losses exceeding 20%.

The good news: every $1 invested in adaptation yields $10 or more in long-term benefits. Organizations that build resilience now will not only protect existing value but position themselves to capture the emerging $1 trillion climate adaptation market projected by 2030.

This guide provides the strategic framework to assess your organization's climate vulnerabilities, develop comprehensive adaptation plans, secure financing for resilience investments, and build the adaptive capacity needed to thrive in an era of accelerating climate change.

Understanding Climate Risk: Physical and Transition Dimensions

Effective climate resilience requires understanding the full spectrum of risks your organization faces. Climate risks divide into two primary categories, each with distinct characteristics, timelines, and management approaches.

Physical Climate Risks

Physical risks stem from the direct impacts of climate change on your operations, assets, and supply chains. These divide into acute and chronic categories:

Acute Physical Risks are event-driven, including:

• Extreme weather events (hurricanes, floods, wildfires, severe storms)

• Heat waves and cold snaps

• Drought and water scarcity events

• Sudden infrastructure failures triggered by climate extremes

The January 2025 California wildfires illustrate acute risk magnitude: at least 30 lives lost and over $250 billion in economic losses. October 2024 floods in Spain claimed over 200 lives and caused approximately $11.7 billion in damages.

Chronic Physical Risks emerge gradually but persistently:

• Rising sea levels affecting coastal assets and communities

• Shifting precipitation patterns altering water availability

• Increasing average temperatures impacting operations and productivity

• Changing growing seasons affecting agricultural supply chains

• Permafrost thaw destabilizing infrastructure in northern regions

Annual GDP losses from heatwaves alone are projected to escalate from 0.3-1.7% (2030-2040) to 0.6-4.6% (2050-2060) globally—with disproportionate impacts in developing regions.

Transition Risks

Transition risks arise from the shift toward a lower-carbon economy:

Policy and Regulatory Risks:

• Carbon pricing mechanisms and emissions regulations

• Building codes and efficiency standards

• Disclosure requirements (TCFD, CSRD, SEC rules)

• Phase-out of fossil fuel subsidies or mandates

Technology Risks:

• Disruptive innovations making existing assets obsolete

• Failed investments in technologies that don't scale

• Infrastructure stranded by the low-carbon transition

Market Risks:

• Shifting consumer preferences toward sustainable products

• Supply chain disruptions from decarbonization efforts

• Changes in commodity prices and energy markets

Reputational Risks:

• Stakeholder pressure on climate performance

• Litigation and liability exposure

• Social license to operate challenges

The Interconnection: Compound and Cascading Risks

Climate risks rarely occur in isolation. Climate risk is increasingly treated separately from supply chain management, creating dangerous gaps in organizational preparedness. A drought in one region affects agricultural supply chains globally. A hurricane disrupts port operations, cascading through logistics networks. Heat waves reduce worker productivity while straining energy grids.

Effective risk assessment must account for these compound and cascading dynamics—mapping not just individual exposures but the interconnected vulnerabilities across your value chain.

Vulnerability Assessment: Assets, Operations, and Supply Chains

Building resilience starts with understanding where and how your organization is exposed. A comprehensive vulnerability assessment examines physical assets, operational processes, and extended supply chains.

Asset-Level Risk Assessment

Begin with a systematic inventory of physical assets and their climate exposures:

Step 1: Asset Mapping

• Identify all owned and operated facilities

• Document critical infrastructure dependencies (power, water, transportation)

• Catalog major capital equipment and its location-specific vulnerabilities

• Map real estate holdings and development plans

Step 2: Hazard Screening For each asset location, assess exposure to relevant climate hazards:

• Historical disaster frequency and severity

• Projected climate scenarios (2030, 2050, 2100 timeframes)

• Localized risks (flood zones, wildfire interface, coastal exposure)

• Infrastructure interdependencies (grid reliability, water systems, transportation networks)

Step 3: Criticality Analysis Not all assets warrant equal protection. Prioritize based on:

• Revenue contribution and business continuity importance

• Replacement cost and timeline

• Safety and regulatory implications

• Strategic significance to future operations

Step 4: Vulnerability Scoring Combine exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity into vulnerability scores that enable comparative analysis and investment prioritization.

Operational Vulnerability Assessment

Beyond fixed assets, examine how climate affects operational processes:

Workforce Impacts:

• Heat stress and worker safety (outdoor and non-climate-controlled environments)

• Commuting and mobility disruptions during extreme events

• Mental health and productivity effects from climate anxiety and disasters

• Skills and staffing for climate-adapted operations

Process Vulnerabilities:

• Temperature-sensitive manufacturing processes

• Water-intensive operations in stressed basins

• Energy reliability requirements

• Logistics and distribution network resilience

Business Continuity:

• Critical systems and their backup provisions

• Data center and technology infrastructure

• Alternative operating procedures during disruptions

• Recovery time objectives and current capabilities

Supply Chain Risk Assessment

Global supply chains face mounting risks from climate change, geopolitics, and economic volatility. Climate disruption to global supply chains could lead to $25 trillion in net losses by mid-century.

Tier 1 Supplier Assessment:

• Map direct suppliers by location and climate exposure

• Assess supplier financial resilience and adaptive capacity

• Evaluate supplier continuity plans and backup provisions

• Identify single points of failure and concentration risks

Extended Supply Chain Visibility:

• Trace critical inputs through Tier 2 and Tier 3 suppliers

• Identify geographic hotspots of concentrated risk

• Assess transportation and logistics vulnerabilities

• Evaluate raw material sourcing climate dependencies

Supply Chain Resilience Strategies:

• Diversification of suppliers and sourcing regions

• Strategic inventory and buffer stock policies

• Alternative transportation routes and modes

• Supplier engagement and capacity building programs

Quantifying Financial Exposure

Vulnerability assessment should produce quantified financial estimates:

• Asset-at-risk calculations: Expected losses under various scenarios

• Business interruption costs: Revenue impacts from operational disruptions

• Supply chain disruption costs: Direct and indirect impacts of supplier failures

• Insurance gap analysis: Covered vs. uncovered exposures

• Adaptation investment requirements: Capital needed to reduce vulnerabilities

This financial framing enables climate resilience to compete for resources alongside other strategic investments—and demonstrates the cost of inaction.

Adaptation Planning Frameworks

With vulnerabilities identified and quantified, the next step is developing comprehensive adaptation plans. Effective adaptation planning combines scenario analysis, prioritization frameworks, and sequenced implementation.

Scenario Analysis and Climate Projections

Robust adaptation planning requires examining multiple climate futures:

Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs) and Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs):

• RCP 2.6 / SSP1: Low emissions scenario with aggressive mitigation

• RCP 4.5 / SSP2: Moderate emissions with current policies extended

• RCP 8.5 / SSP5: High emissions "business as usual" scenario

Planning Horizon Considerations:

• Near-term (2025-2030): Immediate actions, high confidence projections

• Medium-term (2030-2050): Capital planning cycles, increasing uncertainty

• Long-term (2050-2100): Strategic positioning, highest uncertainty

Scenario-Based Decision Making: Rather than betting on a single climate future, develop strategies that perform reasonably well across scenarios—building flexibility and optionality into plans.

The Adaptation Planning Process

Phase 1: Vision and Objectives Define what resilience means for your organization:

• What level of operational continuity do you require?

• Which stakeholder commitments must you maintain?

• What risk tolerance guides investment decisions?

• How does resilience integrate with sustainability and business strategy?

Phase 2: Options Identification Generate a comprehensive inventory of potential adaptation measures:

Engineering and Infrastructure:

• Physical hardening of facilities (flood barriers, fire-resistant materials)

• Redundant systems and backup provisions

• Relocation or strategic retreat from high-risk areas

• Climate-adapted design standards for new construction

Operational Adjustments:

• Modified operating procedures during extreme events

• Flexible work arrangements and remote capabilities

• Adjusted maintenance and inspection schedules

• Enhanced monitoring and early warning systems

Financial Mechanisms:

• Insurance and risk transfer products

• Contingency funds and self-insurance

• Climate-linked financial instruments

• Parametric insurance for rapid recovery

Nature-Based Solutions:

• Green infrastructure for stormwater management

• Ecosystem restoration for flood protection

• Urban forestry for cooling

• Coastal wetlands for storm surge reduction

Phase 3: Options Appraisal Evaluate adaptation options against multiple criteria:

Effectiveness: How much does the measure reduce risk?

Cost-Efficiency: What is the cost per unit of risk reduced?

Co-Benefits: What additional value does the measure provide?

Flexibility: Can the measure be adjusted as conditions change?

Feasibility: Technical, financial, and institutional viability

Timing: Implementation timeline and urgency

Phase 4: Prioritization and Sequencing Develop a phased implementation plan:

No-Regrets Actions: Measures that provide benefits under any scenario—pursue immediately

Low-Regrets Actions: Measures with low cost relative to potential benefits—pursue in near-term

Flexible Actions: Measures that preserve options for future adaptation—pursue when conditions warrant

Monitoring Points: Decision triggers that activate specific adaptation measures

Phase 5: Implementation Planning Translate priorities into actionable plans:

• Specific projects with defined scope, budget, and timeline

• Clear ownership and accountability

• Integration with capital planning and operating budgets

• Permitting, procurement, and execution pathways

Integrating Adaptation with Business Strategy

Adaptation planning shouldn't exist in isolation from core business strategy:

Capital Allocation Integration:

• Include climate risk in investment appraisal criteria

• Adjust project hurdle rates for climate exposure

• Factor adaptation costs into asset lifecycle planning

• Evaluate M&A targets for climate vulnerability

Strategic Planning Integration:

• Consider climate scenarios in market and product planning

• Factor physical risks into geographic expansion decisions

• Integrate climate timelines with strategic planning horizons

• Build resilience metrics into strategic scorecards

Governance Integration:

• Board-level oversight of climate risk and adaptation

• Executive accountability for resilience outcomes

• Cross-functional coordination mechanisms

• Regular reporting and strategic review cycles

Nature-Based Solutions for Climate Adaptation

Nature-based solutions (NbS) harness ecosystems to address climate challenges, often delivering adaptation benefits at lower cost than engineered alternatives—while providing significant co-benefits for biodiversity, community wellbeing, and carbon sequestration.

The Case for Nature-Based Adaptation

Ecosystems provide powerful protective services:

Flood Protection:

• Wetlands absorb floodwaters, reducing peak flows

• Floodplain reconnection provides natural storage capacity

• Riparian buffers slow runoff and stabilize banks

• Green infrastructure reduces urban stormwater volumes

Coastal Protection:

• Mangroves reduce wave energy by 66% on average

• Coral reefs provide breakwater functions

• Coastal wetlands attenuate storm surge

• Living shorelines combine natural and engineered elements

Heat Reduction:

• Urban tree canopy reduces surface temperatures by 20-45°F

• Green roofs lower building cooling loads

• Parks and green spaces create urban cool islands

• Vegetation reduces heat-related mortality

Water Security:

• Watershed protection maintains water quality

• Forest conservation regulates hydrological cycles

• Groundwater recharge through permeable surfaces

• Ecosystem services for water treatment

Implementing Nature-Based Solutions

Site Assessment:

• Evaluate existing ecosystem assets and degraded areas

• Assess opportunities for restoration and enhancement

• Consider connectivity and landscape-scale benefits

• Identify synergies with other adaptation measures

Design Principles:

• Match NbS to local climate projections and hazards

• Consider future conditions in species selection

• Design for resilience and adaptive capacity

• Integrate with engineered systems where appropriate

Implementation Considerations:

• Longer establishment periods than engineered solutions

• Maintenance requirements differ from grey infrastructure

• Regulatory and permitting pathways vary

• Community engagement and co-design opportunities

Monitoring and Adaptive Management:

• Track ecosystem health and function over time

• Assess performance against adaptation objectives

• Adjust management as conditions change

• Document outcomes to build the evidence base

Examples of Nature-Based Adaptation

Stream Restoration for Flood Resilience: Natural channel design, legacy sediment removal, and floodplain reconnection reduce flood peaks while improving habitat, water quality, and community amenities.

Urban Forest Expansion: Strategic tree planting in heat-vulnerable neighborhoods reduces heat-related illness while improving air quality, property values, and community wellbeing.

Living Shorelines: Combining marsh vegetation, oyster reefs, and strategic structures provides coastal protection while supporting fisheries, carbon sequestration, and water quality.

Green Stormwater Infrastructure: Bioswales, rain gardens, and permeable surfaces manage urban runoff while reducing combined sewer overflows, recharging groundwater, and creating green space.

Financing Climate Resilience

Funding adaptation and resilience remains a significant challenge—but the financing landscape is evolving rapidly. Understanding available mechanisms and structuring projects for investment readiness is essential.

The Financing Gap

The 2024 UN Adaptation Gap Report estimates adaptation financing needs of $215 billion to $387 billion annually between 2025 and 2030 in the Global South alone. Including developed countries, projected demand rises to $0.5 trillion to $1.3 trillion annually by 2030.

Private capital is beginning to mobilize. In 2024, 54% of adaptation-related bonds were issued by corporates—surpassing sovereign and supranational issuers for the first time. Adaptation bond issuances grew from 39 bonds (€23 billion) in 2017 to 601 bonds (€268 billion) in 2024.

Public Financing Mechanisms

Federal Programs (United States):

• FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Program and Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC)

• HUD Community Development Block Grants – Disaster Recovery

• EPA Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds

• USDA Rural Development programs

• DOT infrastructure resilience funding

State and Local Mechanisms:

• Resilience bonds and green bonds

• Tax increment financing for resilient development

• Special assessment districts

• Utility rate structures for resilience investments

• State revolving funds and infrastructure banks

International and Multilateral:

• Green Climate Fund

• Global Environment Facility

• Multilateral development bank climate finance

• Bilateral development assistance

Private Financing Approaches

Green and Sustainability-Linked Bonds:

• Use of proceeds bonds for specific resilience projects

• Sustainability-linked bonds with resilience KPIs

• Social bonds for community resilience investments

• Blue bonds for ocean and coastal resilience

Insurance and Risk Transfer:

• Parametric insurance for rapid disaster response

• Catastrophe bonds for risk transfer to capital markets

• Resilience credits for insurance premium reductions

• Public-private insurance partnerships

Private Equity and Venture Capital: Climate resilience technology is attracting growing investor attention. Larger firms are making dedicated investments in adaptation—including TPG Rise Climate's first resilience investment in 2025 and Invesco's launch of a $500 million climate adaptation fund in 2024.

Structuring Projects for Investment Readiness

Revenue and Cost Savings Identification:

• Quantify avoided losses from resilience investments

• Identify revenue streams from resilience services

• Document operational cost savings

• Value co-benefits (health, productivity, ecosystem services)

Risk Allocation:

• Clear allocation of construction, operational, and climate risks

• Appropriate guarantees and credit enhancement

• Insurance arrangements for residual risks

• Performance benchmarks and accountability

Project Preparation:

• Feasibility studies and engineering assessments

• Environmental and social impact analysis

• Financial modeling and sensitivity analysis

• Legal and regulatory due diligence

Blended Finance Structures:

• Concessional capital to improve risk-return profiles

• First-loss tranches to attract private investment

• Technical assistance for project development

• Results-based financing for outcomes

Stakeholder Engagement in Resilience Planning

Climate resilience cannot be achieved in isolation. Effective adaptation requires collaboration across organizational boundaries, engagement with affected communities, and alignment among diverse stakeholders.

Why Stakeholder Engagement Matters

Legitimacy and Social License: Resilience investments often affect multiple stakeholders—employees, customers, communities, regulators, investors. Engagement builds the legitimacy needed for implementation.

Local Knowledge and Context: Communities possess invaluable knowledge about local conditions, historical patterns, and practical constraints. This knowledge improves planning and reduces implementation risks.

Shared Responsibility: Climate risks are systemic—affecting entire regions, sectors, and supply chains. Collective action is often more effective than individual organizational responses.

Equity and Justice: Climate impacts fall disproportionately on vulnerable populations. Equitable engagement ensures resilience investments benefit those most at risk, not just those with the most resources.

Stakeholder Mapping and Analysis

Internal Stakeholders:

• Executive leadership and board

• Operations and facilities management

• Finance and risk management

• Human resources and workforce

• Business unit leaders

External Stakeholders:

• Customers and clients

• Suppliers and business partners

• Local communities and residents

• Regulators and government agencies

• Investors and lenders

• NGOs and advocacy groups

• Academic and research institutions

Analysis Dimensions:

• Interest: How strongly do stakeholders care about resilience outcomes?

• Influence: How much power do stakeholders have over decisions?

• Impact: How will stakeholders be affected by climate risks and adaptation measures?

• Knowledge: What expertise do stakeholders bring?

Engagement Approaches

Information Sharing:

• Clear communication about climate risks and planned responses

• Accessible formats for diverse audiences

• Transparent reporting on progress and challenges

Consultation:

• Seeking input on priorities and concerns

• Gathering local knowledge and historical context

• Testing assumptions and validating plans

Collaboration:

• Joint planning and decision-making processes

• Shared governance structures

• Collaborative implementation arrangements

Empowerment:

• Building stakeholder capacity for resilience

• Supporting community-led adaptation initiatives

• Transferring resources and authority

Community-Centered Resilience

For municipalities and organizations with significant community impact, community-centered approaches are essential:

Inclusive Process Design:

• Accessible meeting times and locations

• Translation and interpretation services

• Childcare and transportation support

• Multiple engagement channels (in-person, online, written)

Equity Integration:

• Social vulnerability analysis in planning

• Targeted engagement with marginalized communities

• Benefit distribution tracking

• Anti-displacement measures

Capacity Building:

• Community resilience training and education

• Support for community-based organizations

• Small grants for local adaptation initiatives

• Leadership development and succession

Monitoring, Evaluation, and Adaptive Management

Climate resilience is not a one-time achievement but an ongoing process. Effective monitoring and evaluation enables continuous improvement and adaptive management as conditions evolve.

Building a Resilience Monitoring System

Define Success Metrics:

Outcome Indicators:

• Avoided losses from climate events

• Business continuity during disruptions

• Recovery time from climate shocks

• Community wellbeing indicators

Process Indicators:

• Implementation progress against plans

• Investment deployment against targets

• Stakeholder engagement participation

• Capacity building achievements

Leading Indicators:

• Risk assessment coverage

• Early warning system effectiveness

• Preparedness exercise results

• Supply chain resilience scores

Establish Baselines:

• Document current vulnerability levels

• Record historical climate impacts and losses

• Benchmark against peers and industry standards

• Set starting points for trend analysis

Data Collection Systems:

• Integrate climate data into existing management systems

• Establish automated monitoring where possible

• Ensure data quality and consistency

• Maintain appropriate data retention and access

Evaluation and Learning

Regular Review Cycles:

• Annual adaptation plan review and update

• Quarterly progress reporting

• Post-event analysis following disruptions

• Strategic reviews aligned with planning cycles

Evaluation Questions:

• Are we achieving planned resilience outcomes?

• Are our assumptions about climate risks still valid?

• Have new risks or opportunities emerged?

• Are our investments delivering expected returns?

• Are stakeholders satisfied with engagement and outcomes?

Learning and Knowledge Management:

• Document lessons from implementation

• Share knowledge across organizational units

• Participate in sector and regional learning networks

• Contribute to the broader evidence base

Adaptive Management

Climate change introduces deep uncertainty into planning. Adaptive management provides frameworks for decision-making under uncertainty:

Trigger-Based Adaptation:

• Define monitoring thresholds that trigger plan updates

• Identify decision points for escalating or pivoting strategies

• Build flexibility into long-term commitments

Scenario Monitoring:

• Track which climate scenarios appear to be unfolding

• Assess implications for current adaptation strategies

• Adjust plans as scenario probabilities shift

Iterative Planning:

• Treat adaptation plans as living documents

• Incorporate new information and learning continuously

• Balance stability for implementation with flexibility for change

Sector-Specific Resilience Considerations

While core resilience principles apply broadly, sector-specific contexts shape priorities and approaches.

Municipalities and Government Agencies

Key Vulnerabilities:

• Public infrastructure (roads, bridges, utilities)

• Emergency services capacity

• Social services during climate events

• Economic development and tax base

Priority Actions:

• Integrate climate projections into capital planning

• Update building codes and land use regulations

• Strengthen emergency management capabilities

• Build community resilience capacity

Financing Considerations:

• Federal grant programs (FEMA, HUD, EPA)

• Municipal bonds and special assessments

• State revolving funds

• Public-private partnerships

Corporations and Private Sector

Key Vulnerabilities:

• Facilities and physical assets

• Supply chain and logistics networks

• Workforce safety and productivity

• Market demand and customer access

Priority Actions:

• Asset-level vulnerability assessments

• Supply chain mapping and diversification

• Business continuity planning enhancement

• Disclosure and investor communication

Financing Considerations:

• Capital allocation from operating budgets

• Green and sustainability-linked financing

• Insurance optimization

• Joint investments with suppliers and partners

Maritime and Logistics

Key Vulnerabilities:

• Port infrastructure and operations

• Shipping routes and schedules

• Cargo handling and storage

• Workforce and equipment exposure

Priority Actions:

• Port resilience master planning

• Fleet and route optimization

• Infrastructure hardening and elevation

• Alternative logistics arrangements

Financing Considerations:

• Port authority capital programs

• Federal maritime infrastructure funding

• Private investment in resilient infrastructure

• Insurance and risk transfer

Foundations and Philanthropy

Key Considerations:

• Climate impacts on grantee organizations

• Portfolio exposure to physical risks

• Grant strategy alignment with resilience

• Capacity building for grantees

Priority Actions:

• Integrate climate resilience into grantmaking

• Support grantee adaptation capacity

• Convene sector learning and collaboration

• Model resilience in operations

The Council Fire Approach

Council Fire brings a distinctive approach to climate resilience—one grounded in systems thinking, stakeholder-centered planning, and practical implementation.

Systems Thinking, Local Relevance

Climate resilience requires understanding interconnections—between physical and social systems, between immediate actions and long-term outcomes, between organizational boundaries and regional contexts. We take a holistic approach that connects policy, finance, infrastructure, and community to solve problems across scales.

At the same time, effective adaptation is always local. Generic frameworks must be translated into place-based strategies that account for specific vulnerabilities, assets, and opportunities. We bring deep regional knowledge and stakeholder relationships to every engagement.

Radical Partnership

Climate challenges exceed any single organization's capacity. We co-create with the people closest to the problem—from coastal communities to corporate boardrooms—building trust and capability along the way. Our engagements are designed to transfer knowledge and capacity, not create dependency.

Action Over Abstraction

Resilience planning is only valuable if it leads to action. We reject approaches that produce voluminous reports but fail to drive meaningful change. Our work is grounded in measurable progress, practical tools, and long-term value.

Our Resilience Services

Climate Risk Assessment:

• Asset-level vulnerability screening

• Supply chain risk mapping

• Scenario analysis and stress testing

• Financial exposure quantification

Adaptation Strategy Development:

• Stakeholder engagement and co-design

• Options identification and appraisal

• Prioritization and sequencing

• Implementation roadmapping

Nature-Based Solutions:

• Ecosystem assessment and opportunity identification

• Nature-based solution design and planning

• Implementation support and monitoring

• Co-benefit quantification

Financing and Investment:

• Grant identification and application support

• Project structuring for investment readiness

• Public-private partnership development

• Blended finance design

Monitoring and Evaluation:

• Resilience indicator development

• Performance measurement systems

• Adaptive management frameworks

• Learning and knowledge sharing

FAQs

How do we prioritize climate resilience against other business priorities?

Climate resilience isn't separate from business priorities—it's essential to achieving them. Start by quantifying climate risks in financial terms that enable comparison with other investments. Focus initial efforts on no-regrets actions that deliver benefits regardless of climate scenarios. Build the business case through pilot projects that demonstrate value before scaling.

What's the difference between climate adaptation and mitigation?

Mitigation reduces greenhouse gas emissions to limit future climate change. Adaptation adjusts to current and anticipated climate impacts. Both are necessary. Mitigation addresses the root cause; adaptation addresses the consequences we're already committed to. Organizations need strategies for both.

How do we address uncertainty in climate projections?

Use scenario-based planning rather than point forecasts. Identify robust strategies that perform reasonably well across scenarios. Build flexibility and optionality into long-term commitments. Focus near-term actions on well-understood risks while preserving ability to adjust as understanding improves.

What role should insurance play in our resilience strategy?

Insurance is essential for risk transfer but insufficient for risk reduction. Use insurance for residual risks that can't be cost-effectively reduced through adaptation. Ensure coverage keeps pace with changing exposures. Consider parametric products for rapid response. Don't let insurance availability substitute for underlying resilience investment.

How do we engage stakeholders who are skeptical about climate risk?

Lead with business fundamentals—operational continuity, asset protection, supply chain reliability. Use historical examples and current trends rather than distant projections. Focus on co-benefits that deliver value even without climate change. Build relationships through consistent engagement over time.

What frameworks should we use for climate risk disclosure?

TCFD adoption remains at 63% in Asia Pacific and 56% in Europe as of 2025, embedded in mandatory rules across multiple jurisdictions. IFRS S2 is emerging as a convergence point globally, building on TCFD foundations. For nature-related risks, TNFD is gaining momentum—64% of surveyed companies and financial institutions believe nature-related issues are as significant or more significant than climate issues.

How do we build internal capacity for climate resilience?

Start with awareness—ensure leadership understands climate risks and adaptation options. Build technical capacity through training, hiring, or partnerships. Integrate resilience into existing roles rather than creating isolated functions. Create communities of practice to share learning across the organization.

What's the timeline for seeing returns on resilience investments?

Some investments—like operational adjustments and contingency planning—deliver value immediately when disruptions occur. Physical infrastructure investments may take years to construct but provide decades of protection. Nature-based solutions require establishment periods but provide growing benefits over time. Frame investments across appropriate time horizons based on asset lifespans and climate projections.

Next Steps

For Organizations Beginning Their Resilience Journey

1. Conduct an initial climate risk screening to identify highest-priority vulnerabilities

2. Engage leadership with quantified risk assessments and business case development

3. Identify no-regrets actions that deliver value regardless of climate scenarios

4. Build stakeholder alignment for longer-term adaptation planning

5. Establish baseline metrics to track progress over time

For Organizations Advancing Their Resilience Practice

1. Deepen vulnerability assessments across assets, operations, and supply chains

2. Develop comprehensive adaptation strategies with prioritized implementation roadmaps

3. Secure financing through diversified public and private mechanisms

4. Strengthen stakeholder engagement and community-centered approaches

5. Build adaptive management systems for continuous improvement

Working with Council Fire

Council Fire partners with organizations at every stage of the resilience journey—from initial risk screening to comprehensive adaptation planning to implementation support. Our approach combines rigorous analysis with stakeholder engagement, systems thinking with practical action.

Schedule a resilience assessment to understand your organization's climate vulnerabilities and opportunities.

Explore our services in climate risk assessment, adaptation planning, nature-based solutions, and resilience financing.

Connect with our team to discuss how we can support your climate resilience goals.

Contact Council Fire | Explore Our Expertise | View Our Work

Related Resources

Climate Risk Assessment & Planning

Guides:

• Building Climate Resilience: Assessing Vulnerabilities and Crafting Adaptation Strategies

• ESG Compliance & Climate Risk Trends by Industry

• 10 Steps for Sustainability Transformation Success

Articles:

• Holistic Climate Risk Assessments: Beyond Financial Metrics

• Adapting Supply Chains to Climate Disruptions and Trade Uncertainties: A Strategic Resilience Framework for 2025

Sector-Specific Resilience Frameworks

Climate Resilience Planning by Sector:

• Climate Resilience Plan for Municipalities & Government Agencies

• Climate Resilience Plan for Corporations

• Climate Resilience Plan for Maritime & Logistics Companies

• Climate Resilience Plan for NGOs & Nonprofits

Infrastructure & Operations:

• Resilient Infrastructure: Safeguarding Transport Networks Against Climate Impacts

• Ports, Policy, and Planet: How Maritime Leaders Can Future-Proof Infrastructure

• Energy & Water Infrastructure for a Changing Climate

• Why Local Governments Must Lead the Climate Fight—With or Without Federal Support

Nature-Based Solutions & Biodiversity

Guides:

• Nature-Based Solutions: Leveraging Ecosystems for Adaptation

• Ocean and Natural Resource Stewardship: Balancing Conservation and Sustainable Use

Articles:

• Nature-Positive Targets: Aligning Climate and Biodiversity Goals

• Integrating Biodiversity into Corporate Sustainability Strategies: From Assessment to Action

• From Pledges to Performance: The 2026 Guide to Nature-Positive Transformation

Financing Climate Resilience

Guides:

• Financing Resilience: Funding Models and Green Finance

• The Resilience Funding Gap: How Cities Can Build Long-Term Climate Finance Strategies

• Innovative Financing Tools for Eco-Industrial Parks

• From Vision to Impact: How Foundations Can Strengthen Climate Grantmaking

• Cost-Benefit Analysis of Renewable Energy Integration

Articles:

• Impact Investing Playbook for Family Offices: From Wealth Preservation to Purposeful Impact

Stakeholder Engagement

Guides:

• Stakeholder Engagement Strategies: From Consultation to Empowerment

• 10 Steps for Stakeholder Engagement in Climate Risk

• 5 Ways to Improve Stakeholder Engagement in Sustainability

• Public-Private Partnerships for Community Resilience

• Why Stakeholder Trust Drives Long-Term Success

• Cultural Awareness in Stakeholder Engagement

Articles:

• Building Successful Community-Corporate Sustainability Partnerships: A Strategic Framework for Systems-Level Impact

ESG, Disclosure & Regulatory Compliance

Guides:

• Demystifying ESG Frameworks, Regulations, and Reporting

• ESG Reporting Checklist: Key Requirements for 2025

• 7 Key ESG Metrics Every Business Leader Should Track

• Common ESG Implementation Challenges and Solutions

Articles:

• Navigating CSRD & CSDDD: New Reporting Rules for 2025

• Choosing the Right ESG Framework for Your Organization: A Strategic Guide for 2025

• Creating Credible Scope 1-3 Emission Reduction Strategies

Supply Chain & Operational Resilience

Guides:

• Sustainable Supply Chains: Transforming Operations for Resilience and Equity

• Water Management Strategies for Corporate Sustainability

• How Regional Supply Chains Support Sustainability

Articles:

• Decarbonising Supply Chains to Reach Net-Zero: Strategies, Tools, and Compliance

Strategy & Implementation

Guides:

• How to Build a Corporate Sustainability Strategy: Step-by-Step Guide

• How Companies Embed Sustainability in Business Strategy

• Sustainable Business Models 2025: Implementation Guide

• Top Strategies for Change Management in Sustainability

• Ultimate Guide to Measuring Sustainability ROI

• How to Create a Sustainability Vision

Case Studies: Resilience in Action

Featured Work:

• Maryland Port Administration — Climate-resilient port infrastructure and stakeholder engagement

• Chesapeake Watershed Restoration Professionals — Building coalitions for watershed restoration and resilience

• Maryland Clean Energy Center — Market development for clean energy and resilience programs

Explore Our Expertise

• Climate Resilience

• Sustainable Business

• Resilient Communities

• Energy & Water Infrastructure

• Oceans & Natural Resources