The cities managing climate risk by investing in resilience

illuminem summarises for you the essential news of the day, reviewed by our editorial team. Read the full piece on the World Economic Forum blog or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: Climate resilience is becoming a key factor in determining which cities attract businesses, talent and investment, according to new research ranking 1,500 cities globally
• As extreme weather events create higher costs and disruptions, cities that invest in adaptation infrastructure are increasingly positioning themselves as competitive economic hubs

🔭 The context: Flood protection, water security, heat adaptation and resilient infrastructure are moving from environmental priorities to economic strategies
• Cities including Singapore, Rotterdam and Gothenburg are investing in measures such as coastal defences, green spaces, water recycling and climate-smart urban planning to reduce risks for residents and companies

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Climate adaptation reduces exposure to the physical impacts of climate change, including floods, heatwaves and water scarcity
• Investments in resilient infrastructure can also support cleaner urban systems through renewable energy, efficient water management and nature-based solutions that protect ecosystems while improving quality of life

⏭️ What’s next: Businesses are expected to increasingly factor climate resilience into location and supply chain decisions
• Cities would need stronger public-private partnerships and long-term investment strategies to remain attractive as climate risks intensify

💬 One quote: “Climate resilience is now a key driver of a city’s economic competitiveness.” — Ben Simpfendorfer, Head of Oliver Wyman Forum, Asia-Pacific

📈 One stat: 45% of CEOs are planning to reconfigure their supply chains, creating opportunities for cities that can offer greater climate resilience and operational stability

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