Aviva Leads Insurance Sector's Climate Resilience Push

The insurance sector has become a critical force in climate adaptation strategies, with major players leveraging their unique position to lead resilience efforts across vulnerable communities and heritage sites.

According to Aviva's Building Future Communities report, eight million properties in the UK could face flooding risk by 2050, while 1.4 million could be vulnerable to subsidence.

This data highlights the scale of the challenge insurers are confronting as they work to protect assets and communities from climate impacts.

The report reveals that iconic British landmarks, including Giant's Causeway, Hampton Court Palace and Edinburgh Castle, are exposed to climate change effects, highlighting the urgent need for the insurance industry to take a leadership role in climate preparedness and protection strategies.

Insurance industry advances climate preparedness

Aviva, a global insurance company serving 25.2 million customers across the UK, Ireland and Canada, demonstrates how insurers are extending their influence beyond traditional risk assessment to become active participants in climate resilience.

The company has set ambitious sustainability goals, including achieving net zero by 2040, whilst pursuing broader objectives that create impact beyond its own operations.

Its sustainability approach centres on climate action and social action through collaboration with businesses, governments, regulators and communities.

The Building Future Communities report exemplifies how insurers are using their analytical capabilities to identify and communicate climate vulnerabilities.

The research shows that Hampton Court Palace in London faces increased flooding risk from the Thames and extreme heat, which could affect its historic gardens and the wider West London area.

In Northern Ireland, Giant's Causeway is increasingly exposed to erosion and slope instability, creating growing risks to visitor access as the coastal landmark becomes more dangerous to visit.

Insurers investing in climate solutions

The insurance sector's response extends beyond risk analysis to direct investment in protective measures.

Aviva is pledging more than £80m (US$105.8m) towards nature-based solution projects that help capture carbon, contribute towards flood resilience and restore natural habitats.

This approach reflects how insurers are recognising that proactive investment in climate adaptation could reduce future claims whilst protecting communities and ecosystems.

Jason Storah, CEO of Aviva UK & Ireland General Insurance, says: "It is increasingly clear that, while we should double down on efforts to reduce climate change, there is equally an urgent imperative to be climate-ready.

"Some approaches, such as large-scale landscape restoration and expensive infrastructure projects will be the preserve of national and local government, expert organisations and large businesses like ours.

"Yet more simple solutions, such as adopting the right mindset and building closer relations with our neighbours and our local community, are within everyone's grasp."

Leah Ramoutar, Aviva's Director of Environmental Sustainability, will be speaking at Sustainability LIVE: The Net Zero Summit in 2026.

Secure your tickets to The Summit and save more than £200 with our Early Bird offer.

Insurance leadership in sustainability

Insurers are positioning sustainability professionals in senior roles to drive climate readiness strategies.

Aviva's Director of Environmental Sustainability is Leah Ramoutar, who leads the Group's Environmental Centre of Excellence.

Leah oversees delivery of the company's net zero ambitions and nature strategy, whilst managing the Group's environmental policy and advocacy strategy.

Prior to joining Aviva, Leah spent 14 years at Phoenix Group as Head of Climate and Nature Risk, where she was heavily involved in building the company's climate and nature strategy and developing its climate risk management framework.

Leah serves as a Board Member of the UNEP FI Principles for Sustainable Insurance (PSI) and represents Aviva in the Forum for Insurance Transition to Net Zero, demonstrating how insurance professionals are shaping industry-wide climate responses.

Speaking at Sustainability LIVE London 2025, Leah said: "I see our role at Aviva as enabling that kind of low carbon transition and low carbon growth.

"Whether it's underwriting renewable energy or supporting the transition to a cleaner transport network through ensuring electric vehicles for example, there's a huge amount we can do there from an investment perspective."

Leah will join The Nature-Based Solutions Summit panel at Sustainability LIVE: The Net Zero Summit in 2026, where she will share expertise around carbon removal and biodiversity whilst addressing challenges of finance, measurement and fairness in nature-based climate strategies.

Secure your tickets to attend now and save more than £200 with our Early Bird offer.