Addressing adverse natural events is not only essential given their severe impact on lives and the environment; they are also reshaping the economic risk landscape. The World Economic Forum (WEF) highlights that climate-related challenges will be among the most decisive global factors over the next decade.
The 2026 Climate and Catastrophe Insight report from Aon analyzes developments in 2025: globally, economic losses from natural disasters were estimated at 260 billion dollars. Although this is the lowest figure recorded since 2015, the report highlights a structural shift in climate-related impacts: so-called secondary risks—such as severe storms, wildfires, localized flooding, and heatwaves—are already generating greater losses for insurance companies than major hurricanes, earthquakes, and other traditional catastrophes. This shift matters because many of these risks are more frequent and harder to predict than more severe events.
The growing visibility of these hazards is prompting companies and institutions to reassess their investment and asset protection strategies. This new reality is driving more informed decisions, more efficient investment, and the development of more resilient infrastructure and assets.
The economic potential of adaptation
A growing body of economic analysis suggests that addressing climate change is not only urgent but can also deliver economic benefits over the medium and long term. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) estimates that integrated climate and growth strategies could raise G20 GDP by around 2.8% by 2050, and by close to 5% when accounting for avoided damages from adaptation. The OECD also notes that climate policies can deliver short-term benefits (around 1% of GDP) when they promote investment in sustainable projects and technological innovation.
Moreover, an increasing number of companies recognize that sustainability strategies not only respond to social needs or regulatory requirements, but can also drive innovation, growth, and new business opportunities, as highlighted in Morgan Stanley’s Sustainable Signals: Corporates 2025 report.
Resilience and opportunity in advancing the energy transition
As the energy transition progresses, critical infrastructure—including networks, storage, digitalization, and industrial systems—is becoming increasingly central. However, this new energy system must also be designed with climate risks in mind, ensuring flexibility and adaptability from the outset.
Investment in climate-adapted infrastructure, more robust energy systems, and advanced risk management tools can help reduce operational disruptions, protect supply chains, and enhance financial stability, creating new competitive opportunities.
For countries such as Spain, which aim to lead the energy transition and strengthen Europe’s strategic autonomy, the challenge is to advance toward a decarbonized economy while incorporating climate adaptation criteria. Integrating resilience into infrastructure, value chains, and business models not only helps mitigate risks but also enables countries and companies to capture the economic opportunities arising from the energy transition, such as the development of new industrial projects.
In a global environment shaped by climate and geopolitical uncertainty, resilience is emerging as a key strategic lever for growth. Companies and countries that invest early in preparedness and adaptation will be better positioned to protect their assets, attract investment, and lead the transition to a low-carbon economy.