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Building a climate resilience strategic plan
Kenneth Smith Kenneth Smith

Building a climate resilience strategic plan

As the impacts of climate change continue to escalate, communities, governments, and organizations around the world are increasingly recognizing the need to build resilience to withstand and adapt to these challenges. A well-crafted climate resilience strategic plan is essential for guiding efforts to enhance resilience and mitigate the risks posed by climate-related hazards. Drawing on examples and resources from published climate resilience plans, here are the top 10 priorities that such a plan should address:

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Beyond property insurance
Kenneth Smith Kenneth Smith

Beyond property insurance

As climate change continues to accelerate homeowners should look beyond just traditional property insurance. Below is a summary list of other types of insurance available. Check with your agent before the next storm hits.

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Property self-insurance can lead to increased climate resilience.
Kenneth Smith Kenneth Smith

Property self-insurance can lead to increased climate resilience.

In many regions across the United States insurance companies are exiting markets or increasing rates dramatically due to the high risk of severe weather events. This may be a blessing in disguise. Homeowners who choose to self-insure or have no other option are now taking the precautionary actions that insurance carriers have been advocating to their customers but with little success. Now that ‘you’re on your own’ dollars otherwise spent on premiums can be redirected towards loss mitigation efforts and reserve funds.

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Family financial planning in a time of climate crisis
Kenneth Smith Kenneth Smith

Family financial planning in a time of climate crisis

Family conversations about financial planning take on a new urgency in an era of climate crisis. From extreme weather events to shifting market landscapes, the financial impact of climate change will impact all families regardless of socio-economic position. Engaging in open discussions about climate-related financial planning can serve as a vital first step toward resilience.

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From Montreal to Paris to today
Kenneth Smith Kenneth Smith

From Montreal to Paris to today

Two landmark environmental agreements stand out in the fight against global environmental threats: the Montreal Protocol of 1987 and the Paris Accord of 2015. Both agreements aimed to address urgent issues endangering the planet, but their paths to success vary significantly. While the Montreal Protocol successfully eliminated ozone-depleting substances (ODS), the Paris Accord faces a more complex challenge in curbing carbon emissions. This post explores the distinctive factors behind the success of the Montreal Protocol and why replicating its triumphs for carbon reduction proves elusive.

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Different regions, different severe weather risks
Kenneth Smith Kenneth Smith

Different regions, different severe weather risks

Severe weather events can have a significant impact on property values, affecting both short-term market dynamics and long-term property appreciation. The specific effects can vary based on the type and severity of the weather event, as well as the preparedness and resilience of the local community. Here are several ways severe weather can influence home property values:

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The impact of severe weather on property value
Kenneth Smith Kenneth Smith

The impact of severe weather on property value

Severe weather events can have a significant impact on home property values, affecting both short-term market dynamics and long-term property appreciation. The specific effects can vary based on the type and severity of the weather event, as well as the preparedness and resilience of the local community. Here are several ways severe weather can influence home property values:

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10 ways to build financial resilience to climate change.
Kenneth Smith Kenneth Smith

10 ways to build financial resilience to climate change.

Building financial resilience to climate change and severe weather events is crucial in the face of an increasingly unpredictable climate. Here are ten strategies to help individuals and communities prepare for and navigate the financial challenges posed by climate-related risks:

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The Price of Climate Resilience
Kenneth Smith Kenneth Smith

The Price of Climate Resilience

The United States now faces the task of fortifying its infrastructure and communities against the escalating costs of extreme weather events driven by climate change. While much focus has been on Carbon Offsets, ‘Net-zero' goals, and other strategies to reduce CO2 levels, the immediate financial reality is undeniable, even among climate deniers.

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Community-embedded insurance: a model for insurance innovation
Kenneth Smith Kenneth Smith

Community-embedded insurance: a model for insurance innovation

The insurance industry is at a crossroads. With weather-related risk worsening due to climate change and insurers unsure about how to adapt — resulting in limited coverage or carriers pulling out of states altogether — now is the time for innovation.

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Financial Resilience to Climate Change, powered by AI
Kenneth Smith Kenneth Smith

Financial Resilience to Climate Change, powered by AI

As the world grapples with the profound impacts of climate change, the marriage of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and financial resilience emerges as a game-changer. Across industries, AI is proving to be a formidable ally in navigating the complexities of a changing climate, offering innovative solutions to build financial resilience in the face of environmental uncertainty.

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The climate is not sustaining, neither can the conversation.
Kenneth Smith Kenneth Smith

The climate is not sustaining, neither can the conversation.

In the ever-evolving dialogue surrounding environmental stewardship, a shift is underway. The conversation, once dominated solely by sustainability, is now expanding to include the realities outside our windows —resilience. As we navigate a world marked by climate uncertainties and unforeseen challenges, the imperative to evolve the sustainability discussion to include resilience becomes increasingly evident.

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Your Home in the Climate Change Crosshairs:
Kenneth Smith Kenneth Smith

Your Home in the Climate Change Crosshairs:

As the specter of climate change looms larger than ever it reaches far beyond environmental concerns to impact what is for many the most important foundation of our personal financial lives: our homes. In 2024, the financial implications of climate change on personal property are becoming increasingly pronounced, with historical climate change data serving as a precursor to the challenges that await homeowners and property investors.

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The Dichotomy of Home Equity: Climate Change's Varied Impact on High Net Worth vs. Middle-Class Americans
Kenneth Smith Kenneth Smith

The Dichotomy of Home Equity: Climate Change's Varied Impact on High Net Worth vs. Middle-Class Americans

In the grand spectrum of wealth distribution in America, the significance of home equity varies starkly between high net worth individuals and the middle class. While both demographics attach considerable importance to their property holdings, the impact of climate change unravels a distinct contrast in how these groups perceive, protect, and endure the consequences of environmental shifts.

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The Case for Tax-Deferred Climate Resilience Savings Accounts
Kenneth Smith Kenneth Smith

The Case for Tax-Deferred Climate Resilience Savings Accounts

The anticipated financial impacts of climate change in 2024 necessitate a paradigm shift in economic thinking and policymaking. Embracing sustainability, integrating climate considerations into financial strategies, and fostering resilience will be pivotal in navigating the economic terrain of an increasingly unpredictable future.

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