A recent survey reveals that an impressive 80% of New Yorkers feel their city is unprepared for climate-related risks. The survey, conducted as part of a new study by Economist Impact supported by Zurich Insurance Group (Zurich), highlights significant concerns about the city’s readiness to handle the impacts of climate change.
Of the 500 New Yorkers surveyed, only 6% believe the city is prepared for climate-related risks. In contrast, 80% feel the city is unprepared, with 11% stating it is not prepared at all and 3% uncertain about the city’s readiness.
These findings are part of a broader report titled “Resilience from the Ground Up: Assessing City-Level Approaches to Climate Risk and Adaptation.” The report is based on a comprehensive survey, including a literature review, interviews with 15 climate experts, and a survey of the general population involving 5,000 residents from 10 major cities around the world: Amsterdam, Cairo, Cape Town (South Africa), Dubai (United Arab Emirates), Jakarta (Indonesia), Madrid, Mumbai (India), New York, São Paulo, and Tokyo.
“These findings reveal significant opportunities for communities to implement steps to mitigate the growing impacts of climate change,” said Arooran Sivasubramaniam, Head of North America Zurich Resilience Solutions. “At ZRS, we are committed to helping organizations understand their vulnerabilities to natural risks, assess potential impacts, and develop effective resilience plans.”
The study delves into how urban residents perceive climate change, the adaptations needed for their cities, and their sense of personal responsibility regarding climate issues. The perceptions aim to provide actionable strategies for building resilient urban environments capable of withstanding the adverse effects of climate change.