CMCC Channel 153d ago

Wildfires are becoming increasingly frequent and severe due to changes in climate, weather patterns, vegetation, and land use. These events posed growing threats to human safety, ecosystems, and economies across large regions. While suppression remains the dominant response strategy, there is a rising recognition that nature-based solutions (NbS) are essential for preventing wildfires, restoring resilient landscapes, and reducing long-term risk. This Lunch Break Seminar, organised by IIASA in the framework of NATURANCE, had explore how the insurance sector can enable the transition from reactive fire suppression to proactive, prevention-focused NbS. The session addressed key questions: - How are wildfire risks evolving? - What new developments are shaping wildfire insurance models? - Which NbS can effectively reduce wildfire risk? - How can insurers leverage underwriting and investment activities to support these solutions? Despite growing awareness of rising wildfire risks, investments in prevention still lag behind. Financing remains a major barrier: NbS require long-term, stable funding streams and strong collaboration between insurers, policymakers, researchers, and local communities. Recent insights underscore the importance of integrating NbS directly into insurance frameworks, recognising these measures as valuable assets capable of reducing losses, improving resilience, and delivering co-benefits for nature and people. This session highlighted emerging approaches, real-world examples, and the evolving role of insurers in advancing wildfire NbS — showcasing how proactive risk management can create healthier, safer, and more resilient landscapes.