“This first study has put really an economic dollar value on the social and environmental benefits.” – 01:52
Jeff Gitterman, CEO of Gitterman Asset Management, joins Remy Blaire at the New York Stock Exchange to discuss a new report from the World Resources Institute has revealed that we have been undervaluing climate resilience, with findings that every dollar invested in climate adaptation can yield over ten dollars in benefits within a decade.
Jeff emphasizes that previous studies have primarily focused on avoided loss economics—essentially asking if investments in infrastructure, like retaining walls, will save us money during climate events. However, this report takes a broader view by assigning economic value to the social and environmental benefits of such investments.
The pair discuss the real-world implications of these findings, using examples like the devastating storm in Asheville, which caused an estimated $250 billion in damage. Jeff highlights the often-overlooked downstream effects of climate events, such as health impacts and ecosystem disruptions, which can have long-term economic consequences.
As we approach COP30 in Brazil, we explore the concept of the “triple dividend” of resilience, which encompasses economic, social, and environmental benefits. Jeff argues that while mitigation efforts have faltered, particularly in light of rising CO2 emissions, we must pivot towards adaptation and resilience investments. He outlines three key areas for investors to focus on: water resilience, infrastructure resilience, and adaptation resilience, noting that companies in these sectors are experiencing significant growth due to the increasing demand for climate-related solutions.