Smart Innovators: Physical Climate Risk Solutions

Published 19 December 2024 by Emma Cutler & Ryan Skinner &
Climate Physical Risk Climate Risk Climate Risk Digital Solutions Climate Risk Digital Tech Net Zero & Climate Risk Risk Management Smart Innovators

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Executive Summary

As physical climate risks become increasingly material, firms are using climate risk solutions for a broad range of activities. In addition to data that can feed into climate risk disclosures, they need information to support risk management and reduction. This report presents a benchmark of 19 climate risk vendors across four capability categories, focusing on innovation in decision-relevant use cases. Specifically, we assess vendors’ ability to support short- and long-term climate risk analysis, integrated risk management, and adaptation and resilience planning. Vendors can leverage this report to understand recent developments in the market and identify unmet needs requiring further innovation. Buyers of climate risk information can use the analysis to inform software purchasing decisions.

Table of contents

Summary for decision-makers
Physical climate risk is business risk

Climate risk reporting requirements are expanding
Software supports climate risk management through three fundamental tasks
Some solutions specialize in climate risk; others embed it in larger platforms
Introducing the physical climate risk solutions market
Core capabilities cover business-relevant climate risk analysis over multiple timescales
Innovation encompasses advances in modelling, comprehensive data analysis and enhanced decision support
Further innovation can support a market continuing to develop

Table of figures

Figure 1. Physical climate hazard disclosures required under the CSRD
Figure 2. Definition and usage scenarios of assessed functionality
Figure 3. Risk is a function of hazard, exposure and vulnerability
Figure 4. Physical risk software providers: capabilities assessment

About the authors

Emma Cutler

Senior Analyst
Emma is a Senior Analyst in the Verdantix Net Zero & Climate Risk practice. Her current research agenda focuses on physical and transition climate risk, climate resilience and adaptation. She has a background in simulation and statistical modelling applied to climate adaptation, coastal management and international development. She holds a PhD in Systems Engineering from Dartmouth College and a BA in Mathematics and Environmental Studies from Bowdoin College.

Ryan Skinner

Research Director, Net Zero & Climate Risk
Ryan is the Research Director for the Verdantix Net Zero & Climate Risk practice. He guides the research team to develop compelling research at the intersection of net zero strategies, carbon management, climate risk and technology. Prior to joining Verdantix, Ryan was a principal analyst at Forrester Research, where he initiated the research into ESG data and analytics offerings. He also has extensive experience of helping software companies with their messaging, positioning, market and technology strategies. Ryan studied at Duke University, the University of Manchester and the University of Oslo, and speaks Norwegian fluently.

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