Cautious Optimism

There's much work to be done, but as we say at Suyana Climate Insurance, there is still hope

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth

Robert Frost, “The Road not Taken”

NY Climate Week took place in New York from September 22nd to 29th. As the CEO of Suyana Climate Insurance, I had the honor of being invited to speak at the Innsure Climate Forum and Rethinking Finance, hosted by Barclay's Rise and GreenPortfolio. It was a fantastic opportunity to discuss the pressing issues in today's climate space and showcase our work.

I left the city feeling inspired and motivated. There's much work to be done, but as we say at Suyana, there is still hope.

A Spirit of Empathy and Cautious Optimism

The atmosphere was filled with empathy, hope, and a sense of cautious optimism. I had the opportunity to meet talented individuals from all corners of the globe, deeply committed to addressing the most pressing climate challenges. This commitment primarily comes from the younger generation, who are dedicating their time and energy to combat climate change. It is inspiring to think that they could serve as catalysts for change and might even represent a paradigm shift.

Action for Climate Adaptation

This conversation is timely, as the adverse impacts of climate change are increasingly felt across the U.S., potentially reshaping prevailing narratives and beliefs. It's surprising to find that climate change adaptation remains a nascent industry in the U.S. (and globally). While mitigation is an existential necessity, reality is teaching us that climate adaptation is equally crucial.

The U.S. Climate Action after the IRA

However, for systemic change to occur, more action is needed. On this front, I found grounds for optimism in the observable effects of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). Since moving to the U.S., I've been fascinated by the scale and dynamism of its economy, and the IRA is putting this machine to work. Entirely new green industries are taking shape, and the broader system is rapidly adapting to this shift. I believe these innovations will permeate the system, fostering new technologies, business models, and institutional arrangements that can systematically accelerate climate action.

The Need for Global Voices

Lastly, I can't help but feel that more voices from around the world need to be included in these conversations, particularly those actively fighting climate change or living in areas most impacted by its effects. While focusing on the U.S. is important due to its significant influence, it risks overshadowing the experiences of the rest of the world. Climate change is a universal issue, and we must broaden the platform for these stories to be heard. This is not just a matter of advocacy; it's a question of justice and empathy.

I would like to thank Barclay's Rise, for inviting us to be part of the panel on the future of finance, Elizabeth Landau for organizing it, and Matt Spence, Ravi Mikkelsen, Kellen Parker, and Bonnie Gurry for the fun and thoughtful conversation we had.

Special thanks also to Charlie Sidoti and Christopher Lowell, from InnSure for inviting Suyana to showcase our work during their Climate Adaptation Workshop.