In 2023, Storm Babet tore through the UK, and among its many victims was Claire Sneddon, a homeowner in Trowell, Nottingham. Having been told when she purchased her house in 2021 that a prior flood had been a once-in-a-lifetime event, she felt reassured that her property would remain safe. But that confidence crumbled when floodwaters once again breached her home soaking skirting boards and destroying flooring and cabinetry. The insurance bill climbed to £45,000, and it took almost a year for repairs to be completed.
Claire’s experience is far from unique. As climate change drives increasingly severe weather events from floods and wildfires to hurricanes the urgency to improve climate risk assessment and resilience is leading to rapid growth in climate tech investment.
Revising Risk Maps with Climate Data
Governments and agencies are revamping outdated flood and erosion models to better reflect current and future risks. The UK’s Environment Agency recently updated its National Flood Risk Assessment (NaFRA), incorporating new data from local councils and the Met Office. For the first time in years, the coastal erosion risk map (NCERM) has also been revised.
Growing Risk for Millions of Properties
According to the updated NaFRA, 6.3 million properties in England are currently at risk of flooding a number expected to rise to eight million by 2050. Julie Foley, director of flood risk strategy at the Environment Agency, notes that improved modelling has enabled them to offer better long-term projections. The agency is also preparing to launch a public portal for users to check their flood risk over time. As traditional models fall short, tech companies are developing sophisticated new tools to predict the physical impact of disasters more accurately.
Simulating Impact with Digital Earth Models
London-based startup Climate X has created a digital twin of Earth, combining artificial intelligence with physics-based modelling to simulate extreme weather outcomes. “It’s not just about how much rain will fall it’s about what happens when that water hits the ground,” says co-founder Lukky Ahmed. The platform helps property developers and financial institutions identify high-risk areas and calculate risk severity before making investments.
Preparing for Disaster in the U.S.
Extreme weather isn’t limited to the UK. In the United States, wildfires and hurricanes have caused widespread damage in recent years, spurring similar innovation in risk evaluation.
Faura: Building Resilience Intelligence
New York-based Faura assesses the structural resilience of properties against disaster impact. Using satellite imagery and data from past events, Faura provides detailed reports on whether a building is likely to survive a flood, fire, or storm. Co-founder Valkyrie Holmes explains, “We tell clients not just if a disaster might happen but if their property can endure it.”
Homebuyers Want Transparency
Real estate firms are also reacting to growing consumer awareness around climate risk. U.S.-based Redfin now includes climate risk data such as wildfire and flood probabilities on every property listing, projecting up to 30 years ahead. Daryl Fairweather, the company’s chief economist, notes, “Climate risk can tip the scales between two similar homes. It’s becoming a dealbreaker.”
Firsthand Experience Turns into Advocacy
After her traumatic experience, Claire Sneddon now works for flood risk consultancy The FPS Group. She urges prospective buyers to go beyond basic flood maps when evaluating a home.
“Flooding has a huge impact on mental health and community wellbeing. Your home should be a sanctuary not a source of fear every time it rains,” she says.
Advice for Future-Proofing Your Property
- Use modern risk tools: Look for platforms offering detailed climate projections and terrain-specific analysis.
- Check government portals: Use updated resources from agencies like the UK’s Environment Agency or regional equivalents.
- Don’t rely solely on past events: Future risks may be significantly higher due to climate change.
- Speak to neighbours: Firsthand accounts can often reveal more than official documents.
As natural disasters become more frequent and severe, both individuals and industries are adapting. From tech startups offering real-time simulations to government agencies modernizing public resources, a new ecosystem is emerging one that aims to protect lives, homes, and investments against an uncertain climate future.
