Friday, November 22, 2024

Flooding in Spain: ‘Risk-sharing schemes must be based on solidarity and responsibility as part of a sustainable approach’

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For the past three decades, scientists have been warning of an increase in disasters, amplified by ever more violent climatic events. The floods that recently devastated Valencia, Spain, with their toll of lost lives and submerged neighborhoods, have tragically confirmed these predictions.

Every year brings its share of human tragedy and material destruction, primarily affecting the most vulnerable. These events have underlined the urgent need for appropriate responses in the face of ever-increasing crises.

Against this backdrop of growing uncertainty, the concept of crisis seems to be replacing that of risk. Crisis no longer appears as a simple manifestation of risk, which could be modeled and anticipated, but as a phenomenon that is sometimes baffling.

One priority: adaptation

Without its socio-political and mathematical foundations, the insurance system reaches its limits: Protecting the most exposed populations becomes increasingly complex. In some parts of the world, for example, property insurance is becoming unaffordable in the face of frequent catastrophes.

In this context, adaptation becomes a priority to limit damage, while resilience is needed to strengthen communities in the face of repeated crises. It’s no longer just a question of technology, but of social justice and equity of access to protection.

However, this tense situation, accentuated by the strong emotions of the victims, sometimes leads to decisions that are difficult to maintain over the long term. Rather than immediate solutions, it is essential to adopt a global approach that goes beyond superficial responses.

For example, the increase in surcharges for natural catastrophes, announced for 2024, aims to stabilize a deficit that has been in place for many years, but does not address the root causes. To prepare for the challenges ahead, it is becoming essential to analyze these causes in order to regain a real capacity for foresight and strengthen the system.

When it comes to disasters, the climate is just one factor among many. Populations and territories are not equal in the face of the climate threat: Vulnerability varies according to numerous geographical, demographic and political parameters. Inconsistencies in prevention, land-use planning and resilience exacerbate this disparity.

This observation reveals just how complex this crisis is, rooted in institutional structures that are struggling to adapt to current realities. To meet these challenges, risk-pooling systems need to be adjusted to ensure that solidarity and responsibility are part of a sustainable approach.

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