In a bid to tackle the escalating challenges posed by climate change, the SOTERIA project kick-started its journey with a dynamic two-day meeting in Bilbao, Spain, on September 21st-22nd.

The project is coordinated by the Basque Centre for Climate Change (BC3) and supported by the European Union’s Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Programme under Grant Agreement No 101112867.

SOTERIA brings together a diverse consortium comprising leading European think tanks, and SMEs, specialising in climate change, data analytics, behavioural sciences, legal aspects of insurance, and technological innovation, alongside regional stakeholders poised to contribute invaluable insights into climate resilience policies. This collaboration between the private and public sector and research institutions aims to pioneer innovative insurance solutions tailored to the unique challenges faced by European regions grappling with climate variability.

At the heart of the kick-off meeting was a vibrant exchange of ideas and strategies among SOTERIA beneficiaries and associated partners. The participants outlined a roadmap for reducing the protection gap through a multifaceted approach.

Maria José Sanz, BC3’s Scientific Director and SOTERIA’s Principal Investigator encapsulated the project’s vision, emphasising the imperative of documenting best practices and testing insurance products that incentivise proactive prevention measures while ensuring inclusivity through affordable insurance schemes.

Throughout the meeting, insights were shared from EU Climate Resilience Dialogues and the Horizon Europe Mission Climate Adaptation provided invaluable guidance, shaping the trajectory of SOTERIA’s endeavours. As the project embarks on its two-and-a-half-year journey, the commitment to fostering dialogue, innovation, and resilience remains unwavering.

The SOTERIA kick-off meeting marked the inception of a transformative project and symbolised a collective commitment to confronting the challenges of climate change head-on. As SOTERIA navigates the intricate landscape of climate adaptation insurance, it aspires to catalyse change, paving the way for a more resilient and sustainable future for European communities.