Climate change is transforming agriculture across Europe. Droughts, floods, and unpredictable weather are becoming more common—and more disruptive.

So how can crop insurance evolve to meet these new challenges?

This is the focus of the latest episode of Insuring Tomorrow’s World, the Soteria podcast. In this episode we sit down with Chris Gennilard from Genillard & Co. and Dr. Oleksander Sushchenko from UFZ to explore how traditional crop insurance models are adapting, and what’s needed to make them work better for farmers, insurers, and the environment.

What’s changing?

~ Traditional models are no longer enough

• Most existing crop insurance systems are designed for short-term risks. But they struggle to account for long-term, systemic climate threats.
• There’s growing recognition that insurance must shift from reactive payouts to proactive risk reduction.

~ Technology is a game changer

• Satellite data, remote sensing, and AI-powered analytics are improving how risk is measured.
• This means more accurate assessments, faster claims, and better-tailored coverage for farmers.

~ Sustainability can be incentivised

• Insurance can do more than cover losses. It can reward climate-smart practices like crop diversification, cover cropping, or precision irrigation.
• Lower premiums or bonuses for sustainable methods help align climate adaptation with financial resilience.

~ Collaboration is key

• Successful crop insurance models depend on cooperation between governments, insurers, researchers, and farmers.
• The podcast shares examples from Europe where these partnerships are already delivering results

~ Why this matters

Agriculture is at the front line of Europe’s climate crisis. Without the right insurance tools, farmers face serious financial risks. But when designed well, insurance can be a tool for adaptation—not just compensation. It can protect livelihoods, stabilise rural economies, and support long-term climate resilience.

At Soteria, we work with regions across Europe to rethink how insurance can support local climate adaptation. These efforts are especially relevant for agricultural communities navigating a rapidly changing climate.

🎧 Listen to the full episode: Here