Trend analysis civil protection 2035: Uncertainties, challenges, and opportunities

This report represents the third installment in a series focused on identifying and analyzing trends significant for civil protection in Switzerland. It provides insights into trends expected to significantly impact the nation's civil protection system within the next five to ten years. Initiated by the Federal Office of Civil Protection (FOCP), this report aims to enhance horizon scanning capabilities within civil protection, a field necessitating ongoing adaptation.

The article finds the following related to climate change and the future of civil protection:

• The long-term and short-term economic trends can impact the ability of individuals and societies to adapt to climate change. The challenge lies in finding a balance between the immediate costs and the long-term benefits;
• Insurance can provide a buffer against the risks of climate change, but if it becomes too expensive and largely inaccessible, it may no longer be a viable adaptation tool;
• Social and cultural factors can shape risk perception, influence which adaptation options are considered useful, and determine the distribution of vulnerability and adaptive capacity in society