"The energy transition is unstoppable. The share of renewable energy has been rising for years, also in the US," says Feiter. "This is because generating sustainable energy is becoming increasingly cheaper. And companies, including insurers, continue to invest in solar and wind energy for economic reasons."
Stimulating public-private partnerships
Feiter is convinced that the investment we are making now will pay off more than once. "We don't want a situation in which insurers are forced to no longer be able to insure people's possessions, because the damage simply becomes too great to bear." So Feiter calls for making way for new sustainable techniques and for public-private partnerships, including international partnerships, to be stimulated.
But also to embed climate adaptation in (construction) laws and regulations, so that contractors take climate risks into account in new construction plans. Then everyone in the (re)building process knows where you stand. The costs of making houses climate-adaptive are between 370 – 6,250 euros per new-build home, according to consultancy firm Arcadis. Heat mitigation measures ensure the highest costs.
Geeke Feiter: "A climate-proof Netherlands must become an integral part of how we think and want to live in the Netherlands"
Make the Netherlands climate-proof and climate-neutral
In the Climate Story presented today, the Alliance uses challenges to explain what is needed to make the Netherlands climate-proof. "By limiting the damage caused by climate change as much as possible. But better yet, to prevent," Feiter emphasises. "We have to look ahead and think in terms of climate solutions. A climate-proof Netherlands must become an integral part of how we think and want to live in the Netherlands."
Reducing CO2 footprint
In addition to a climate-proof Netherlands, which can withstand extreme weather, it is also important to reduce the CO2 footprint of our economy. And to move towards a climate-neutral and circular economy as quickly as possible. Ambitious and stable timelines, with clear intermediate goals for each sector, help consumers and companies to make the right decision at a logical time to make their properties or activities more sustainable.
New way of investing
In addition, timelines help to provide better insight into the payback period of innovations and investments. According to Feiter, it is important to get an answer to the question of whether the government is willing to cover unprofitable peaks and/or offer guarantees when investing in innovative renewable energy solutions. "Then investing by insurers in these, often long-term projects, becomes feasible."
The Association sees a major role for parties such as Invest-NL, in the role of mediator. This new way of investing in a clean economy through public-private financing requires consultation in which insurers are happy to participate.
Climate afternoon 2025 in pictures
