2024 US Election Poses Major Climate Risk Implications for Key Financial Sectors

Climate X Warns Election Outcome Could Fragment Regulations in Banking, Real Estate, and Insurance

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Climate X, a climate risk analysis leader, released a report today highlighting how the outcome of the 2024 US presidential election could significantly impact climate risk management across the banking, real estate, and insurance sectors. With clear differences between the climate policies of the leading candidates, Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, the report outlines the regulatory changes that could influence financial institutions and businesses as they face growing climate-related risks.

Key Highlights

• The analysis shows how contrasting climate agendas could reshape the regulatory environment, with stricter regulations likely under a Harris administration and potential deregulation under a Trump administration.
• Recent climate disasters, such as Hurricanes Milton, Helene, and Idalia, demonstrate the urgent need for industries to adapt their risk management strategies to protect assets better and reduce exposure to rising climate-related risks.
• The report highlights the need for industries to prepare for policy changes that could affect loan defaults, asset devaluation, and increasing insurance premiums, all of which are critical issues in the financial sectors.
• It also discusses the importance of environmental justice in the context of climate adaptation policies, particularly how vulnerable communities might be disproportionately affected by regulatory changes.

Why It Matters

As the US experiences more frequent and severe climate-related disasters, the financial impact for industries like banking, real estate, and insurance continues to grow, creating uncertainty about how businesses should prepare. Whether future policies introduce stricter environmental regulations or roll back existing ones, companies must understand these shifts to navigate an increasingly unpredictable climate risk environment. With billions of dollars in assets at stake, companies need to make critical decisions about their climate strategies including whether to prioritize stress testing, mitigation efforts, or adaptation. Staying informed and flexible is essential for effective risk management strategies.

“The upcoming US election represents a pivotal moment for industries that are particularly vulnerable to climate risks,” said Lukky Ahmed, CEO and co-founder of Climate X. “The outcome will likely lead to either stricter regulations or a reversal of environmental protections, fundamentally changing the financial landscape. Our analysis shows that businesses in banking, real estate, and insurance must adapt quickly to ensure their strategies remain resilient in the face of increasing climate threats. This election could set the course for how we manage those risks for decades to come.”

As industries navigate the challenges posed by climate-related events, the report highlights the importance for financial professionals and businesses to remain aware of potential political shifts and their long-term implications for climate risk management.

For a comprehensive look at each candidate's climate positions, including their proposed regulatory changes, impacts on financial markets, and responses to recent climate disasters, access the complete report here.

About Climate X

Founded in 2020, Climate X is a leading climate risk data analytics company, helping organizations better understand and respond to the impacts of climate change. Using advanced technology, Climate X provides insights into future climate risks through its platform, which creates digital twins of real-world assets. By analyzing 500 trillion data points, the platform enables customers—including banks, mortgage lenders, and real estate firms—to assess and manage the risks climate change poses to their assets and business operations. For more information, visit www.climate-x.com.