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Risk in Context Podcast: Protecting people, business, and infrastructure from extreme heat impacts

In this episode our hosts explore direct and indirect challenges associated with extreme heat, as well as risk adaptation and management strategies that organisations should consider to better protect their people, assets, and operations.

04/09/2025 · 2 minute read

Extreme heat, characterised by sustained periods of unusually high temperatures, poses significant health, economic, and social challenges globally. This pervasive and escalating risk, that is chronic in nature, is more frequently impacting people, infrastructure, and businesses worldwide.

To effectively mitigate the risks associated with extreme heat, organisations must be proactive in how they prepare for, adapt to, and manage current and future heat-related challenges. This includes prioritising the identification of their specific vulnerabilities and implementing targeted strategies to address risks.

In this episode of Risk in Context, Jack Watt, Senior Vice President in Marsh’s Climate and Sustainability Strategy Team, speaks with Swenja Surminski, Managing Director, Climate and Sustainability at Marsh McLennan, Tracy Watts, Senior Partner, National Health Leader for US Health Policy at Mercer, and Rachael Barza, Associate Director, Lead Climate Adaptation and Nature Finance at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. They explore direct and indirect challenges associated with extreme heat, as well as risk adaptation and management strategies that organisations should consider to better protect their people, assets, and operations.

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Key takeaways

Prioritise people-centric approaches

The multifaceted effects of extreme heat on employee health — including physical, mental, and financial — should be addressed through proactive workforce management, including heat stress mitigation and support systems to improve well-being and productivity.

Foster cross-sector collaboration

Addressing extreme heat risks requires collaboration and proactive planning. Innovative investments — ranging from infrastructure and engineering upgrades to cutting-edge supply chain tools that can identify heat exposure hotspots — help build more resilient, sustainable systems.

Build resilience to systemic impacts

Addressing the pervasive and chronic nature of extreme heat requires comprehensive strategies that take into consideration a wide range of risks, including impacts on physical assets, supply chains, and natural resources.

About our speakers

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