While the corporate world remains laser-focused on decarbonisation and Net Zero targets, a critical component of climate strategy is being overlooked: Adaptation. 

In this episode, we sit down with Mekala Krishnan, partner at McKinsey Global Institute, to discuss why the world needs to simultaneously "walk and chew gum", managing the transition to a low-carbon economy while urgently preparing for the physical risks already locked into the system.

Mekala breaks down the staggering economics of adaptation, estimating that the world will need to spend $1.2 trillion annually by 2050, mostly to protect against heat and drought. However, the business case is undeniable: for every $1 invested in adaptation measures, there is an average return of $3 in avoided damages.

We dive deep into the specific challenges facing sustainability leaders today, including the psychological barrier that "no one gets paid for a disaster that didn't happen". Mekala also exposes a critical vulnerability in Fortune 500 companies: while their direct operations are often designed for "1 in 10,000 year events," their indirect supply chains remain dangerously exposed to climate disruption.

Key Takeaways for Sustainability Professionals:

• The "Walk and Chew Gum" Strategy: Why planning large CAPEX buildouts without accounting for higher warming levels is a failure of risk management.

• The Fortune 500 Blindspot: Why corporate HQs are resilient, but their supply chains and distribution channels face massive resiliency gaps.

• The Heat Penalty: How chronic heat stress will impact worker productivity and agricultural yields, shifting from acute events to chronic conditions.

• The Innovation Opportunity: Why cooling solutions and agricultural resilience represent the next frontier for R&D and investment.

• Building the Business Case: How to frame adaptation to the C-Suite by moving from "invisible benefits" to tangible ROI.

Read the full report here.

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This podcast is produced by The Podcast Coach.

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Releasedatum: 19-2-2026 05:00:00