Advancing Adaptation with the McKinsey Global Institute

In episode 247 of America Adapts , host Doug Parsons hosts Dr. Mekala Krishnan , partner at the McKinsey Global Institute , for an inside look at how one of the world's most influential private research institutions is approaching climate adaptation. Drawing from MGI's recent report, Advancing Adaptation , the conversation explores what it would actually cost to protect people and economies from escalating heat, flooding, drought, and wildfire — and why investment still falls short even when the economic case is strong.. The discussion also examines how ideas developed within a private firm travel into real-world decision-making, and why governance, leadership, and awareness remain critical to ensuring that new data and tools translate into action. For listeners working at the intersection of climate risk, finance, infrastructure, and policy, this episode offers a clear view into how the private sector is framing adaptation — and what that framing could mean for the future of the field. Transcript of episode available here . Key Themes Covered in This Episode Why the McKinsey Global Institute is focusing on adaptation now What it costs to respond to rising physical climate risk The resiliency gap and why investment remains insufficient How climate risk is entering mainstream economic thinking What large-scale adaptation models include — and exclude Governance, leadership, and awareness as scaling constraints The need for shared language between public and private actors Links & Resources from This Episode Advancing adaptation: How evolving hazards could shape the agenda Dr. Mekala Krishnan Ten key requirements for a systemic approach to climate adaptation For Educators & Students This episode is well-suited for courses on climate adaptation, environmental economics, climate risk management, corporate sustainability, public policy, or infrastructure finance. Key themes include physical risk modeling, cost-benefit analysis, capital allocation, governance constraints, and the expanding role of the private sector in adaptation. Professors are welcome to assign this episode or excerpts in syllabi. Who Should Listen to This Episode Climate adaptation and resilience practitioners Corporate sustainability, risk, and strategy professionals Urban and regional planners working on long-term resilience Insurance, finance, and reinsurance professionals Researchers and students studying climate governance or environmental economics Government staff involved in adaptation planning Funders interested in scaling adaptation solutions Climate communicators bridging public and private perspectives ClimateTech Connect Conference Mentioned in the Episode! ClimateTech Connect Registration Use code: AAVIP for 25% discount off ticket prices Support for America Adapts helps make episodes like this possible, including more international conversations on how adaptation is unfolding globally. All donations are now tax deductible! Check out the America Adapts Media Kit here !

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Advancing Adaptation with the McKinsey Global Institute is an episode from America Adapts - The Climate Change Podcast by Doug Parsons.

This episode is 49:21 long.

This episode was published on Feb 17, 2026.

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