About this episode

The episode discusses the McKinsey Global Institute's approach to climate adaptation and the economic implications of climate risks.

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…

People in this episode

Host: Doug Parsons

Guest: Dr. Mekala Krishnan

Topics covered

• climate adaptation
• economic impact
• climate risk
• investment
• governance
• private sector

Keywords

• climate change
• adaptation costs
• resiliency gap
• investment
• governance
• leadership
• climate risk

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: McKinsey Global Institute

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