Opinion: shift from crisis reaction to resilience planning
Diário de Notícias argues that extreme weather and disasters are becoming structural risks in Portugal rather than rare events, and that continuing to react to each crisis will raise economic and social costs over time. The piece warns that a reactive approach increases pressure on public finances and leaves communities more fragile, urging investment in resilience and preparedness. Property owners, insurers and local planners should expect ongoing debate about how to fund and prioritise resilience measures.
Update: Opinion lists storms, wildfires and droughts as threats
The column lists storms, wildfires, prolonged droughts and sudden floods as examples of the new, recurring risks and stresses the long-term fiscal and social costs of treating these events as exceptions rather than the norm.
Climate risk is the likelihood that climate-related hazards—storms, wildfires, droughts or floods—will cause damage because people, property or infrastructure are exposed and vulnerable. In Portugal this risk is increasingly treated as structural rather than occasional, affecting insurance, housing choices and emergency planning for residents and local authorities.
