Sweco’s Post

When we think about critical infrastructure failures, power cuts or flooded roads may come to mind. But the reality is far more complex and dangerous. Infrastructure systems are deeply interconnected. A single disruption like extreme rainfall flooding a subway station can cascade into widespread failures across transport, water, electricity and even healthcare. The result? Entire cities grind to a halt, businesses lose productivity and communities are left vulnerable. And the damage doesn’t stop at the physical level. The psychological toll is often underestimated. After severe flooding, residents in many European cities report persistent anxiety—some checking weather apps every hour, fearing the next storm. When essential facilities like schools, hospitals and care homes are impacted, it’s not just about logistics; it’s about safety, stability and emotional well-being. This “hidden layer” of impact matters just as much as rebuilding damaged assets. True resilience isn’t only about hardening infrastructure—it’s also about supporting communities to withstand both the visible and invisible effects of climate-driven disasters. Cities across Europe are beginning to map these risks and interdependencies, sparking new collaborations across energy, transport, water and telecom networks. But more needs to be done to embed emotional resilience alongside technical solutions. Sweco’s recent study of 26 European cities sheds light on how municipalities are confronting these challenges. Worth a read for anyone working on urban resilience and climate adaptation: https://lnkd.in/dv-ywtrU #SwecoGroup #TransformingSocietyTogether