Aviva: UK Landmarks at Risk from Climate Change

Aviva’s Building Future Communities report predicts that by 2050, eight million properties in the UK could be at risk of flooding and 1.4 million could be at risk of subsidence.

It says that some of the UK’s most famous landmarks, including Giant’s Causeway, Hampton Court Palace and Edinburgh Castle, are vulnerable to climate change effects.

To help protect these historic sites and preserve them for future generations, Aviva says more must be done to prepare for rising temperatures and sea levels.

The risk of climate change on the UK

Aviva is a global insurance company, serving 25.2 million customers across the UK, Ireland and Canada.

As well as its aim to become net zero by 2040, it has wider sustainability goals to have an impact beyond its own operations.

Its sustainability approach focuses on taking climate action and social action by working together with other businesses, governments, regulators and communities.

Aviva’s Building Future Communities report explores the risk of climate change on landmarks across the UK.

It says that Hampton Court Palace, London is exposed to increased flooding risk from the Thames and extreme heat, which affects its historic gardens as well as the wider West London area.

Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland is increasingly exposed to erosion and slope instability, which poses a growing risk to visitor access as it makes the coastal landmark more dangerous to visit.

Aviva is taking action to tackle these climate risks by pledging more than £80m (US$105.8m) towards nature-based solution projects.

These projects help capture carbon, contribute towards flood resilience and help to restore natural habitats.

Jason Storah, CEO of Aviva UK & Ireland General Insurance, says: “It is increasingly clear that, while we should double down on efforts to reduce climate change, there is equally an urgent imperative to be climate-ready.

“Some approaches, such as large-scale landscape restoration and expensive infrastructure projects will be the preserve of national and local government, expert organisations and large businesses like ours.

“Yet more simple solutions, such as adopting the right mindset and building closer relations with our neighbours and our local community, are within everyone’s grasp.”

Leah Ramoutar, Aviva's Director of Environmental Sustainability, will be speaking at Sustainability LIVE: The Net Zero Summit in 2026.

Secure your tickets to The Summit and save more than £200 with our Early Bird offer.

Who leads sustainability at Aviva?

Aviva’s Director of Environmental Sustainability is Leah Ramoutar, who leads the Group’s Environmental Centre of Excellence. 

She helps deliver its net zero ambition and nature strategy, as well as overseeing the Group’s environmental policy and advocacy strategy.

Prior to joining Aviva, Leah spent 14 years at Phoenix Group where she was Head of Climate and Nature Risk.

She was heavily involved in building the company’s climate and nature strategy and developing its climate risk management framework.

Leah is a Board Member of the UNEP FI Principles for Sustainable Insurance (PSI) and represents Aviva in the Forum for Insurance Transition to Net Zero.

Speaking at Sustainability LIVE London 2025, Leah said: “I see our role at Aviva as enabling that kind of low carbon transition and low carbon growth.

“Whether it’s underwriting renewable energy or supporting the transition to a cleaner transport network through ensuring electric vehicles for example, there’s a huge amount we can do there from an investment perspective.”

Secure your tickets to hear from Leah at Sustainability LIVE: The Net Zero Summit in 2026.

Nature-Based Solutions at The Net Zero Summit

Leah will join The Nature-Based Solutions Summit panel at Sustainability LIVE: The Net Zero Summit.

The panel will feature discussions on how nature-based solutions can shape climate strategies and help restore ecosystems.

Leah will share her expertise around carbon removal and biodiversity, while addressing the challenges of finance, measurement and fairness.

Secure your tickets to attend now and save more than £200 with our Early Bird offer.