Context
Faced with the challenges posed by climate change, the collaboration between Hydroclimat, a specialist in digital hydroclimatology, and Covéa, a renowned mutual insurance group, marks a turning point in the analysis and management of climatic risks. This collaboration is part of a strategic approach aimed at anticipating major climatic events in order to guide long-term decision-making. This case study is intended for the P&C department – Climate and Major Perils department of Covéa, and covers mainland France and Corsica.
This case study is an integral part of our climate change data service.
Project objective
The project has been designed to meet the specific needs of Covéa, which aims to strengthen the resilience of its activities in the face of climatic perils. The main objective is to provide robust predictive data to enable Covéa to better understand and anticipate major climatic prerils. This data will enable Covéa to model climate impacts more accurately.
Projet phases
This project has been designed in such a way as to be structured around 5 major stages. At the end of these 5 stages, Covéa will be in a position to model climate impacts in greater detail, thanks to the data provided by Hydroclimat.
Phase 1: Pre-processing of climatic data
This first stage of climate data pre-processing involves extracting and interpolating historical and prospective climate data from the CMIP6 (Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6) climate models for the historical reference period and the medium-term future horizon on a grid covering the spatial extent of the study area.
Climatic data are checked and qualified to ensure their suitability for the study.
Phase 2: Correction of climate data
This second stage of the project’s climate data correction aims to correct the climate data extracted in the first phase. To do this, we perform a bias correction of the CMIP6 climate models against the climate reanalysis using a quantile mapping statistical method.
Following this correction, we carry out a second quality control on the conformity of the corrected climate simulations produced. The aim is to ensure the conformity and reliability of the data we supply to our customer.
Phase 3: Data regionalization at 30 M
In this third phase of 30 m data regionalization, Hydroclimat used machine learning to regionalize 30 m climate data through co-variables linked to land surface characteristics.
Regionalisation will therefore enable Hydroclimat to obtain accurate, qualitative data for the entire study area, capturing local specificities with great precision.
Phase 4: Enriched climate data
After correcting and regionalizing the 30m climate data, Hydroclimat calculates the specific climate indicators for Covéa. We find indicators associated with intense precipitation and high winds, which are fundamental parameters for measuring the frequency and intensity of extreme climatic events in the context of natural disasters and climatic perils.
With regard to marine submersions, Hydroclimat uses projections of future sea levels derived from CMIP6 data, cross-referenced with digital terrain models. This approach enables us to accurately model the coastal areas most vulnerable to rising sea levels and coastal storms. The data provided can be used to anticipate the risk of marine submersion and make informed decisions on coastal development and risk management.
PHASE 5: Data formatting and delivery
To ensure optimum use of data, Hydroclimat ensures that deliverables are formatted to Covéa’s exact requirements. Climatic data are supplied in NetCDF format, a standard enabling easy handling of climatic information.
In addition, each data set is accompanied by technical documentation describing the methods employed, the data sources, and instructions for their use and interpretation. This documentation is indispensable for risk management experts, enabling them to make full use of the information provided and effectively integrate climate data into their climatic perils prevention strategies.
What are the expected results in terms of climatic perils prevention?
The results of this project will provide Covéa with a robust and unique prospective climate database, enabling it to model in greater detail the climatic perils incurred on French territory. Covéa’s objective is to be able to insure its customers in the most precise and appropriate way possible against climatic perils, by integrating the best risk analysis and modeling methodologies in order to hold a better prevention of climatic perils.
What is the project's added value?
Firstly, Hydroclimat offers ultra-precise data (down to 30 m), tailored to local conditions. This resolution is unique on the market.
Then, Hydroclimat combines scientific rigor and cutting-edge technology to produce data tailored to the strategic and specific needs of Covéa’s P&C – Climatic Perils department.
Finally, Hydroclimat helps its partners to anticipate climatic perils and strengthen their resilience. This project is part of a long-term vision to reduce financial losses linked to natural disasters.
Conclusion
This collaboration between Hydroclimat and Covéa represents a model of strategic collaboration aimed at anticipating climatic perils. By combining scientific expertise, technological innovation and shared commitment, this project enables Covéa to strengthen its resilience in the face of climate challenges, while providing a roadmap for other companies facing similar challenges.
Hydroclimat, as a specialist in digital hydroclimatology, demonstrates through this project its ability to provide robust and accurate data to meet climatic challenges. Hydroclimat remains a partner of choice for any organization seeking to better prevent climatic perils.
A commitment to a sustainable future
This project illustrates Hydroclimat and Covéa’s commitment to a sustainable future. By integrating innovative solutions and advanced methodologies, this collaboration paves the way for better anticipation of climatic perils.