As the pressure to increase sustainability intensifies in many industries, the intersection of cybersecurity and climate change has become more apparent. Whereas sustainability and cybersecurity were conventionally seen in isolation, now they are inextricably linked.

The escalation of extreme weather events, such as the intensifying Atlantic hurricane seasons, has underlined the interconnected vulnerability of critical infrastructure to climate-related disruptions. Previous hurricane events have ripped through critical infrastructure and left communities without power and potable water, but they can also compromise digital networks, affecting a significant
proportion of businesses. This was exemplified by the destructive Hurricane Ian in September 2022.

Research conducted by Bridewell in February 2023 revealed that a remarkable 84% of cybersecurity decision-makers working in U.S. critical infrastructure believe the challenges of climate change put their cybersecurity at risk. A quarter of those surveyed also expect hurricanes, floods, and similar events to cause more damage and hinder their efforts to protect crucial systems and data. At the same time, the new technologies designed to reduce emissions, increase efficiency, and mitigate the effects of
climate change are introducing new vulnerabilities.