Satellite Revolution: How Earth Observation is Transforming Climate Risk Management with James Alexander
July 9, 2025
We're coming to you LIVE from Riskworld 2025! In this episode of Risk Management: Brick by Brick, Jason Reichl sits down with James Alexander, Principal Consultant at Meliora-ESG, to explore how satellite-based structural auditing is transforming climate risk assessment and infrastructure monitoring. With over 25 years of experience spanning environmental impairment liability and cutting-edge earth observation technology, James reveals how organizations can leverage satellite intelligence to detect structural anomalies, predict climate impacts, and protect critical infrastructure.
Discover how satellite technology has evolved from defense-sector exclusivity to mainstream risk management, why 80% of insured assets will be under satellite surveillance within six years, and how risk managers can start incorporating this game-changing technology into their frameworks today.
We're coming to you LIVE from Riskworld 2025! In this episode of Risk Management: Brick by Brick, Jason Reichl sits down with James Alexander, Principal Consultant at Meliora-ESG, to explore how satellite-based structural auditing is transforming climate risk assessment and infrastructure monitoring. With over 25 years of experience spanning environmental impairment liability and cutting-edge earth observation technology, James reveals how organizations can leverage satellite intelligence to detect structural anomalies, predict climate impacts, and protect critical infrastructure.
Discover how satellite technology has evolved from defense-sector exclusivity to mainstream risk management, why 80% of insured assets will be under satellite surveillance within six years, and how risk managers can start incorporating this game-changing technology into their frameworks today.
To find out how TrustLayer manages risk so that people can build the physical world around us, head to TrustLayer.io.
Podcast Host: Jason Reichl
Executive Producer: Don Halliwell
Episode Highlights:
- 00:00 - Intro & Welcome to Risk Management Brick by Brick
- 00:39 - James Alexander's Journey: From Environmental Underwriting to Satellite Intelligence
- 01:19 - The Evolution of Earth Observation: From Defense to Democratized Technology
- 02:15 - Infrastructure Under Pressure: Why 50+ Year Old Assets Need New Solutions
- 03:50 - Future-Proofing Through Data: Structural Auditing and Anomaly Detection
- 05:38 - Making Satellite Intelligence Practical: Real-World Applications and Cost Benefits
- 07:25 - The 80% Prediction: Why Satellite Surveillance is Becoming Industry Standard
- 08:34 - Technology Meets Experience: Bridging Generational Knowledge in Risk Management
- 10:59 - Getting Started: Practical Steps for Incorporating Satellite Intelligence
- 12:10 - Climate Risk Misconceptions: Moving Beyond ESG Buzzwords
- 14:18 - Risky or Too Risky Game: Safety Culture and Risk Tolerance
- 16:15 - Final Thoughts: The Future of Infrastructure Risk Management
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Previous guests include: Seth Hausman of Kraus-Anderson Insurance, Matthew Meyer of The Horton Group, Diana Rich of Foundation Building Materials, Christy McHenry of Suffolk Construction, Mark Rieder of NFP, and Cory Mangum of Primoris Services Corporation.
Check out the three most downloaded episodes:
Previous guests include: Seth Hausman of Kraus-Anderson Insurance, Matthew Meyer of The Horton Group, Diana Rich of Foundation Building Materials, Christy McHenry of Suffolk Construction, Mark Rieder of NFP, and Cory Mangum of Primoris Services Corporation.
Check out the three most downloaded episodes:
- Managing Your Risk Portfolio with Seth Hausman
- Focusing on Specialization with Matthew Meyer
- Risk Management is Everywhere with Diana Rich
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