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Insurers' response to climate change analyzed

Posted On: Jul. 02, 2009 3:07 PM CENTRAL | Add a comment | Reprints

New research by the Geneva Assn. analyzes how insurance companies are responding to climate change risk, what they could do in the future and in what situations they may need to partner with governments to successfully mitigate those risks.

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The 152-page report, which was drafted by senior insurance executives and international climate change experts, is the second to be published by the international think tank and research institution supported by the insurance industry.

The objective of the research project, launched in May 2008, was to identify and analyze insurance issues such as future claims costs related to climate change, scenario testing and new business opportunities. Political, educational and social aspects of climate change also were addressed.

The report, which was released formally at a Thursday news conference in London, was initially unveiled at the Geneva Assn.'s General Assembly in Koyoto last month. The report is slated to be presented at the World Climate Conference in Copenhagen in early December.

Highlights of the report include:

  • Unmitigated climate change may have significant adverse effects on the long-term development of the world economy, especially in developing countries. The effects range from water shortages for food production to increased severity of tropical windstorms.

  • The insurance industry is uniquely positioned to provide specialized services for countries and businesses facing climate risks worldwide and is willing and able to support the transition to a low-carbon economy. Among other things, the industry can provide expertise in risk assessment, claims handing and asset management in connection with the development and operation of energy-efficient technologies.

  • The upward trend in insured losses related to climate change is largely due to socioeconomic factors, such as concentrations of populations in coastal areas. Continued growth in these areas is likely, especially if the insurance industry continues to provide coverage for coastal property risks.

  • The insurance industry is interested in establishing a stronger climate partnership with governments, because effective mitigation and adaptation strategies will require incentives and assistance from such policymakers.

    To learn more about the Geneva Assn., visit www.genevaassociation.org. Geneva Report No. 2 is available for download at www.genevaassociation.org/PDF/Geneva_Reports.


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