Climate Change and Environment Conference

Discussion overview

There is growing evidence of the large-scale impacts of human behaviours on the environment, with serious knock-on effects for society. Large-scale air, soil, water and ocean pollution are compromising food, water and health systems. Biodiversity loss, deforestation and the destruction of nature-based systems such as mangroves and wetlands are also having profound socio-economic impacts.

Important actions are underway: sustainable finance initiatives, the Task Force on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD), and for re/insurers, overall greater emphasis on Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) approaches to investing and underwriting. Re/insurance companies have also started offering solutions to preserve and restore nature-based systems.  

This event will explore the many implications of environmental risks for re/insurers as risk managers and investors: impacts on their businesses, how they can incentivise environmentally sustainable behaviours and business models – taking into account the transition to net zero – and raise societal awareness.

Agenda (CEST)

14:00–14:05 : Introduction

14:05–14:15 : Welcome address

14:15–15:10 : Panel 1: Executive Insights: Environmental risks as a core business issue for insurers

15:10–15:30 : Keynote speech: The challenges of addressing climate change and nature

Sir Robert Watson is the former chair of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and the former chair of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES). He is the author of the February 2021 UN report, Making Peace with Nature: A scientific blueprint to tackle the climate, biodiversity and pollution emergencies.

15:30–15:35 :Break

15:35–16:25 : Panel 2: Looking ahead: How can insurers address the drivers and impacts of environmental risks?

16:25–16:30 : Closing remarks