Reinsurance

The polluter should pay and that must apply also to extreme weather

Extreme weather gives rise to a growing carbon footprint through increased material and energy usage when things that have been damaged are repaired. One could see insurers, reinsurers, and state-run natural perils protection schemes take a stab at how to ensure that the negative climate impact from the extreme weather event itself is minimized. Tools such as sustainable claims settlement with greener repairs, correct pricing of carbon risk, and funding of carbon removal projects could be included in today’s (re)insurance schemes.

Forerunners in the insurance industry are taking climate action

Given the challenges the world is facing in reaching net zero, it’s great to see that many large insurance companies are showing leadership and setting strong examples by disclosing ambitious climate goals.

Forerunners will be in a unique position to meet the needs of stakeholders and attract new customers through public disclosure of emissions, progress toward climate targets, and demonstration of environmental stewardship.

Deepwater Horizon Offshore Rig Fire

Large losses carbon footprint

There is an obvious opportunity in settling large claims in a carbon efficient manner, focusing on using low emission materials and technology. Reinsurers could play an effective role in motivating their customers, the insurers who actually settle these claims, to reduce carbon footprints.