Thierry Langreney, from the NGO Les Ateliers du Futur, and Mathieu Godard, Head of P&C at AXA France, discuss the complex interplay between climate change and the insurance industry. They explore the rising frequency of extreme weather events and the underinsurance crisis across Europe, where only a quarter of losses are covered. The duo highlights the need for mandatory insurance and solidarity among businesses. They also emphasize the importance of technology in risk assessment and envision sustainable practices for future resilience.
The increasing frequency of climate-related disasters emphasizes the urgent need for improved operational efficiency within the insurance industry to manage higher claim volumes.
With only 25% of climate-related losses insured in Europe, there is a critical need for enhanced public awareness and preventive measures regarding climate risks.
Deep dives
Growing Impact of Weather-Related Disasters
The rise in weather-related disasters and losses is significantly influenced by four types of inflation: monetary, wealth accumulation, population migration, and climate inflation. The increase in wealth leads to higher insured values, while migration toward high-risk areas exacerbates exposure to natural catastrophes. Currently, only about 25% of these losses are insured in Europe, revealing a substantial gap in coverage that varies by geography. This underinsurance presents critical challenges for both individuals and the insurance industry as climate change intensifies the frequency and severity of extreme weather events.
Operational and Financial Challenges for Insurers
Insurers face serious operational challenges due to the increasing frequency and severity of natural catastrophes, requiring immediate response to a higher volume of claims. For example, in the wake of significant events, insurers like AXA must deploy crisis management strategies to address claims while managing public expectations for swift service. Additionally, they must navigate the financial implications of rising costs associated with these disasters, highlighted by the necessity of a mutual insurance approach that allows shared risk to make coverage more affordable. The operational efficiency required during peak disaster times is becoming increasingly strained as the nature of climate events evolves.
Long-Term Solutions and Preventive Measures
To effectively manage rising climate risks, there is a pressing need for preventive measures that can reduce future exposures and associated insurance costs. Stakeholders must work towards enhancing public awareness about climate risks and the importance of individual and collective prevention efforts. For instance, leveraging technology can help assess risks more accurately and encourage proactive actions among individuals and businesses. Ultimately, establishing a culture of prevention is crucial for balancing affordability of insurance premiums, ensuring communities are resilient against climate change impacts, and fostering a sustainable insurance market.
The first of three special episodes of VoxTalks Economics recorded at the Climate Change and the Environment Conference in Paris, jointly organised by the AXA Research Fund and CEPR. Weather patterns are changing around the world, and weather-related insurance claims are rising. As climate change increases losses from these events, is it the responsibility of governments to compensate those who lose their homes and businesses, or can the insurance industry step up to provide that service? Thierry Langreney of the NGO Les Ateliers du Futur, and Mathieu Godart, Head of P&C - AXA France, discuss the issues with Tim Phillips.
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