Actuaries Play a Critical Role in Helping Insurers Address Changing Climate Risks

By Will Behnke 
Policy Analyst, RMFRC 

As the effects of climate change become increasingly evident, industries worldwide are feeling the impact. Among them, the insurance industry is experiencing significant shifts as it grapples with the rising costs and complexities associated with climate-related risks.  

Given that Sept. 26 is World Environmental Health Day, it makes sense to explore how climate change is influencing the insurance sector, the challenges insurers face, and the strategies they are employing to adapt. 

The Rising Tide of Climate Risk 

Climate change can be seen in more frequent and severe weather events such as those tracked by the Actuaries Climate Index. These extreme weather patterns translate into higher claims and greater financial exposure for insurers.  

As a result, insurers are facing a dual challenge—managing the increased financial risk and predicting future trends. Traditional models for risk assessment are becoming obsolete as they struggle to keep up with the rapid changes in climate patterns. This has led to a reevaluation of risk models and an urgent need for more sophisticated tools to assess and price climate-related risks accurately. 

Recalibrating Risk Models 

To address these challenges, insurance companies are investing in advanced technologies and data analytics. Big data, machine learning, and climate modeling are being harnessed to create more accurate risk assessments. By analyzing vast amounts of data, insurers can better predict the likelihood of extreme weather events and their potential impact on insured properties. 

One innovative approach is the use of climate scenarios and stress tests to evaluate how different climate futures might affect insurance portfolios. This forward-looking approach helps insurers anticipate potential risks and develop strategies to mitigate them. 

Adjusting Policies and Pricing 

In response to the increasing risk, many insurers are revising their policies and pricing structures. Higher premiums for properties in high-risk areas, stricter building codes, and reduced coverage limits are some of the measures being implemented. Additionally, insurers are beginning to offer incentives for policyholders who take proactive steps to mitigate risks, such as reinforcing structures against floods or wildfires. 

However, these adjustments can lead to challenges for policyholders, particularly in high-risk areas where insurance coverage becomes prohibitively expensive or even unavailable. This has sparked a debate about the role of government and private-sector collaboration in ensuring that insurance remains accessible and affordable. 

The Role of Regulation and Collaboration 

Regulation plays a crucial role in how insurers manage climate risk. Governments and regulatory bodies are beginning to implement stricter requirements for climate risk disclosure and stress testing. This increased transparency helps ensure that insurers are adequately prepared for the challenges ahead and provides consumers with more information about the sustainability of their insurance providers. 

Collaboration between the public and private sectors is also essential in addressing the broader implications of climate change. Partnerships between insurers, governments, and environmental organizations, informed by actuaries’ and the Academy’s work in this area, can lead to more comprehensive solutions and innovative approaches to managing climate risk. 

RMFRC Engagement 

The various Academy committees, work groups, and task forces charged with climate change and environmental-related topics have been proactive on engaging with stakeholders and policymakers. Climate change is routinely a topic discussed at the Academy’s annual Hill visits, and the Climate Change Joint Committee was invited to a roundtable by the Council of Economic Advisers this past year to discuss climate risk modeling. RMFRC committees have also produced numerous climate change-related issue briefs, policy papers, and presentations recently, including Climatic Events, Inequities, and Risk Mitigation; ESG and the Actuary; and “How Climate Risk Applies to All Actuaries.” 

Looking Ahead 

As climate change continues to evolve, the insurance industry will need to remain agile and forward-thinking. Embracing new technologies, refining risk models, and investing in resilience are key strategies for navigating the uncertain waters ahead. 

For policyholders, it’s important to stay informed about the changing landscape of insurance and take proactive steps to mitigate risks. By working together, insurers, governments, and individuals can build a more resilient future in the face of climate change. At the Academy, we’ll continue to work together with regulators, industry, and consumers to better understand some of the methods to address the risks and find solutions that will benefit us all. 

You can keep on top of the work the Academy is doing in this area on our Climate Risk page.