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Managing the impacts of climate change:

risk management responses – second edition


Contents

Executive summary 4 Acronyms


2 C 2 degrees Celsius
Introduction 6 B2B business to business

Chapter 1 10 BCP business continuity plan

Zurich’s Climate Change scorecard and CCS technology carbon, capture and storage technology

Narrative – Progress, but not enough CCUS carbon capture, utilization and storage
COP conference of parties
Chapter 2 16 ERP emergency response plan
Risk Management Responses to ESG environmental, social and governance
Climate Change ETS emission trading systems

Chapter 3 26 EV electric vehicles

Updates on Risk Management Solutions FSB Financial Stability Board

to Climate Change GHG greenhouse gas


HLEG high-level expert group
Appendices HSE health, safety and environment

1. Zurich’s position on Climate Change 36 IAE International Energy Agency


INDCs independent nationally determined
reduction commitments
2. Scorecard terminology 38 IPCC Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
PV photovoltaic
RCP representative concentration pathways
TCFD Taskforce on Climate-related
Financial Disclosures
TRP total risk profiling
UNFCCC United Nations Framework Convention
on Climate Change

Managing the impacts of climate change: risk management responses 3


Executive summary

A defining feature of climate change-related This is why Zurich has updated its highly the external environment in which these collaboratively on climate change challenges,
successful 2018 climate change white paper. strategies must take place. The immediate to avoid unintended consequences from
risks is the dynamic nature of the landscape in The updated paper will help businesses better challenge – especially carbon intensive sectors isolated stakeholder actions.
which they occur. understand the evolution and status of climate – is aligning investment, adaptation, transition
Zurich implements the multi-stakeholder
change-related risks. It will serve as a guide and resilience strategies. This Chapter also
highlights the current impediments to ecosystem approach in refining its analytical
for businesses in developing an informed view
Over the past year, many aspects of this landscape have shifted and risk management tools both for
of their exposures, vulnerabilities and hazards. achieving a ‘tipping point’ in climate change
rapidly, particularly in the areas of policymaking and public And it will support them on managing and adaptation strategies that would push us understanding our own risk as an insurer
sentiment. This means climate change-related risks are a more towards a 2°C scenario. The lack of analytic and in the context of services we can offer
addressing risks through advice and the
to companies. Recognizing this growing
critical and urgent challenge than ever for businesses. Companies latest developments on tools and risk tools to model and quantify climate change
effects is cited as one of the key barriers to customer demand, Zurich will be launching
must analyze scenarios and develop holistic strategies that adapt management practices.
a meaningful dialogue that could see such during its next strategic cycle a new Climate
and build resilience – both to the de-carbonization of the services Advisory Service offering. This service will
a change.
they deliver and the physical risks of climate change. help those customers seeking a deeper
Chapter 1 sets the The chapter ends by noting the increasing understanding of the physical impact of natural
context – using demand for risk management tools that hazards and climate change effects on their
developments in measure the impact of climate change. This operations. It will be offered through Zurich’s
the areas of policy, demand is driven by the impact of severe global commercial insurance team.
technology and weather on businesses and infrastructure,
emissions and increased understanding that insurance alone The chapter concludes with three options of
sentiment and behavior is not a sound risk management strategy, the how physical climate change-related risk can
to update Zurich’s Climate Change scorecard. influence of external factors on losses and be integrated into insurance modelling tools.
Despite some encouraging progress, this uncertainty in short and long-term investment It also provides a case study of how natural
maintains our view that actions to date are strategies due to climate change. hazard scenario planning can be used in
insufficient to meet the Paris Agreement’s practice – through Zurich’s support to our
target of limiting global warming to 2°C. customer, Konecranes.
In this Chapter, we also give examples of how
physical and transition risks related to climate Chapter 3 focuses This white paper also includes an Afterword
on some of the latest of Zurich’s own position on climate change.
change are already being felt in the global
developments on the We are helping our customers and communities
economy and society. Lastly, we envisage both
tools and practices become more resilient to natural disasters
the challenges and opportunities of a sudden
which can help to and extreme weather; we make a difference
acceleration in low carbon transition.
model climate change through our responsible investment approach;
risk and develop and we are swiftly reducing our own carbon
options for strategic responses to climate footprint. As part of this, we have become
Chapter 2 provides change-related risks. It also provides a the first insurer to commit to the UN Global
an update on risk selection of Zurich-developed methodologies Compact’s Business Ambition for 1.5°C.
management already in place such as Total Risk Profiling
responses. We have (TRP). Importantly, the chapter tracks the Zurich is a company with sustainability
restated Zurich’s three emergence of ecosystem solutions – provided at the heart of its business. By helping
step guide for by academic, business and government business to address and adapt to climate
companies to develop organizations – in a similar approach to that change-related risks, we are confident
a climate resilience adaptation strategy and taken for cyber risk. This section further that this updated white paper can make
updated our commentary and guidance on stresses the importance of working a positive difference.

4 Managing the impacts of climate change: risk management responses Managing the impacts of climate change: risk management responses 5
Introduction

The clock is ticking to avoid the Like other global risks, Over the past year, many aspects in this climate
change risk landscape have shifted rapidly.
their exposures, vulnerabilities and hazards.
And it will support them on managing
likely irreversible and catastrophic climate-change related Policymaking has moved in favor of tackling and addressing risks through advice and
effects of exceeding the risks are highly climate change – our own analysis via the the latest developments on tools and risk
Zurich Climate Change scorecard shows that management practices.
interconnected and
Paris Agreement’s 2°C target. complex. However, a
legislation and regulation has reaccelerated.
The clock is ticking to avoid the likely irreversible
The number of initiatives in the first half of
and catastrophic effects of exceeding the Paris
defining feature is the 2019 (either introduced or commenced,
Agreement’s 2°C target. Whist Zurich’s own
already active or expected) has increased
dynamic nature of the markedly compared to the same time last estimates – informed by our Climate Change
scorecard – maintain the view that actions
landscape in which these year. Moreover, it exceeds the number of
remain insufficient to avoid this scenario,
initiatives that were enacted in 2015. Public
climate change-related sentiment is moving in the same direction – there are positive signs. We are particularly
risks occur. symbolized by the activism of millennials encouraged by the wave of new commitments
and Generation Z’ers like Greta Thunberg over the past twelve months on adaptation
and the Youth Climate Movement. And and pre-event resilience.
attention on climate change-related risks has Such progress can set the stage for an
been further sharpened by extreme weather acceleration of action. We hope this will lead
events – new heat records have been reached to a “decade of resilience” – that truly prepares
and natural disasters have brought severe individuals, communities and nations for the
economic and human consequences. increased physical and economic risks we
This fast-evolving landscape is making climate expect from climate change.
change-related risk a more critical and urgent
challenge than ever for businesses to address. To do this, all stakeholders must up
Companies must analyze scenarios and their game, both individually and
develop strategies that adapt and build collectively. It is not just about
resilience – both in the de-carbonization of the
services they deliver and to the physical risks of avoiding disaster but also grasping
climate change. Given the scale and nature of opportunities – including
the risks involved, this strategy needs to be an $18 trn low-carbon economy
holistic. Actions are required at company level, global infrastructure gap across
alongside peers and with Governments in segments such as energy, transport,
public-private collaboration.
and digital technology.
This is why Zurich has updated its highly
successful 2018 climate change white paper.
The updated paper will help businesses better In short, acting on climate change-related risks
understand the evolution and status of climate makes sense economically, strategically and,
change-related risks. It will serve as a guide for above all, it is simply the right thing to do.
businesses in developing an informed view of

6 Managing the impacts of climate change: risk management responses Managing the impacts of climate change: risk management responses 7
Definition of physical and transition risks: Climate risk interconnectivity

CO2 CO2

Physical risk Transition risk


adaptation to the mitigation of greenhouse
largely physical gas (GHG) emissions and
consequences of its associated transition
climate change. risks, including
revaluation of assets.

Climate
Change

8 Managing the impacts of climate change: risk management responses Managing the impacts of climate change: risk management responses 9
CHAPTER 1

Zurich’s Climate Change


scorecard and narrative – Fueled by the Youth Climate Movement, high-profile warnings from the scientific

progress, but not enough


community and an increased occurrence of extreme weather events, climate
change-related topics have become more prominent in the media and political
discussion over the last year.

severe or likely as a consequence of climate


change. However, it is clear that – in a warming
world – the patterns of severe weather are
changing. The effects of these patterns are
exacerbated by the more obvious impacts of
climate change: including melting land ice, sea
level rise and changes to ocean temperatures
and circulation. They serve as a warning that
2°C
urgent change is now required in order to shift
the trajectory for greenhouse gas emissions
and limit the rise in global temperature.
With these conflicting forces at play, it is not
easy to assess the overall progress and direction
of change. This is why Zurich developed the
climate change scorecard, which aims to
measure developments in a range of climate
change-related areas. It uses quantitative data
Yet emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG) and draws on various climate change scenarios
have continued to increase – with CO2 constructed by the Intergovernmental Panel on
emissions now rising at the fastest pace Climate Change (IPCC) and the International
Energy Agency (IEA), among others.1 This is by
Our initial scorecard analysis
since 2013 – making the burden of climate
change yet heavier for future generations. no means an easy task, and data uncertainty indicated that the
and measurement issues are large. But, by likelihood of missing the
Also in the past year, other global risks in tracking developments over time, it is easier
the areas of geopolitics, economic, societal to detect if progress has picked up, or where Paris Agreement’s target of
and technology have continued to act as efforts and ambitions are lagging behind limiting global warming to
distractions – deflecting focus from (more details on Navigating Climate
longer-term issues such as climate change. Change and Two Degree Target for
2°C or below was higher
At the same time, extreme weather events Global Warming is Melting). than achieving it.
have been frequent, with heat records set in
almost all regions, and devastating wildfires, Our initial scorecard analysis indicated that
droughts, rainfalls, typhoons and mudslides the likelihood of missing the Paris Agreement’s
have brought with them human tragedies target of limiting global warming to 2°C
and disruption to economic activity. or below was higher than achieving it.

It is currently difficult to say for sure if a Now, almost three years after our original
specific weather-related event is either more scorecard, we have updated it once again.

1
See appendix for definitions of the data.

10 Managing the impacts of climate change: risk management responses Managing the impacts of climate change: risk management responses 11
The acceleration in emissions partly reflects which rose solidly in 2018. Wind and solar
Technology and emissions CO2 accounts for the bulk of the increase. Energy
stronger economic activity. This shows that
1.1. Zurich scorecard update energy efficiency gains are not yet large integration and storage technologies are
enough to decouple emissions from global additionally needed to make energy systems
12 1 12 1 12 1 economic activity. The pattern is also clear more flexible and allow for the large-scale use
11 2 11 2 11 2 Key targets: Achievements of near-term at a country level. In any given year, countries of renewable energy. While progress is picking
targets for CO2 emissions, global energy that achieve a higher growth rate are, on up, this appears to be an area where more
10 3 10 3 10 3 demand and energy efficiency; a rapid rise in average, also associated with a larger increase innovations – and investment – are needed.
August August August the share of renewable energy in the energy in CO2 emissions.
We are less encouraged by the lack of progress
9 2017 4 9 2018 4 9 2019 4 mix; progress on energy integration and This highlights the complexity of the around coal-fired power generation, which rose
storage technologies to support large-scale challenge. The global economy and individual further in 2018, mainly reflecting growth in
8 5 8 5 8 5 use of renewable energy; rapid penetration countries need growth to create wealth and Asia. To leave the door open for a 2°C scenario,
7 6 7 6 7 6 of electrical vehicles; positive developments opportunities. However, with carbon emissions we have to take advantage of low hanging fruit
on carbon-capture technology. still on a rising trajectory, governments and – such as the substitution of natural gas for oil
Carbon dioxide emissions have risen over the businesses need to raise their ambitions and and coal, as well as reducing GHG emissions
1. Carbon pricing 1. Carbon pricing 1. Carbon pricing do more to reposition their countries for a from oil and gas production refining and
2. Corporate action 2. Corporate action 2. Corporate action past two years, up by close to 2 per cent in
2018, following an increase of 1per cent in cleaner, more productive and ultimately transport, including methane emissions
3. CCUS 3. CCUS 3. CCUS sustainable future. and flaring. There is also insufficient progress
4. Energy systems 4. Social trends 4. Social trends 2017. This is the largest annual increase since
2013 and not consistent with a sustainable on carbon capture utilization and storage
5. Social trends 5. Energy supply 5. Energy supply In the case of clean technologies, we draw on technology (CCUS), with only a handful
6. Energy storage 6. Legislation 6. Legislation transition to a 2°C scenario – which requires the IEA’s technology tracker for many indicators.
CO2 emissions to start plateauing by 2030. of projects in place globally.
7. Energy demand and efficiency 7. Energy demand and efficiency 7. Energy demand and efficiency
Some of this additional carbon dioxide will There is good progress in some fields, including
8. CO2 emissions 8. CO2 emissions 8. CO2 emissions
remain trapped in the atmosphere for the penetration of electrical vehicles and
9. Investment 9. Investment 9. Investment
thousands of years, raising the burden for around renewable electricity generation –
10. Legislation 10. Energy integration and storage 10. Energy integration and storage
11. Fossil fuel subsidies 11. Fossil fuel subsidies 11. Fossil fuel subsidies future generations.
12. Electrical vehicles 12. Electrical vehicles 12. Electrical vehicles

Not on track for 2°C scenario Improving but more is needed On track if pace is maintained used to detect changes in the emphasis that To conclude, the scorecard shows
Sentiment and behavior businesses place on climate change-related that there have been encouraging
Source: Datamaran, World Bank Group, IEA (International Energy Agency), BP, IMF, MSCI, Bloomberg NEF (New Energy Finance), ZIG (Zurich Insurance Group) topics, show a similar picture. improvements in some fields over the
past year. However, the overall likelihood
Taken together, the indication is that the of transitioning the global economy
business sector as a whole still appears to be to a 2°C trajectory still appears to be
Key targets: Decisive corporate action and lacking in ambition on climate change.
The overall takeaway from the dioxide equivalent emissions is required to positioning; increased public and private lower than that of failing to do so.
Policy measures Companies are vulnerable to climate
most recent score card is that, transition to the 2°C path. investment in climate change research and change-related risk, and their consumers are
while legislation, sentiment and clean energy; social trends driving actions to becoming increasingly aware of climate change,
social trends have shifted in favor On the critical aspect of a carbon price, too
tackle climate change. demanding firms take more action. Climate
of tackling climate change, actions little progress is therefore being recorded to
be on track for the 2°C scenario. The last components of the scorecard capture change-related risk will moreover affect all
are still falling short of what is Key targets: A global price on carbon; national companies’ stakeholders and action is being
needed to sustainably transition bottom-up action and trends.
and regional legislation to enforce binding We are encouraged by the latest indicators demanded from investors, employees and
the global economy and societies climate change commitments; a phasing-out which show a re-acceleration in new climate The business sector will be critical in driving communities alike. This therefore reflects a
to a 2°C scenario. of fossil fuels, including subsidies. change-related legislative and regulatory developments towards a 2°C scenario. We use missed opportunity, as it is clearly in the interest
The scorecard takes the view that initiatives. This includes in fields such as air indicators to track corporate actions – as well of businesses to act on this topic.
Zurich advocates for a global price on carbon, emissions, alternative fuels, energy efficiency as positioning – on climate change-related
far-reaching change to the global established at a level that over time becomes On a positive note, our scorecard picks up that
energy system is needed to achieve and use, greenhouse gases and renewables. topics. Morgan Stanley Capital International
consistent with transitioning to a 2°C trajectory. The number of initiatives in the first half of 2019 (MSCI) company scores on management news flow on climate change-related topics has
a ‘two-degree compliant world‘. Such a price would mean that negative become more marked. The number of articles
To accomplish this, fundamental (either introduced or commenced, already active actions on climate change and environmental,
externalities of fossil fuels and other sources of or expected) has increased markedly compared social and governance (ESG) related topics published on related topics in major
changes to policy and technology GHG emissions are properly accounted for and international media has picked up significantly
are required; sentiment and to the same time last year. Moreover, it exceeds show a modest improvement in the global
reflected in the price. This would help ensure the number of initiatives that were enacted in ranking over the past year, but it is not yet compared to previous years. Effort to put
behaviors have to move strongly that a proper assessment of risks and climate change on the agenda appear to have
in favor of tackling climate change. 2015 – when the Paris Agreement caused a sufficient to bring it into a more sustainable
To achieve the 2°C scenario,
opportunities is reflected in investment and spike in legal activity that then slowed sharply. category. These scores also confirm that, achieved some success. This will be important The business sector
business decisions. It is therefore one of the in shaping politics and climate change actions
sufficient progress needs to be key categories of the score card.
While this is a positive development, the pickup although a large group of companies are
over the coming years.
will be critical in driving
made in three key areas: in legislative activity in 2015 was a false dawn, making excellent progress, too many are still
and it will be critical that current improvements lagging behind. Corporate reporting data,
developments towards
Over the past year, developments around
– Policy measures carbon pricing schemes have been limited. are sustained. a 2°C scenario.
– Technology and emissions Carbon pricing remains patchy – only around However, in other policy areas, developments
16 per cent of global greenhouse gas (GHG) have been outright negative. Fossil fuel subsidies
– Sentiment and behavior emissions are covered by a pricing scheme – and – which were reduced at a rapid pace over the
the average price in existing schemes remains past few years – have reversed, with a large
around USD 20 per ton of carbon dioxide. This increase in overall subsidies in 2018. This partly
compares to the World Bank Group’s indication reflects rising subsidies to the natural gas sector,
that a price of USD 80-120 per ton of carbon but traditional fossil fuels have also seen
subsidies increasing.
12 Managing the impacts of climate change: risk management responses Managing the impacts of climate change: risk management responses 13
1.2. Impact of present physical and auto demand, as consumers await more to managing the financial risks from climate 1.3. Accelerated transition – on a transition risk scenario which includes a A fortunate combination of circumstances is
transition-related climate change clarity around future regulation. Elsewhere, change.7 This requires regulated entities to a risk scenario global price of carbon and stricter regulation for currently presenting governments with an
several manufacturers recently agreed to an calculate the capital and solvency impact of the auto and aviation sectors. The starting point opportunity to stimulate their slowing
risks on the economy emission cut target with the state of California, climate change risk on both short and As the frequency of extreme weather events for this analysis is that the global economy is economies while repositioning their countries
Climate change has famously been dubbed a showing that the sector is still committed to long-term time scales. Whilst acknowledging is expected to rise further, and as costs already vulnerable, with high debt levels, weak for a cleaner and more productive future. This
tragedy of the horizon – where its catastrophic meaningful progress, and suggesting that the challenges in doing this, it is the start of associated with climate change become growth dynamics, and negative interest rates. includes a return to historically low – and in
impacts are only likely to be felt beyond the change is coming.3 a movement that will change the financial more visible, there is the hope and possibility Sudden action to tackle climate change would, many cases deeply negative – interest rates
time horizon of most actors, imposing a cost on services attitude towards investing in the risks that actions to tackle climate change will in such environment, likely trigger a growth and an inflection point in sentiment towards
The market value of businesses exposed to associated with climate change. accelerate. While our climate change slowdown – and potentially a global recession. climate change. Now is the time to act.
future generations that the current generations
thermal coal has also continued to drop as scorecard shows that this is not yet happening
have no incentive to fix. If, as our score card
investors look towards the future. While this is Finally, the Youth Climate Movement is at a sufficient level, it is nonetheless useful to Precisely because a transition risk scenario will A major energy transition would create huge
currently suggests, too little is done to tackle
not new, divestment appears to be accelerating. important because it is driven by a generation look closer at what a sudden, and potentially be disruptive, one conclusion from our scenario opportunities as well as risk. Within each
climate change, we would expect transition
For example, major mining groups -alongside that will be more exposed to the costs of disruptive, transition scenario may look like. analysis is that policy makers and businesses sector, there would likely be a large variation
risks to remain limited, and physical risk would
investors more broadly – are choosing to climate change. It could break the tragedy of There is, however, still a lack of models that should aim to take action on climate change between businesses that stand to gain from
only become more material over the coming
disinvest from thermal coal assets.4 the horizon – eventually forcing policy makers, quantify such a scenario, and this is one area sooner rather than later. Only then will they be the transition, and those that fall behind. This
decades – as temperature gradually rises.
business leaders and individuals to take critical where more targeted work needs to be done able to phase in action and take gradual steps, is why companies must focus on developing
Major central banks have also begun to action. If successful, this would lead to rising limiting disruptions to individual sectors and strategies that build resilience, both to the
However, last year saw a number of events by academics, businesses and central banks.
question whether climate change may already transition risk over the coming years. the broader economy. de-carbonization of the services they deliver,
and actions that appear to challenge this
be having an impact on economic activity. In The box below gives more details on a and the physical risks of climate change.
assumption. While uncertainty is large, it
2018, for example, the European Central Bank transition risk scenario gives more details
appears that climate change risk may already
noted a puzzling persistence in petroleum
be impacting on businesses and the broader
prices in Germany despite falling oil prices.5

$ $
economy. This trend is only likely to increase
It also saw slowing activity in the chemical,
in the years ahead.
steel and pharmaceutical sectors. One reason

$ CO2
A series of wildfires in the State of California in for both of these observations appears to A sudden, and disruptive, would also be likely to delay purchases
2017 and 2018 showed how climate change have been the hot summer, which caused the of some items, such as cars, until there is
transition scenario
can incur very specific near term costs – as well water levels in German rivers to fall to levels more certainty around future technology
as long term hypothetical ones. The wildfires that only allow petrol tankers to carry half
their capacity.6 This created unexpected supply
This scenario is based on a sudden, and
coordinated, announcement by OECD
$ and regulation. This would lead to
led to the California-based utility company underutilization of resources in more
PG&E filing for bankruptcy after facing liability bottlenecks, impacting across the economy. countries to impose a price of carbon, exposed sectors.
for the damages. This was one of the first This illustrates that all societies are vulnerable initially set at USD 30 per ton of CO2
bankruptcies that was tied to climate change, when the weather changes, and the impact emissions, but with a credible plan to raise There is large uncertainty regarding the
where extensive damage was amplified by can be both unexpected and material. it to USD 100 over the coming decade. precise impact on economic activity, given
extremely hot and dry weather conditions.2 This could be implemented either as a the unprecedented nature of the event.
More broadly, politicians and financial Historically, however, large increases in
carbon tax or a quota (cap and trade),
regulators are beginning to respond quickly. energy prices have often coincided with
with a top-up tariff whenever the quota
Since the development of the Taskforce for US and global recessions. This suggests
undershoots the target price. Stricter
Climate related Financial Disclosure (TCFD that a carbon tax of this scale may well
regulation for the auto sector is also
framework), over 800 companies have now There is surprisingly little work that tries tip the global economy into a recession.
announced, together with increased duties
done the analysis, scenario work and strategy to assess the impact on the global economy This is particularly likely given broader
for air transport. While unlikely to occur
development to begin disclosing climate of a sudden and disruptive increase in the vulnerabilities in the global economy; such
over the next few years, this scenario is not
change impacts. This is being further amplified carbon price of this magnitude. Most studies as high debt, negative interest rates, and
unthinkable. In particular, there is broad
and codified by the European Commission’s look at the long run impact of a gradual and elevated geopolitical and political risk.
agreement that a carbon price at this level
Sustainable Finance Action Plan. The plan well-behaved transition, where the impact on
is required to tackle climate change. Global financial markets would be impacted.
starts with a sustainable finance taxonomy to financial markets and GDP are typically found
help investors understand broadly the “green” The automotive industry has Governments could partly offset the overall
to be limited. Here, new technology allows a Risk assets would be expected to respond
impact on the economy by redistributing negatively, with a sharp decline in equity
versus “brown” aspects of different sectors and additionally struggled with or the tax revenues, in which case the tax relatively smooth transition to happen, and
businesses, as well as the other ESG impacts of households and businesses are able to fairly prices. The impact would be differentiated
decisions to invest or disinvest in these sectors.
transition risk – in the form of would come with a carbon dividend. depending not only on CO2 emissions,
seamlessly substitute away from fossil fuels.
regulatory changes around the To put this into perspective, a tax of but also perceived vulnerability to the
The automotive industry has additionally A number of financial regulators around the If one looks at a shorter time span, however, emergence of new technology and linkages
testing process for the EU’s fuel USD 100 per ton of CO2 implies a tax
struggled with transition risk – in the form of world are mulling whether or not to introduce energy demand is likely to be inflexible, with to the fossil fuel sector. Industries that would
of USD 43 per barrel of oil. Given current
regulatory changes around the testing process specific climate change risk assessment as part efficiency ratings that have oil prices at around USD 60/bbl, a global substitutes to fossil fuels still lacking in many likely see higher than average declines
for the EU’s fuel efficiency ratings that have of capital or solvency metrics for regulated sectors and regions. A carbon tax is therefore in equity prices would include those that
caused ripple effects across the global supply firms. The Bank of England/Prudential
caused ripple effects across the tax of this size would lead to a material
– but not unprecedented – rise in oil an additional cost that energy users – are directly linked to fossil fuel extraction
chain. Considerable uncertainty around future regulation Authority (PRA) released in April global supply. households and businesses – would need to and refining, energy utilities, heavy
prices. Another way to quantify the shock
technology and regulation on CO2 emissions of 2019 a new supervisory statement that aims pay. Households would be faced with a real manufacturing, and transportation. A major
is to consider that global CO2 emissions
appear to have had a longer-lasting effect on to enhance banks’ and insurers’ approaches income squeeze and reduced non-energy energy transition would also create huge
were 34bn tons in 2018, so taxes of
around USD 3.4trn would be needed spending. Businesses would be forced to take opportunities as well as risk. Within each
to be raised. This is equivalent to a hit on their profits or pass on the higher sector, there would likely be a large variation
around 4per cent of global GDP. energy costs to output prices, which would between businesses that stand to gain from
2
https://energypolicy.columbia.edu/sites/default/files/file-uploads/PG&E-CGEP_Report_081519-2.pdf put further downward pressure on household the transition, and those that fall behind.
3
https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/news/california-and-major-automakers-reach-groundbreaking-framework-agreement-clean-emission demand. Households and businesses
4
https://www.bloomberg.com/opinion/articles/2019-07-12/bhp-s-thermal-coal-unit-may-fetch-less-than-rio-tinto-s
5
https://www.ecb.europa.eu/press/key/date/2018/html/ecb.sp181108.en.html
6
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-07-23/the-rhine-river-risks-a-repeat-of-last-year-s-historic-shutdown
7
https://www.bankofengland.co.uk/prudential-regulation/publication/2019/enhancing-banks-and-insurers-approaches-to-
managing-the-financial-risks-from-climate-change-ss

14 Managing the impacts of climate change: risk management responses Managing the impacts of climate change: risk management responses 15
CHAPTER 2

Risk management responses


to climate change Climate change is similar to many other global risks, in that it is interconnected with other global
risks (e.g., the ‘water-food-energy’ risk nexus) and is therefore a multi-stakeholder challenge.

How it differs is in its long-term nature, are already being felt), they are largely In contrast, transition risks are driven
which makes it difficult for companies irreversible in the long term. So, the largely by changes in societal perception
to take immediate and urgent risk challenge is to act now, to transform the of carbon intensive industries, new public
management actions. Risk management global economy and largely decouple policy, new technologies and changing
responses to climate change risks fall into global economic growth from GHG consumer sentiment. This will potentially
two categories; those addressing physical emissions. At the same time, due to the lead to economic and societal impacts on
climate risks and those addressing transition lag effects of GHGs in the atmosphere, a much shorter time frame. A clear
risks. (see page 8 for full definitions). the world will need to continue to adapt understanding of the goals of transition
to the physical effects of climate change and the unintended consequences of even
While the most severe physical changes of for decades to come. The challenge, then, the most well-meaning policies will help
climate change are likely to take decades to is to drive risk-informed climate-sensitive focus and mitigate transition risks.
manifest (although, as per section 1.2, some decision-making across all sectors.

2.1. Adopting and acting Given this, it is useful to restate the three key steps that are crucial
upon a climate resilience for companies to develop a climate resilience adaptation strategy:
adaptation strategy
1. Identify the broad business and strategic risks
As climate change and its
– including exposures your businesses have,
associated risks continue to
understanding where your vulnerabilities are
evolve rapidly – assessing
and to what kind of hazards, or risk triggers
resilience and responding
to which you are exposed.
accordingly remains essential for
communities and corporations.
For businesses leaders, this 2. Develop a granular view of the risks involved,
process may yield benefits typically involving the modelling of both physical
beyond investment in improving and transition risk impacts – including, for
the physical resilience of assets example, individual locations, or specific business
and developing alternatives to activities, including products and services.
existing supply chains, utilities,
and so on. A truly holistic 3. Develop a mitigation strategy involving
review of environmental risks insurance and developing resilience strategies,
will reveal opportunities as either through physical risk adaptation,
well (USD 2 trillion according or perhaps changing business models and
to the CDP). activities to address transition risks.

16 Managing the impacts of climate change: risk management responses Managing the impacts of climate change: risk management responses 17
For this we recommend using a 3) Risk management: Define how the
Step 1: Identify the scenario-based approach and a structured company identifies, assesses and manages
analysis such as the one developed by climate change-related risks
broad business and the TCFD:
strategic risks i) Develop processes for identifying and
1) Governance: Define the company’s assessing climate change-related risks
governance around climate
ii) Develop the company’s processes for
change-related risks and opportunities
managing climate change-related risks
including:
iii) Integrate the processes for identifying,
i) The Board’s oversight of climate
assessing and managing climate
change-related risks and opportunities
change-related risks into the
ii) Management’s role in assessing and company’s overall risk management
managing risks and opportunities

4) Metrics and targets: Implement


2) Strategy: Identify actual and potential metrics and targets used to assess and
impacts of climate change-related risks manage relevant climate change-related
and opportunities on the company’s risks and opportunities
businesses, strategy and financial planning
i) Disclose the metrics used by the
i) Describe the climate change-related company to assess climate
risks and opportunities the company change-related risks and opportunities
has identified over the short, medium, in line with its strategy and risk
and long term management process
Scenario-based approach
ii) Assess the impact of climate ii) Disclose GHG emissions and the
change-related risks and opportunities related risks
1. Governance
on the company’s businesses, strategy,
iii) Describe the targets used by the
and financial planning
2. Strategy company to manage climate
iii) Assess the resilience of the change-related risks and opportunities
company’s strategy, taking into and performance against targets
3. Risk management
consideration different climate
change-related scenarios, including
4. Metrics and targets
a 2°C or lower scenario

18 Managing the impacts of climate change: risk management responses Managing the impacts of climate change: risk management responses 19
Use scenarios developed in step 1 In the physical risk domain, the impact Besides yielding information relating to • High concentration of value at • Location relies on workers living
Step 2: Develop a granular and gather appropriate data to model of climate change risks on physical locations accumulated annual loss, ‘exceedance’ one location in highly exposed and vulnerable
the magnitude of risk, prioritizing according or assets is somewhat clearer. Over the last occurrence probability and other parameters neighborhoods
view of the risks involved 30 years, catastrophe models have evolved used by insurers in the design of policies,
• Long replacement time for equipment
to the company’s particular circumstances
– including, for example, or stock at a location • Location relies on public utility and
(industry, products and services, supply-chain, as innovative tools to identify, assess and catastrophe modelling tools may also help
manage natural catastrophe risks for seismic identify high-risk single locations, as well as infrastructure services that are highly
individual locations, or physical locations/assets, business model • The location is a significant contributor
exposed and vulnerable
maturity and risk appetite). and climate change-related hazards. Today, concentrations of locations that could to the group value chain or revenue
specific business activities, sophisticated catastrophe models exist potentially be affected by a single event. This review and analysis relates to
For transition risks, there are evolving • Large concentration of occupants or
including products socio-economic transition pathways being
for several perils and covering many regions
We recommend that prioritizing locations operations or locations within the
and lines of business. population in the immediate vicinity
and services developed (see example here: for the second step of the resilience stakeholder’s own responsibility. Ideally,
https://www.ipcc.ch/sr15/chapter/spm/ Today’s models are generally designed to strategy is based on the definition of • Large area around the site that could suppliers and critical infrastructure
spm-c/spm3b/) but in some sectors there are reflect current climate conditions. So while ‘critical’ in the company. For example, be impacted environmentally would also be included in the analysis.
some very precise regulatory or technology catastrophe models can play an important this may be a location or region that meets • Multiple locations that could be
pathways that need to be built-in to models role in capturing physical risks of climate one or more of the following criteria: affected by a single event
that analyze the impact on products & change, it is important to recognize their
services, or even entire business models. The limitations and the complexity of
challenge is that, in some sectors, data and conditioning them to a different future
scenarios are well understood, but in others climate. In section 3.2, we provide the latest
they are not, or are poorly provided for. on the evolution of modeling capabilities to
better quantify the impact of climate Improving the impact measurement of physical risks:
Nevertheless, it is important for businesses change on physical risks.
to start the analysis of how they could be a key enabler of climate resilience adaptation strategies
affected by climate change risks and Lastly, as catastrophe models do not cover
opportunities. Developing scenarios that are all perils and countries, other tools, such Assessment of the physical impacts of events. This is especially true of the It is important to understand that the
plausible, relevant, distinctive, consistent and as global (or where available local) climate change starts with determining consequences of severe weather current state-of-knowledge precludes
challenging and which span both transition peril-specific hazard maps are necessary the evolution of hazard levels, i.e. effect of events. Increased resilience involves development of very precise tools. Some
and physical risks is an important first step. to assess these ‘non-modelled’ perils and climate change on intensity and frequency a range of measures – physical, actions can nevertheless be taken for
This needs to identify the main challenges regions to develop loss estimates. These of natural hazard phenomenon (wildfire, organizational and insurance. improvement in risk management of
facing an industry, the companies within it, tools do not price the risk in the same water shocks, flooding, windstorms, etc.). natural catastrophes, in particular severe
as well as individual products and services manner as catastrophe modelling tools, • The severity of extreme natural hazard weather using the available science. For
and their associated business plans. There which are traditionally used in the insurance There is an increasing demand for tools events is often influenced by factors example, traditional building design codes
then needs to be an analysis of which industry. However, they are an essential tool that measure the impact of climate outside the control of the organization, need to consider the reduction of (content
key risk categories to model and how to for performing a preliminary analysis of change. This is driven by: for example the performance of key of buildings) and not only focus on human
embed climate risk considerations in multiple locations with a global footprint to infrastructure, utilities and public safety. They must also define the hazard
• The severity of impact on businesses control measures (e.g., levees, pump
business-as-usual risk processes. identify the natural hazard exposure level. and infrastructure (especially business levels (e.g., snow loads, wind forces,
systems for flood) flooding characteristics) based on
For each industry, there are different Experience and judgment – of local interruption) from increased frequency
of events. Although it is worth pointing • Limitations exposed in traditional evolution due to climate change – in
quantitative and qualitative tools, data and topographic conditions, construction
out that the latest (IPCC reports and tools used in the insurance industry – addition to historical events which are
metrics used to monitor and assess exposure practices or local protection mechanisms
climate science often paints a confusing through changes in frequency, intensity, currently the basis of such documents.
to the transition risks. There are also the – play an important role in analyzing the
challenges of determining the depth of any output of the conventional tools used for picture of different peril/regions having and severity of events. This is also true As mentioned previously, the insurance
analysis across the dimensions of different multilocation hazard identification and unexpected decreases in frequency. For of other industries (e.g., building design industry also needs to look beyond
portfolios and the depth of supply chain assessment, as the severity of the event example, tropical storms seem to have codes, infrastructure management, etc). catastrophe models to account for climate
analysis. The key is to avoid models that could dramatically change within a short increasing intensity (impact/severity) These tools have been developed based change effects. Traditional natural
are either founded on multiple layers of distance. An example is the effects of soil but reducing frequency. Regions are on historical data. The influence of catastrophe models are essential tools to
assumptions, are overly-complex, or that properties on earthquake shaking levels, experiencing events to which they climate change effects on hazard design the insurance policy (e.g., price the
do not produce credible outputs that can or the impact of changes of topography have historically been immune (e.g., level evolution is still highly uncertain risk). However they cannot consider all
be used by the business as the foundation within a short distance on flood depths. wildfires in the northern polar region, and complex. factors that influence severity (e.g., hazard
of business decisions. migration of typhoons northwards level evolution due to climate change,
towards Shanghai. • Uncertainty in short and long-term
investment strategies, due to impact deterioration of physical assets (aging)
• Increasing realization that relying on of climate change on physical and and infrastructure, duration of events as
insurance alone is not a sound risk transition risks. well as their limitation in terms of global
management strategy for physical coverage of the various perils).

20 Managing the impacts of climate change: risk management responses Managing the impacts of climate change: risk management responses 21
On the transition risks side, for carbon-intensive Local hazard maps, where available, are 2.2. Progress on climate resilience However, in contrast with the TCFD framework increase pressure on other industry sectors to
Step 3: Develop a sectors a meaningful GHG emissions reduction used and assumptions applied regarding adaptation and GHG emissions – which is currently only a recommended disclose their financial impacts from climate
strategy should consider product and service climate change effects in the scenario process. approach – the Bank of England / Prudential change and strategies to adapt. The advantage
mitigation strategy innovation – as well as potential needs for Such an analysis is an essential component of
mitigation strategies Regulation Authority now mandates the of this approach by financial services regulators
involving insurance business transformation. Typically, lifecycle the resilience strategy. It would include an The challenge for business leaders and following for regulated firms: is that it will drive a step-change in the strategic
and developing resilience carbon intensity measures and targets should on-site assessment of the reliability and policymakers is to create strategies that analysis of climate change-related risk. The
be set that match – or exceed – those expected effectiveness of emergency response and 1. Governance: “Firms will need to identify Bank of England / Prudential Regulation
optimize the opportunities associated with
strategies, either through as society more broadly reduces overall business continuity plans, any peril-specific adaptation to the physical risks of climate
and allocate responsibility for identifying Authority have established a Climate Financial
and managing financial risks from climate
physical risk adaptation, or emissions. The Science Based Targets initiative protection measures (e.g., mobile flood change and GHG emissions mitigation. In some
change to the relevant existing Senior
Risk Forum (CFRF) to build intellectual capacity
(https://sciencebasedtargets.org/) provides a protection elements, etc.), quality of structures, cases, this will be done by individual initiatives and establish best practice in how to manage
perhaps changing business simple framework to set targets for carbon infrastructure and utilities. With this Management Function(s) (SMF(s)) most
carried out by the private or public sectors. the financial risks from climate change. The
models and activities to emission reduction that match the Paris information in hand, a medium- to long-term appropriate within the firm’s goal of the four working groups set up by the
In most cases, it will require multi-stakeholder
Agreement goals of keeping global warming resilience strategy can be developed. Within organisational structure and risk profile.”
address transition risks action. In a few cases, it will require new CFRF is to deliver draft handbooks on the key
substantially lower than 2 degrees. This this, budget for capital expenditure projects, technologies, new industries and new business 2. Strategy: “the PRA expects firms to areas of scenario analysis, risk management,
makes good business sense as “Setting as well as reallocation of existing budget models to be developed with new approaches conduct scenario analysis to inform their disclosure and innovation.
greenhouse gas emission reduction targets toward resilience measures, can be defined. to managing risk, including changes to strategic planning and determine the
in line with climate science is a great way to The nature of the challenge and
legislation and regulation. impact of the financial risks from climate
future-proof growth”. This type of integrated approach involves implementation of potential solutions requires
not only insurance – which supports the site change on their overall risk profile and more than a single stakeholder. Public-private
In Europe, the EU has developed the EC Action
On the physical risks side, for those locations in restoring operations after the event – but business strategy. This includes both partnerships on initiatives like open-source data
Plan on Sustainable Finance. In June 2019, the
defined in the second step as ‘at risk’, also prevention measures (physical and short-term assessment and quantification platforms are vital for success. The wide range
Technical Expert Group on Sustainable Finance
scenario-based loss estimates should be organizational) that reduce the impact and where appropriate of climate change risks of relevant organizations that need to be
published the first classification system, or
developed, based on detailed information severity of an event on the locations. within the planning horizon and a involved includes Governments, national
taxonomy, for environmentally sustainable
regarding site vulnerabilities (physical and long-term assessment based on a range weather and climate organizations, central
economic activities. This aims to provide
organizational) and potential events which of scenarios. banks and regulators, academic institutions,
guidance for policy makers, industry and
could impact the locations. investors on how best to support and invest 3. Risk Management: “As part of the Own climate scientists, natural catastrophe
in economic activities that contribute to Risk and Solvency Assessment (ORSA), modelers, the insurance industry, banks
achieving a climate neutral economy. firms should include at a minimum: and asset managers.

In addition, regulators in the Financial Services a. all material exposures relating to the On top of this, key “real economy” sectors
sector are beginning to mandate quantification financial risks from climate change; and and industries need to play their part. They
De-carbonize Engage with Innovate new of climate change risks. This will,in-turn, impact must analyze scenarios and develop strategies
products, services, investors, business models all sectors – as banks, asset managers and b. an assessment of how firms have that adapt and build resilience – both to the
Companies must decarbonize Navigating operations, and policy-makers and and transform determined the material exposure(s) de-carbonization of the services they deliver
transition to insurers begin to understand climate change
and innovate to address investments customers
risks in more detail and start applying the in the context of their business.” and the physical risks of climate change.
low-carbon
transition risks while at the economy learnings to risk-adjusted returns on capital. 4. Disclosure: “Firms should recognise Federal, National and Local government will
same time building resilience In April 2019 the Bank of England the increasing possibility that disclosure also need to work with these sectors and
to physical risk published Supervisory Statement 3/19 will be mandated in more jurisdictions, develop their own adaptation plans. It is in this
and Policy Statement 11/19, which codified and prepare accordingly”. area that the insurance industry can play a vital
their consultation paper 23/18 on climate role informing risk management actions, in
change risks. Broadly the Bank of England / Disclosure of climate change impacts on particular with various regulatory bodies and
RISK Prudential Regulation Authority (BoE/PRA) a business seems likely to be increasingly engineering organizations (building code
CLIMATE RESILIENCE
MANAGEMENT aligned their supervisory requirements with mandated by regulators, at least in the financial development, testing labs and agencies, etc.)
ADAPTATION STRATEGY services industry and in time, perhaps in other
RESPONSE the TCFD framework.
industry sectors too. By implication, this will
As already pointed out in section 2.1 the TCFD
is a useful starting point for companies to
address the corporate governance, strategic
and risk management implications of climate
Building change on the financial performance or value The wide range of relevant organizations that need to be involved
resilience Adapt operations Invest in risk Transfer of a company. The expectation is that this will includes Governments, national weather and climate organizations,
to physical and supply chain reduction for residual risk then form the basis of information for investors
impacts to more frequent critical locations to insurance and other stakeholders to target ‘green’ central banks and regulators, academic institutions, climate
impacts and and communities markets
disruptions
investment and policies to enable a transition scientists, natural catastrophe modelers, the insurance industry,
to the low-carbon economy. This task is of banks and asset managers.
course challenged by the definition of what
is ‘green’ and what needs to be prioritized
to deliver sustainable finance.

22 Managing the impacts of climate change: risk management responses Managing the impacts of climate change: risk management responses 23
The immediate challenge for both Role of boards
financial services and industry – Impediment Potential solution
especially carbon intensive sectors Boards play a pivotal role in overseeing 1. What is the likely impact of climate 6. Which aspects of our climate change
– is aligning investment, adaptation, the company’s risk appetite and in change on our business, now and response do we need to advocate for
High level of investment required for Scenario-based approach to highlight not
transition and resilience strategies. There is transition (replacement of equipment, only physical but also liability, transition identifying major global risks. in the future? to best protect shareholder value and
often a clear and reasonably well-informed alternative, potentially higher-cost (loss of market, etc.), reputational risks To achieve their strategic objectives,
best capitalize on climate change-
understanding of climate change-related 2. Have we followed the FSB’s TCFD
suppliers, carbon tax, etc.) AND opportunities associated with climate companies must decide what risks they related opportunities or threats?
financial risk in carbon intensive industries. framework and what are the
change, e.g., increased consumer awareness are willing to take to drive their agenda
In some sectors, there are very precise conclusions of that analysis? What 7. Do we need to make big
of low-carbon products and services. forward. But it does not stop there. In
regulatory or technology pathways. are the impacts on the key drivers of technological shifts in order to cope
order to best respond to the impact of
But there is tension between the analysis, GHG emissions mitigation on their
performance now and in the future? and successfully compete with the
Organizational complexity and lack of Focus responsibility in a single decision-
conclusions and strategies that these business, companies should consider new environment?
a single point of reference to make making unit. With regards to supply chains, 3. Is our business model still viable?
industries are developing and the ability to a strategic risk analysis on the type
strategic decisions (e.g., supply chains are highlight that a resilient supply chain is less If yes, for how long? 8. Which growth strategy we should
disclose them to investors without provoking and scale of impact climate change
managed by procurement or finance sensitive to short-term (current risk) and aim for in light of the changes
an unsophisticated set of responses, such as will have in the mid to long term:
specialists, but should be a risk long-term shocks (climate change). Effective 4. Should we focus on core areas of
divestment or downgrades. that climate change brings (e.g.,
management discussion as well) supply chain modelling will achieve this.
We recommend for such strategic risk
the business, even if they are carbon
organic, new products/services,
In contrast, within financial institutions, the analyses to answer the following 10 key intensive, but add value in other
complex portfolio exposures (by product, strategic partnerships, or mergers
questions as a baseline: ways to society, the economy and
tenor, sector, geography etc.) make it very and acquisitions)?
to investors?
difficult to analyze and understand climate 9. Should we change our product
change-related financial risk. Material gaps Achieving a ‘tipping point’ in climate The lack of analytic tools to model and 5. Are there opportunities for us to
change adaptation strategies quantify climate change effects (not only
mix? Should we create entirely
in scenario data combined with complex create new products, to join new
value chain dimensions contribute to this. physical, but also economic) is one of the new supply chains?
Businesses have always had to change their business ecosystems?
There are many solution providers offering main impediments to a meaningful discussion 10. What and how should we disclose?
strategies to respond to market conditions. with involved stakeholders towards a
apparently ‘simple’ solutions. But these
Lots of studies have shown that major sea-change in adaptation strategies.
involve models built on layers of
corporations experience significant Losses triggered by current events only
assumptions which produce climate change
“reversals of fortune” about every seven years marginally affect the risk perception. This
risk results that are not credible to the front
on average. Climate change is different in has to do partly with how these events
line. This creates a tension between
that the timescales of the most severe impacts are communicated to the public (i.e. a
“compliance” and good risk management.
are far beyond most strategic plans. In 100 year event has happened this year
There are also significant business process
these circumstances, scenario planning as so the perception is that it won’t for
integration challenges of fitting “climate
recommended by the TCFD is an appropriate another 100 years), and partly to do with
change risk” into existing risk taxonomies
way to deal with such future uncertainty. over-reliance on existing tools (natural
and models.
Achieving a ‘tipping point’ in transition hazard maps, catastrophe models, etc.).
strategies that would push us towards a 2°C Here too, a scenario-based approach is
scenario would require several ‘triggers’ or recommended – as Zurich does with
‘incentives’. These triggers are covered by our customers for current risks.
scorecard and include public pressure, political Other impediments to the “tipping point”
action, market forces, price changes for and potential solutions are listed above.
‘externalities’ and consumer behavior. In fact,
it appears a series of events over the course
of the next year may serve as such a catalyst,
including the anticipated Global Adaptation
Summit hosted by the Dutch Government in
October 2020.

24 Managing the impacts of climate change: risk management responses Managing the impacts of climate change: risk management responses 25
CHAPTER 3

Updates on risk management In addition to scenario planning, there are a number of risk management tools and practices at
companies’ disposal which can help to model climate change risk and help develop options for

solutions to climate change


strategic responses to climate change-related risks. In this section, you will find some of the latest
developments on these tools and practices since we produced our initial report a year ago, and a
selection of Zurich-developed methodologies already in place such as Total Risk Profiling (TRP).

3.1. Solution ecosystems


are emerging
Given the complex, interconnected,
multi-stakeholder nature of managing the
risks related to climate change, it is not
surprising that individual companies do not
have all the capabilities to hand to either
identify, analyze, or manage these risks. It is a
situation similar to cyber risk – another global
challenge. Here, groups of companies
operating in a service ecosystem provide
analytical services, informing strategy
development and mitigation that is performed
by yet other organizations, all working across
business, government and wider civil society.
In the case of climate change, there are many
academic, business and government
organizations developing different approaches
to analyzing the major bodies of work. These It is likely that businesses that This will be true for creating solutions in
are highly inter-related and inter-dependent, the investment space, academia, or the real
want to understand this economy. The most obvious examples will be
but also markedly different. Climate science
generates vast volumes of data. An example complexity will need to work with where there is a need to deliver entirely new
is measuring the impact of aerosols in the multiple providers who can be technologies in short time-scales.
atmosphere over multiple decades – through
simulations of climates based on scientific
coordinated to deliver useable In other areas, such as adaptation and
resilience to physical risks, government,
equations. This needs to be downscaled and insights to develop strategies to academia and the private sector will need to
– where possible through advances in the manage climate change risks. work together to deliver solutions at both local
science of climate change attribution – linked regional and federal levels. Great examples
to the entirely different approach of empirical When it comes to implementing
exist in managing water either in times of
natural catastrophe modelling. Such a linkage the actions of these strategies, yet flood or in times of drought. Climate change
would help in understanding and interpreting
the physical consequences of climate change
another group of service providers is changing the frequency and impact of perils
associated with water; flood (fluvial, pluvial
on extreme weather patterns. At the same needs to be engaged to help and storm surge) drought and frost. Human
time, transition risks are being modelled in deliver these actions. impact is also changing demand and supply
empirical models using socio-economic (urban development, land use, industrial
pathways, which commonly have multiple requirements, clean water, the role of natural
layers of assumptions – with material gaps infrastructure, planning, flood management).
in scenario data sources. This often produces To solve this, we need to work across all
erroneous results, that when applied in aspects of the water supply chain. It is a
business are not credible in the short-term. truly multi-stakeholder, systems challenge.

26 Managing the impacts of climate change: risk management responses Managing the impacts of climate change: risk management responses 27
Examples of how different stakeholder actions can cause unintended consequences when taken
in isolation include:

1 Upland management (e.g., tree felling) can create increased


erosion and silt run-off, which clogs up rivers and causes flooding.
2 Urban development can cause rapid water run-off during
thunderstorms (pluvial flooding) if large areas of concrete are not
built with sustainable urban drainage systems. Increased area of
concrete also increase temperatures in urban areas, affecting water
1 5 and power consumption (e.g., increased use of air conditioning).
3 Taller buildings affect the micro-climate in the surrounding
neighborhoods through (e.g., increased temperatures, wind
vortexes at street level.)
4 Planners allowing new houses to be built in flood prone areas
e.g., water meadows that for centuries have been nature’s natural flood
containment zones. This is a political and socio-economic necessity
in light of increasing population, need for job creation, etc.
2 5 Flood management in towns (e.g., river walls) channeling flood
6
waters to other areas downstream that have never been flooded before.
6 Dam operators failing to operate dam overspill gates in a timely It is important that risk management actions, the multi-stakeholder ecosystem approach in Zurich implements the
manner, allowing flood water to build up and which is then released whether improving adaptation and resilience refining its analytical and risk management
in a catastrophic way. This highlights the uncertainty of short-term to the physical consequences of climate tools both for understanding our own risk as multi-stakeholder ecosystem
forecasting as such decisions rely on weather forecasts over 2 to 5 days, change (as in the example above) or the an insurer and in the context of services we approach in refining its
as well as deteriorating quality of infrastructure due to lack of public transition risks associated with decarbonizing can offer to companies. analytical and risk
investment and increasing population. the delivery of carbon-intensive services,
need to be coordinated across business, Recognizing this growing customer demand, management tools both for
7 Tourism over development and general increase of population, Zurich will be launching during its next
3 7
especially in urban areas, affecting the ability of marshland or wetland
government and civil society.
strategic cycle a new Climate Advisory understanding our own risk
areas to naturally clean and manage polluted water supplies. Clearly, more disclosure of climate change Service offering. This service will help those as an insurer and in the
risks could improve the public dialogue on customers seeking a deeper understanding context of services we can
climate change and our responses to it, of the physical impact of natural hazards and
It is important that risk management actions, whether improving spurring better informed decision-making. climate change effects on their operations. offer to companies.
adaptation and resilience to the physical consequences of climate change
Furthermore, it will likely improve the It will be offered through Zurich’s global Recognizing this growing
strategic positioning of individual firms as commercial insurance team.
or the transition risks associated with decarbonizing the delivery of they internalize both the full extent of their customer demand, Zurich will
longer-term exposures and the risk mitigation In addition, Zurich is partnering with the be launching during its next
4 carbon-intensive services, need to be coordinated across business, strategies they could employ to manage World Economic Forum, the Adrienne Arscht/
government and civil society. Rockefeller Foundation Resilience Center and strategic cycle a new Climate
those exposures. This public dialogue will
lead to not only more sophisticated investors other leading institutions to develop clear Advisory Service offering.
and consumers, who are questioning the guidelines on disclosure best practices,
ecological viability of products and services, thereby facilitating the broader societal use
but could also increase pressure for more of analytics to inform and accelerate the
definitive political (and hence regulatory, climate resilience and low-carbon transition.
legislative and fiscal) action. Zurich implements

28 Managing the impacts of climate change: risk management responses Managing the impacts of climate change: risk management responses 29
3.2. Evolution of modeling capabilities
– quantification of climate change’s
These models help Option 1 In this first approach, the natural catastrophe of how the physical climate risk could change for
physical risks model output is modified by including the different climate change scenarios. The down-side
insurers manage Scenario Mock-Up summary of climate change effects, as outlined is that it might not be detailed enough to model
In addition to the multi-stakeholder approaches accumulation risk (the risk in recent IPCC reports. This is achieved by the physical risks of a company’s global portfolio
discussed above, the insurance industry has a very adapting the natural catastrophe model of physical assets, or locations, either
specific set of capabilities that are used to of concentrating insurance outputs, known as ”event sets“ to reflect geographically, or over time. Nevertheless, this
understand and model natural catastrophes such capital in only a few, natural the ”average“ climate change effects. approach is best used in a strategic scenario
as earthquakes, windstorms and floods. These catastrophe-prone regions) planning exercise to gain a broad overview of
models help insurers manage accumulation risk This approach is quite straightforward, quick to climate change effects, and to determine if a
(the risk of concentrating insurance capital in only
and to price related implement and can give a qualitative indication more sophisticated approach is required.
a few, natural catastrophe-prone regions) and to insurance products
price related insurance products. This area of work
melds academic research with empirical modelling
and is driven by a commercial natural catastrophe
modelling industry supporting insurers. Option 2 The second option modifies the hazard module specific portfolios of physical assets. The results
in the natural catastrophe models to include of such a scenario-based analysis can support
Coupling climate climate change effects by incorporating companies in the planning of future physical
Historically, this analysis has been proprietary for
insurers – who have used the outputs of these models with the research-based climate change global infrastructure expansion (e.g., factories, offices
circulation model (GCM) output. This and their associated supply chains). It can also go
models to manage their own natural catastrophe existing natural science-based approach is much more beyond the current physical climate risks to include
risks. Increasingly, other industry sectors are
beginning to look towards the insurance industry catastrophe models resource-intensive to develop, but creates a climate change effects, as part of a wider strategic
to apply this expertise beyond the understanding more detailed model of climate change risks planning exercise that includes consideration of
of current climate risks and to apply it in a for a company’s physical assets. physical and transition risks.
forward-looking manner to climate change risk. This approach is suitable to quantify the This approach can support companies in their
This is to help develop adaptation strategies to the impact of climate change on companies’ investment strategies for climate change-related
physical risks of climate change, and even to help physical assets – over different time scales and risk reduction and adaptation measures ranging
understand the physical impacts of climate change in different geographic regions. Different climate from building protection measures to optimizing
on supply chain risks. change scenarios, reflected in the Greenhouse insurance policies for existing assets, assessment
There are currently three options (described here) Gas concentration pathways (RCP) climate of potential future sites for new facilities, and
which link climate change models to natural scenarios, allow the identification of the most assessing the impact on value chains (supply
catastrophe models, each offering a different level affected regions, ‘critical’ perils & impact on chains, infrastructure and utilities).
of sophistication and application suitable for
different industries and companies.

Option 3 This is the most sophisticated (but also most rise in sea levels, the influence of temperature
resource-intensive) methodology and involves difference between the upper atmosphere and
Development building an in-house, proprietary natural the sea surface on storm intensity.
Three options of in-house natural catastrophe model, faithfully reflecting all
Building a bespoke in-house natural catastrophe
aspects of climate change.
catastrophe models model incorporating all climate-relevant
1. Scenario Mock-Up
incorporating This approach can overcome the limitations parameters would allow a company to reflect all
of existing commercially-available models, aspects of the physical consequences of climate
2. Coupling climate models with existing climate change especially regarding the inclusion of climate change on their business model. The drawback
natural catastrophe models change effects. Using the tropical cyclone model of this approach is the time taken and
as an example, studies have shown that climate expense of developing a proprietary
3. Development of in-house natural change will have several effects on storms, e.g., model and would only benefit those
catastrophe models incorporating reduced rate of movement, more precipitation, companies and industry sectors most
climate change changes in storm surge flooding due to associated exposed to physical climate change risks.

30 Managing the impacts of climate change: risk management responses Managing the impacts of climate change: risk management responses 31
3.3. Case study: Working with Zurich has helped us better mitigate such potential losses. From a climate
customers to manage climate risks: change perspective, adaptation strategies to
understand our natural hazard and the “future state” are also developed.
How natural hazard scenarios climate-change-related risks on a
Mr. Rahman led the analysis at the Jingjiang
help Konecranes local level. Their reports are also location that also involved Ms. Clément and
Zurich Risk Engineering applies a holistic view part of the material used to build Konecranes’ Head of Risk Management
of risk that includes natural hazards which is Atso Mattila.
scenarios that show how climate
the first step in any climate change-related At the 14-year-old Jingjiang location, which
study. This approach starts at the global change could affect our business
produces components for other Konecranes
multi-location level and aims to identify the going forward.” units from its site in the Yangtze River
locations or regions that are critical to the watershed, 100-year flood and wind scenarios
customer’s operations. Besides the impact of Nathalie Clément, Director of Corporate
Responsibility, Konecranes were played out to determine the potential
natural hazards on physical assets, the impact impact on property and business interruption
on suppliers, value chains, infrastructure and exposures. Such scenarios are based on expert
utilities are also considered. analysis of hazard maps, local conditions,
Konecranes, a Helsinki-based manufacturer of hazard risk evaluations, holds a company-wide historical events and vulnerabilities assessed
cranes and other lifting equipment, provides risk assessment and performs climate risk onsite. Site management experts are involved
sustainable products and services in a society evaluations through local environmental to determine the potential loss values
that aims to move ever closer to a low-carbon management systems. associated with these scenarios.
way of life. These are valuable tools for customers,
“Zurich has helped us better understand our
And while the 16,000-employee company natural hazard and climate-change-related risks as they highlight the potential benefits of
works to minimize the environmental footprint on a local level,” Ms. Clément said. “Their implementing risk mitigation measures
of its operations in 50 countries, Konecranes reports are also part of the material used to identified during the assessment. They provide
also considers it a primary aim to help its build scenarios that show how climate change deeper insights than could be obtained from
customers operate in a sustainable manner. could affect our business going forward.” conventional insurance tools such as cat
“With safe and ecoefficient products and modeling and hazard mapping. In addition,
“Not a day passes without the mention of they provide information that benefits several
services, we can answer changing customer
climate change in global media outlets,” said stakeholders in the customer’s organization,
needs and help develop the sustainability of
Amar Rahman, Zurich Insurance Group’s Risk not just those that are insurance-related.
our customers,” said Nathalie Clément, the Zurich’s team of experts These (scenarios) are valuable tools for customers, as
Engineering Global Practice Leader for Natural
company’s Director of Corporate Responsibility. “Zurich’s team of experts provided Konecranes
Hazard Resilience. “So it’s very rewarding to provided Konecranes with they highlight the potential benefits of implementing
Not surprisingly, Konecranes takes its support a customer who is aware of the with valuable insight on core locations and
climate change exposures seriously. As such, urgency of the problem and to actively work their natural hazard risk exposures,” Ms. valuable insight on core risk mitigation measures identified during the
it works with Zurich to identify and mitigate with them to develop viable solutions.” Clement emphasized. Zurich’s work is locations and their natural assessment. They provide deeper insights than could
climate change-related risks that possibly performed by experts with “comprehensive
Zurich’s assessment of Konecranes‘ Jingjiang skills and tools,” she said. “It not only helps us
hazard risk exposures,” be obtained from conventional insurance tools such
could, in the long run, have an impact on
the company’s operations.
location in China is typical of the work the highlight relevant risks, but also supports our Nathalie Clément, Director of as cat modeling and hazard mapping.
insurer does to examine different natural internal sustainability and environmental risk Corporate Responsibility, Konecranes
Konecranes takes a three-pronged approach hazard scenarios, the impact they would have assessments from a fresh perspective and with
to managing climate risks. In collaboration on Konecranes’ operations and ways to a sharp focus.”
with Zurich, the company conducts natural

32 Managing the impacts of climate change: risk management responses Managing the impacts of climate change: risk management responses 33
Conduct a Total Risk Profiling on climate change
Apply a structured risk assessment process such as Zurich’s Total Risk Profiling (TRP) approach.
The table below shows how companies can apply Zurich’s TRP approach from a climate change
perspective to better assess hazard level, exposure and controls.

Risk factors Issues Comments Risk factors Issues Comments


Exposures How well do you know the value chain This includes not only suppliers, but also utilities and infrastructure as well as What is the age of the buildings, Not only buildings themselves but also contents and equipment should be
of your operations? customer locations especially the critical ones at those designed to state-of-the-art structural design codes. These codes are regularly
critical sites (owned ones, as well revised to reflect technological advances in construction methods, building
What is the definition of ‘critical’ for For example, are these locations with the highest value concentrations, containing suppliers’ ones)? materials as well as hazard maps, i.e., force levels to which the buildings and
your company (including suppliers equipment/stock with long replacement times, producing critical components for contents are designed, etc. When undertaking expansions or adding new
and customers)? other locations or products/services that are profitable or have a high contribution equipment, a review of the existing buildings and equipment/contents should
to group revenue or where hazardous processes occur? Or is critical defined as be performed by a qualified structural engineer to ensure compliance with the
locations with a high concentration of employees, or are situated in areas that requirements of the latest code version.
can impact a large population if an accident occurs?
Has your business continuity plan BCP is an important organizational natural hazards control system. A BCP which
From the perspective of a single location the above definitions of ‘critical’ apply (BCP) been developed based on only mentions the hazards is ineffective. An effective BCP should be based on
to individual structure(s) or building(s). risk scenarios? a Business Impact Analysis (BIA) and should cover all hazards to which the region
Have you identified your critical Have you identified redundancies? How easily can these components of your is exposed and the scenarios to ensure operations continue at the affected
locations, your critical suppliers and operations be replaced? Is it possible to organize contractual arrangements to location. The scenario should consider the fact that a natural hazard event, in
the critical utilities and infrastructure ensure priority of supply? contrast to an on-site fire event, impacts an entire region. As such, not only loss
at these critical locations? of utilities and infrastructure, but also access and business will be severely
impacted. In addition, issues such as duration until the restoration of services
Hazards Which natural hazards do you consider • Flood (which includes the duration of the event itself) should be considered. Try to
might have an impact on your global • Wind (hurricanes, typhoons, European winter storms, etc.) achieve an understanding about the level of planning by your local authorities
supply chain? • Storm surge and especially their foreseen priorities for reconstruction. Consider a balance
• Hail between community and business needs.
Again, the scope is also in question: • Lightning
Does it involve suppliers and customers? • Heavy rainfall How effective and reliable is your As with BCP, the site ERP should be scenario based. The ERP should be realistic
• Drought / water shortage emergency response plan (ERP)? with respect to resources, especially (but not only) manpower. For each of the
• Tornado hazards identified to which the site is potentially exposed consider the time
between receipt of the warning and the event impacting the site. Resources
Controls For your critical locations: What is the High level of development, without corresponding upgrade of infrastructure to and actions should be planned accordingly.
level of urban development in the area accommodate this development, means the capacity of the infrastructure is
of your critical operations? probability inadequate for climate change.

34 Managing the impacts of climate change: risk management responses Managing the impacts of climate change: risk management responses 35
APPENDIX 1
Zurich’s position on
climate change
At Zurich, being a responsible and sustainable company is at the foundation of our We will:
business. We help our customers and communities become more resilient to natural 1. Work with clients as well as public 6. Play an active role in developing • Credible policy roadmaps for
disasters and extreme weather; we make a difference through our responsible and private partners to enhance resilience science-based targets for the insurance internationally integrated energy
and advocate for solutions to prevent, or industry by joining the Business Ambition policies, systems, markets and electricity
investment approach; and we are swiftly reducing our own carbon footprint. minimize, damage and harm from weather for 1.5°C. Zurich recognizes the role the grids capable of handling large scale use
and climate change-related perils for our science-based targets plays in highlighting of renewable energies.
customers and communities. the decarbonization pathways necessary
to meet the Paris Agreement per sector • Policies in support of both public and
We are working closely with communities and 2. Develop insurance and risk management and translating these into useful tools for private research and development of
policy-makers to place more emphasis on risk solutions for the new technologies, business companies. Currently, in the insurance critical technologies such as energy
reduction, preparedness and resilience rather models and approaches that will be required sector, science-based targets do not exist for storage, electric mobility, renewable
than purely focusing on recovery and to achieve this unprecedented transition to a either insurance or investment portfolios. power and carbon capture and
rebuilding. We are also sharing with our low-carbon economy. As part of the Business Ambition for 1.5°C, storage (CCS).
customers the best practices and other we have committed to play an active role in
3. Integrate assessments of both physical • Integrating key aspects of climate
risk-related insights developed during our changing that and to set our own targets.
and transition risks into our investment change, alongside other ESG issues,
140-year history.
strategies and contribute to avoiding 5 7. Publicly advocate for policies that in public and private education
Using our core insurance skills to respond million tons of CO2 emissions annually encourage the private sector to fully and curricula.
to some of the most significant long-term through our dedicated impact investments. leverage capabilities and resources in • Enhanced transparency by mandating
societal and environmental trends, we support of the transition to a global
4. Minimize the environmental impact of better disclosure of climate risks,
identified climate change as perhaps the low-carbon economy, including:
our own operations. alongside other ESG issues.
most complex risk facing society today. It is
inter-generational, it is international and it is 5. Disengage and divest from those whose • A global price on carbon, established 8. Adopt the recommendations of the
interdependent. Representing the consensus activities are predominantly focused on at a level sufficiently high over time Financial Stability Board’s Task force
of the international scientific community, thermal coal, oil sands and oil shale if these to incentivize action aligned with on Climate Change-related Financial
the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate companies have no plan to realign their below -2ºC warming. Disclosure (FSB-TCFD) and report on
Change (IPCC) finds strong evidence that business over time towards a low-carbon progress made in implementing the
• A clear roadmap for the progressive
climate change is occurring, that it is future. See our detailed position here. above commitments.
phasing out of fossil fuel subsidies.
influenced by human action, and that it
is leading to changes in extreme weather
and climate events.
Our own analysis suggests that the likelihood
of missing the Paris Agreement’s target of We acknowledge that our actions must be compatible with Zurich’s broader
limiting global warming to 2ºC or below is
higher than achieving it. That is why we are
strategic and financial objectives and reflect the real-world operating
accelerating action to reduce climate risks by environment driven by client demand and bound by public policy. We will
driving changes in how companies and people continue working with customers to better manage climate risks; providing
behave and support those most impacted. coverage for new technologies and infrastructure, such as electric vehicles,
For us, it is simply the right thing to do. renewable energy or carbon capture and storage; investing in companies and
assets that support the transition to a low-carbon economy; and – if and when
possible – putting a price on climate risks when making investment or
underwriting decisions.

Francis Bouchard giving testimony to the U.S. House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis

36 Managing the impacts of climate change: risk management responses Managing the impacts of climate change: risk management responses 37
APPENDIX 2
Zurich Climate Change Scorecard terminology

Score card on climate change Carbon pricing: Equal weighted score of (1) Energy demand and efficiency: Acknowledgements
the direction and change in the share of Equal weighted average of scores for
Progress is judged vs the IEA Bridge emissions covered by carbon pricing scheme; energy demand and energy efficiency: Contributors from Zurich Insurance Group
scenario when relevant scenario data (2) average price vs target price, target price =
Energy demand: World primary energy Justin D’Atri
are available. This applies to: carbon 100USD / tCO2. Source: World Bank Group
consumption (mln tons of oil equivalent). Sustainability Change Manager, Group Risk Management
pricing; CO2 emissions; energy use; Corporate action and positioning: Direction and size of change. Francis Bouchard
energy efficiency. For other indicators, Average score for corporate action and Source: BP Statistical Review Group Head of Public Affairs & Sustainability, Group Risk Management
we make an assessment based on the corporate positioning Michael Bradford
Energy efficiency: Energy usage per
change in the indicator and, when Corporate action: MSCI scores for global GDP. Direction and size of change. Senior Writer and Editor, Group Communications
appropriate, the level vs target. management practices related to climate Source: BP Statistical Review, IMF Laura Castellano
change relevant dimensions, current ranking Strategic Partnerships’ Lead and Integrated Campaign Manager, Group Communications
vs maximum ranking of 10. Source MSCI CO2 emissions: Direction and size of
change. Source: BP Statistical Review Linda Freiner
Corporate positioning: Level of emphasis Group Head of Sustainability, Group Risk Management
on climate change related topics in corporate Investment: Direction and size of
Mathias Graf
reporting, medium to high emphasis relative change in investment into clean energy,
Head of Cat Research & Development, Group Operations
to low emphasis or no mentioning. vs estimated target level. Source: Bloomberg
BNEF clean energy trends, World Bank Charlotta Groth
Source: Datamaran Global Macroeconomist, Group Investment Management
CCS technology: External tracker of progress Energy integration and storage: Jean-Pierre Krause
in CCS technology and number of projects External tracker on progress in energy Global Head of Risk Engineering, Commercial Insurance
deployed. Source: IEA storage, smart grids, demand response,
digitalisation, hydrogen, cogeneration of Eugenie Molyneux
Social trends: Size and direction of change in heating/cooling, equal weighted score. Chief Risks Officer, Commercial Insurance
the number of articles published on climate Source: IEA Amar RAHMAN
change related topics. Source: Datamaran Global RE Practice Leader Natural Hazards Resilience, Commercial Insurance
Fossil fuel subsidies: Global fossil fuel
Energy supply: External tracker of progress subsidies, direction and size of change. Gregory Renand
on gas, nuclear, renewable power, coal and Source: IEA Head of Strategic Partnerships and Integrated Campaigns, Group Communications
renewable power, equal weighted score. John Scott
Source: IEA
Electrical vehicles: External tracker of Head of Sustainability Risks, Group Risk Management
technological progress in the sector.
Legislation: Number of global regulatory Source: IEA
Iwan Stalder
initiatives that impact corporate transparency Head of Group Accumulation Management, Group Operations
on climate change issues, annual change vs David Swaden
historical average. Source: Datamaran Senior Speech and Content Writer, Group Communications

Contributors from Konecranes


Nathalie Clément
Director of Corporate Responsibility
Atso Mattila
Head of Risk Management

Contributors from The Creative Lab (Tag agency)


Elaine Gander
Project Manager
Peter Walker
Design

38 Managing the impacts of climate change: risk management responses Managing the impacts of climate change: risk management responses 39
Disclaimer
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therein are those of Zurich Insurance Group Ltd as of the date of writing and are subject to change
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contained, and opinions expressed herein are based on numerous assumptions. Different
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