
The ClimateWise Insurance Advisory Council is a group of C-suite executives drawn from across ClimateWise’s global membership base. They commission impact research into ways the insurance industry can support the zero carbon, climate-resilient transition.
Insurance is among the industries most affected by climate change due to what it insures and invests in. Consequently, insurers are keen to mitigate the risks of climate change. While many organisations have worked voluntarily, both individually and in leadership groups, a more co-ordinated response is required across the financial system. This requires a combination of industry leadership supported by cutting-edge research and analysis.
The Council’s purpose is therefore to draw on the University of Cambridge and its partners’ expertise to help strengthen the industry's response and inform regulators, policymakers and other stakeholders on how to promote more systematic responses to climate change across the financial system.
The Council was established in 2016 and is currently led by chair Kevin O’Donnell, President and CEO, RenaissanceRe, with deputy chair John Scott, Head of Sustainability Risk, The Zurich Insurance group.
For queries relating to the Council, please contact us.
Council members
Kevin O’DonnellPresident and CEO, RenaissanceRe“Climate change is one of the most complex challenges faced by the world and our business. The insurance and reinsurance industry plays an important role in managing climate risk while helping facilitate the transition to a lower carbon economy. Through ClimateWise, leaders across the industry can collaborate to strengthen our collective response to this important issue.” |
Claudine BlameyChief Sustainability Officer, Aviva"I am honoured to join the ClimateWise Insurance Advisory Council, where I look forward to collaborating with industry leaders to drive meaningful climate action. At Aviva, we are committed to becoming a Net Zero company by 2040, and we have been carbon-neutral since 2006. Our focus on decarbonising our business, investing in energy transition, and supporting climate adaptation aligns perfectly with ClimateWise's mission. Together, we can create a sustainable future for our communities and the planet" |
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Dominic ChristianGlobal Chairman Reinsurance Solutions, Aon“ClimateWise's long-standing collaboration between industry and academia continues to stimulate inventive thought, activate intelligent analysis and facilitate confident responses in a space long on conversation, shorter on actions.” |
Rebekah ClementCorporate Affairs Director, Lloyd’s“As a market that supports millions of people and businesses around the world, Lloyd’s has an important role to play in insuring the transition to a lower carbon future – unlocking climate financing, innovating to insure renewable technologies and helping build resilience in climate vulnerable communities. Those efforts require a coordinated effort from all our stakeholders in industry, policy and beyond – which is why I’m proud to join the ClimateWise Insurance Advisory Council to accelerate progress towards a more sustainable economy.” |
Andrew CutlerCEO Tindall Riley“Tindall Riley is delighted to have joined ClimateWise and we look forward to being active members, whilst contributing to the insurance industry’s response to the major and urgent challenges posed to society by climate change. Our membership of this important collaboration reaffirms Tindall Riley’s commitment to sustainability.” |
Mandy DennisonVice President, Global Social Impact & ESG, Intact Financial Corporation“RSA and Intact have been on the frontlines of climate change with our customers, helping them to recover from the impacts of extreme weather. We’re committed to using our strengths, expertise, and scale to help build resilient communities and support our partners and customers transition towards a sustainable future.” |
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Jon DyeCEO Hiscox plc“Having been part of the development of ClimateWise in a previous role I am very pleased to rejoin the Insurance Advisory Council to support ongoing development and research into the ways the insurance industry can come together to realise the zero carbon, climate-resilient transition. Hiscox’s sustainability ambition is to be here for the long term, for our customers, colleagues and communities, operating in a sustainable way for the future. To reach this ambition we need industries to move in the same direction and ClimateWise is a great example of this in action, I look forward to seeing what we can achieve collectively. Hiscox underwrites physical exposures susceptible to natural perils, which means it is crucial we understand as much as possible about climate risks and integrate that knowledge into our business activities. Aligning the industry thinking will support reducing climate impacts for all in the future and result in better outcomes for our customers, colleagues and communities.” |
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Ben KinderChief Underwriting Officer – Marine, Energy and Renewables, Tokio Marine HCC International“Globally, we are transitioning to a more decarbonised society. This process won’t happen overnight, and the investment required will be significant. It will be another industrial revolution, with green initiatives at its heart. Insurance is critical in ensuring the safety and prosperity of current and future generations by facilitating the growth of the green marketplace. At Tokio Marine, we are committed to providing clients, whether they be renewable energy producers, banks, or industry, with tailored risk transfer solutions to support them in their decarbonisation efforts, no matter what stage they are at in their journey. I am delighted to be joining the ClimateWise Insurance Advisory Council, unlocking new green opportunities and facilitating the green transition can only be achieved through proactive collaboration and knowledge sharing” |
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