Climate Change: From Dialogue to Action

Swiss Re hosted earlier this month a joint event of The Swiss Society of New York and the Swiss-American Chamber of Commerce, "Climate Change: From Dialogue to Action", at Swiss Re's Park Avenue Plaza office. Nearly 100 attendees heard presentations from a distinguished panel including: Ambassador Peter Maurer, Permanent Mission of Switzerland to the United Nations; Paul R. Epstein, M.D., M.P.H., Associate Director of the Center for Health and the Global Environment at Harvard Medical School; Anna-Marie Francello, Head of UBS Americas In-House Ecology; and Mark Way, Director, Sustainable Development Americas, Swiss Re.

The presentation by Dr. Epstein outlined evidence that climate change is occurring and the potential effects. He detailed the benefits of environmentally sound projects, such as Green Buildings, in terms of reduced public health costs and annual energy expenses. The ability of corporations to reduce their energy usage, and reduce operating costs, was addressed in the presentation by Anna-Marie Francello of UBS. UBS, as part of a coordinated program, is committed to complying with environmental regulations (such as ISO 14001), minimizing their environmental impact and continually improving their processes to adhere to environmentally sound practices. These efforts will allow UBS to reduce their carbon output to 40% of 2004 levels by 2012.

Mark Way from Swiss Re, which has been carbon neutral since 2003, discussed the effect extreme weather events have had on increasing insurance losses, as well as adaption measures aimed at reducing society's vulnerability to a more severe climate. Mark also discussed various climate relevant products which Swiss Re has brought to market including catastrophe bonds, weather derivatives and carbon market insurance and services. Ambassador Maurer wrapped up the presentation with an overview of the activities the UN is undertaking to address climate change and increase activities that address climate change globally. The presentations were followed by a panel discussion and questions from the audience.

 

Downloads

Presentation Mark Way

Presentation Anna-Marie Francello

Presentation Dr. Paul Epstein

Invitation "Climate Change: From Dialogue to Action"

 

Links

Picture gallery

The Swiss Society of New York

Swiss-American Chamber of Commerce, New York Chapter

 

 

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