I'd be interested to know why Mike is asking this question. I recall some calculations can be found
at
The Global Climate Coalition, Washington DC http://www.globalclimate.org
Though it needs to be remembered that they are a lobbying group funded largely by the fossil fuel
industry in the USA and elsewhere. They argue that there is not enough evidence that the climate
is changing, and that even if it is changing, that is no proof that natural disasters are
increasing, and even if they were, in pure financial terms, disasters are not necessarily bad for
the US economy.
So far as the insurance industry is concerned, it is all very well if the climate is stationary and
if the frequency, severity and location of disasters can be predicted based on historical data.
Premium can be adjusted to suit the risk. However the frequency and severity of claims from
natural disasters are increasing at an uncertain but significant rate, and this makes underwriting
the hazard rather difficult. Also if we have more frequent global events like El Nino, it is
harder to spread the risk around the world.
The UK Building Research Establishment are about to publish a book on the implications of climate
change for insurers. For details, contact [log in to unmask] or check their website later this month
on www.bre.co.uk
Professor Julian Hunt, former head of the UK Met Office, and now as Lord Hunt of
Chesterton, climate change advisor to the UK government, strongly recommends this report to
scientists, businesses and government agencies concerned with climate change.
Regards,
David
Prof. David Crichton, <[log in to unmask]>
1 Quarryknowe Crescent
INCHTURE, Perthshire, Scotland. PH14 9RH
Tel; +44 (0) 1828 686493
Neither this email, nor any attachments to it, constitute professional
advice and do not create any legal obligations on the part of David
Crichton unless confirmed in a letter signed by me and sent by post.
If you have received this email in error, please contact me as soon as possible. Thank you.
Fax and voicemail; +44 (0) 1828 686961
Why not join the Natural Hazards Network?
http://www.mailbase.ac.uk/lists/natural-hazards-disasters/
----------
> From: Mike D <[log in to unmask]>
> To: Natural Disasters <[log in to unmask]>
> Subject: Who benefits from Natural Disasters?
> Date: 05 November 2000 20:22
>
> Hello all.
> I was wondering if anyone had any ideas as to Who benefits from Natural
> Disasters (financially, or in other ways.)
> Thanks for your help
>
> Mike
>
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