The Boston Globe has an article series on climate change titled “Into the Red: Climate and the Fight for Our Lives.” It addresses broader societal implications, but the title evokes questions about life and long-term insurers’ liabilities. Specifically, the changing climate is poised to have deleterious effects on mortality and morbidity rates, particularly in a high greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions scenario. Both chronic changes (such as elevated temperatures and prolonged drought) and acute events (such as the increasing frequency and severity of hurricanes and wildfires) can significantly affect human health.

Until recently, life and health insurers in developed economies have kept climate change at arm’s length. But many organizations today are now taking steps toward governance and disclosure. They also are increasingly taking action to prepare for the future of their business and are assessing corporations’ contributions to emissions. However, some still perceive they can afford not to focus on the now.