WTW seals major research initiative

WTW seals major research initiative | Insurance Business New Zealand

Environmental

WTW seals major research initiative

Pair looking forward to sharing their expertise

Environmental

By
Terry Gangcuangco

WTW, through the WTW Research Network (WRN), has unveiled a partnership with academic researchers Cullen Hendrix (pictured left) and Ida Rudolfsen (pictured right) to boost the company’s advisory services when it comes to climate change and its security impacts.

Hendrix is affiliated with the Peterson Institute of International Economics and the Center for Climate & Security, while Rudolfsen does research at the Peace Research Institute Oslo and Uppsala University’s Department of Peace and Conflict Research.

Areas the duo will look into include the geopolitical implications of climate-related migration, resource conflict and nationalisation, and water and food insecurity. The goal is to quantify their effects on business.

“Meeting humanity’s needs for food, water, and energy are not the defining challenges of our times – they’re the defining challenges of all times,” Hendrix asserted. “They’re the challenges that must be met day after day, over and over, before any other goals can be achieved.

“And that challenge is growing increasingly difficult as climate change harms global food systems and requires a shift away from fossil fuels, creating incredible opportunities but also large downside risks. With all of this playing out in an era of rising geopolitical tensions, I’m proud to partner with WTW, a global leader in insurance markets and risk modelling.

Rudolfsen, who will provide insights on the connections between food insecurity and conflict, also looks forward to working with the broking giant.

“This collaboration underscores WTW´s commitment to address global challenges through data-driven analysis and innovative solutions,” she said. “This partnership represents an opportunity to leverage cutting-edge research and analysis to inform decision-making processes.

“I am happy to contribute with my expertise to their efforts and look forward to advancing our understanding of these complex issues in the current political landscape.”

Graham Knight, global head of natural resources at WTW, added: “As we support clients in their risk management strategy, the availability of natural resources such as water and critical minerals, and the ensuing strategic competition around green technologies are key considerations.

“Being able to lean on authoritative research is essential to support our advisory and placement services, and we look forward to leveraging these partnerships for the benefit of our clients.”

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