Convergence boosts climate science on agenda

ILS Bermuda has added an afternoon of science-focused content to its agenda for Convergence 2024, which takes place next month. 

Scheduled for the afternoon of Wednesday, October 9, this new segment, developed in partnership with Arizona State University (ASU) and the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences (BIOS), will provide an immersive experience centred on the latest scientific advancements and the intersecting opportunities for innovation with ILS industry, ILS Bermuda said. 

The afternoon's content will kick off with a keynote address by Peter Schlosser, vice provost of Global Futures at ASU and director of the Global Futures Laboratory. 

“A globally respected climate scientist and oceanographer, Schlosser will offer insights into the critical intersections between climate change, ocean science, and risk management, emphasising the role of innovative solutions in addressing global environmental challenges,” the organisation said. 

The event will also feature three panel discussions designed to foster dialogue between leading scientists, industry experts, and regulatory leaders, exploring the potential for the ILS community to drive global economic resilience by leveraging cutting-edge scientific research and data. 

Other confirmed speakers include Upmanu Lall, a renowned expert in water systems and climate risk management from Arizona State University, bringing his extensive experience in climate resilience to the forefront. 

Brian Sherman, CEO of the Southwest Sustainability Innovation Engine, will contribute to the panel on business and science acceleration, offering insights from his leadership in sustainability initiatives and economic development. 

Brennan Phillips from the University of Rhode Island, currently in residence at BIOS, will present his groundbreaking work with deep-sea sensors and the development of verifiable data that could potentially revolutionise understanding of ocean dynamics. 

"This afternoon of sessions represents a pivotal moment for Bermuda and the ILS community,” said Jo Stanton, chair of ILS Bermuda. “By bringing together leading minds in the field of science and the ILS industry, we are not only positioning Bermuda as a global leader in scientific innovation but also fostering the kind of collaborative thinking that will drive real-world solutions to the challenges posed by climate change. 

“We are excited to see the insights and innovations that will emerge from these discussions."

ILS Bermuda said the new addition to the agenda underscored its commitment to fostering collaboration between the scientific and financial communities and aims to utilise the power of the ILS market to spearhead global climate resilience initiatives. 

"We are thrilled that the partnership between ASU and BIOS can bring such a critical conversation to the forefront of Convergence 2024,” said Steven Weinstein, chair of BIOS. “This event represents a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between cutting-edge science and the financial industry, driving meaningful progress in the effort to mitigate and adapt to climate change and other cutting edge emerging risks, with solutions grounded in data, science and measured effectiveness. 

“We are grateful to ILS Bermuda, our donors and supporters, and the sponsors of Convergence for making possible this important dialogue in Bermuda, the world risk capital.”

Schlosser added: “At ASU’s Global Futures Laboratory, we are deeply committed to building bridges between science, business, and policymakers to tackle the world's most urgent challenges.  

"I am eager to join this critical dialogue in Bermuda, where the intersection of climate science and the ILS industry presents a unique opportunity to drive innovative, globally significant solutions.

“Our commitment to Bermuda is steadfast, as demonstrated by our investment in BIOS, the scholarship programmes we've established for Bermudian students at ASU, and our ongoing participation in key events like Convergence. We look forward to further advancing our shared vision for a more resilient and sustainable future."

Convergence 2024 attendees will automatically have access to this special afternoon session as part of their existing registration. For those interested in attending the afternoon alone, a dedicated registration option will be available.

Further details, including additional confirmed speakers and specific panel topics, will be announced in the coming weeks. For more information and to register, please visit www.ilsbermuda.com/convergence.

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