Renowned climate scientist to speak at Convergence

Renowned climate scientist Kerry Emanuel will be the science keynote speaker at next month's Convergence conference, it was announced yesterday. 

Convergence, the Bermuda insurance-linked securities industry's annual conference, takes place from October 7-9. 

Emanuel, a professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), has carried out groundbreaking research on the effects of long-term climate change on hurricane activity which has significantly influenced the world's understanding of natural disaster risk in the context of a changing climate. 

Richard Lowther, managing partner at Integral ILS and member of the ILS Bermuda steering committee, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Professor Emanuel to Bermuda as the Science Keynote Speaker for Convergence 2024. 

"His deep expertise in climate science and his insights into the evolving dynamics of natural disaster risk are invaluable to the ILS industry, especially as we navigate the growing impacts of extreme weather events on our global environment. 

"On behalf of Integral ILS Ltd, we are deeply grateful to Kerry for serving as our Science Advisor since the firm’s inception.”

Emanuel’s keynote confirmation comes after ILS Bermuda’s announcement of an additional afternoon of sessions, hosted in conjunction with Arizona State University (ASU) and the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences (BIOS), which will provide an immersive experience centred on the latest scientific advancements and their implications for the ILS market.

Emanuel has authored or co-authored more than 200 peer-reviewed scientific papers and three highly regarded books, including “Divine Wind: The History and Science of Hurricanes” and “What We Know About Climate Change,” which is now in its third edition. 

"His work has not only shaped academic discourse but also raised public awareness about the impacts of climate change and the increasing risks associated with extreme weather events," ILS Bermuda said in a statement. 

Emanuel is also the co-founder of the MIT Lorenz Center, a climate think tank devoted to basic, curiosity-driven climate research. 

He joins a distinguished lineup of leading scientists who will also be sharing their expertise and perspectives at Convergence 2024. Among them are Adam Sobel, a renowned expert in weather and climate from the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory at Columbia University, and Kelsey Malloy, a research scientist specializing in severe convective storms at Columbia University. These esteemed speakers will bring a wealth of knowledge on topics ranging from climate dynamics and extreme weather events to innovative approaches in risk modeling and prediction.  

"As the ILS industry continues to intersect with extreme weather risk and science innovation, Professor Emanuel’s keynote address is expected to provide a compelling perspective on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. His participation underscores the Convergence event’s commitment to fostering dialogue on critical issues that shape the future of the ILS market and the broader financial landscape," ILS Bermuda. 

To register for this year’s Convergence, taking place on October 7- 9, visit https://ilsbermuda.com/convergence.

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