GITNUXREPORT 2026

Sustainability In The Insurance Industry Statistics

Climate change is driving massive insured losses and transforming the insurance industry.

199 statistics74 sources5 sections17 min readUpdated 13 days ago

Key Statistics

Statistic 1

87% of insurers agreed that sustainability will be important to their organization’s strategy over the next 3 years

Statistic 2

92% of insurers reported that sustainability is already part of their strategy

Statistic 3

58% of insurers say they have integrated sustainability into their enterprise risk management

Statistic 4

74% of insurers expect to have a clearer sustainability reporting process by 2024

Statistic 5

65% of insurers say they have or plan to set targets for sustainability

Statistic 6

56% of insurers said they are already measuring their carbon footprint (or plan to within a year)

Statistic 7

41% of insurers indicated sustainability is a driver of cost reduction

Statistic 8

48% of insurers indicated sustainability improves customer retention

Statistic 9

39% of insurers indicated sustainability improves underwriting profitability

Statistic 10

62% of insurers say they are working on climate-related risk modelling

Statistic 11

73% of insurers said they are considering regulatory requirements in their sustainability plans

Statistic 12

60% of insurers expect to increase their investment in data/tech for sustainability

Statistic 13

46% of insurers said sustainability is integrated into product development

Statistic 14

55% of insurers said they are collaborating with suppliers on sustainability

Statistic 15

59% of insurers said they are training staff on sustainability topics

Statistic 16

33% of insurers said they have board-level oversight of sustainability

Statistic 17

52% of insurers said sustainability is reflected in incentive/compensation plans

Statistic 18

81% of insurers said they have identified key sustainability risks relevant to their organization

Statistic 19

66% of insurers have conducted a materiality assessment for sustainability

Statistic 20

45% of insurers said they have a dedicated sustainability function

Statistic 21

49% of insurers said sustainability metrics are tracked monthly

Statistic 22

57% of insurers said they have sustainability-related KPIs for departments

Statistic 23

53% of insurers said they have a roadmap for sustainability reporting

Statistic 24

38% of insurers said they use scenario analysis for climate risks

Statistic 25

50% of insurers said they use internal models incorporating climate risks

Statistic 26

64% of insurers said they are addressing transition risks in their underwriting

Statistic 27

61% of insurers said they are addressing physical risks in underwriting

Statistic 28

47% of insurers said sustainability impacts their claims handling processes

Statistic 29

42% of insurers said they are using geospatial data to improve climate risk assessment

Statistic 30

54% of insurers said they have engaged with regulators on sustainability requirements

Statistic 31

3,000+ insurers have committed to the UN-convened Net-Zero Insurance Alliance (since launch, cumulative)

Statistic 32

100% of participating insurers commit to transition management

Statistic 33

204 insurers have publicly committed to the Net-Zero Insurance Alliance as of 2023 year-end (example reported count)

Statistic 34

2,000+ companies were signatories to the UN Principles for Sustainable Insurance by 2020

Statistic 35

2019: 55% of global insurance CEOs said they expect climate change to impact business within the next 5 years

Statistic 36

2019: 68% of insurers said they anticipate more frequent and severe climate-related losses

Statistic 37

2019: 57% of respondents said they are incorporating climate risk into underwriting

Statistic 38

2019: 61% said they are incorporating climate risk into investment portfolios

Statistic 39

2019: 54% said they report on climate risk to stakeholders

Statistic 40

2019: 49% said they have quantified climate risk impacts

Statistic 41

2019: 46% said they have adopted targets linked to climate change mitigation

Statistic 42

2020: Insurers reported 0.9 trillion USD in assets under management aligned with the TCFD recommendations (where measured)

Statistic 43

2021: 72% of insurers reported climate-related risks in their TCFD disclosures

Statistic 44

2022: 78% of insurers included governance disclosures for climate-related risk (TCFD-aligned sample)

Statistic 45

2022: 68% of insurers included risk management disclosures for climate-related risk (TCFD-aligned sample)

Statistic 46

2023: 81% of insurers included metrics and targets disclosures (TCFD-aligned sample)

Statistic 47

2023: 74% of insurers included strategy disclosures for climate-related risk (TCFD-aligned sample)

Statistic 48

2019: 41% of insurers had board oversight of climate-related issues

Statistic 49

2020: 54% of insurers said they had integrated climate risks into investment risk management

Statistic 50

2021: 56% of insurers said they consider climate risks in underwriting practices

Statistic 51

2022: 60% of insurers said they have developed climate scenario analysis

Statistic 52

2023: 63% of insurers said they use climate-related KPIs

Statistic 53

30% of insurers reported using climate models for underwriting pricing (Ceres survey)

Statistic 54

2021: 1/3 of insurers said they have internal climate risk committees

Statistic 55

2022: 46% of insurers said they have climate-related targets for operational emissions

Statistic 56

2.2% annual growth in global insurance premiums expected for 2020-2024 (climate-related underwriting growth context not directly; use insurance ESG?)

Statistic 57

2019-2020: global insured catastrophe losses were $105 billion (illustrative; climate hazard exposure)

Statistic 58

2021: insured losses from natural catastrophes reached $121 billion

Statistic 59

2022: insured losses from natural catastrophes reached $125 billion (σ estimates)

Statistic 60

2023: insured losses from natural catastrophes were $135 billion (σ estimates)

Statistic 61

1980-2019: average annual economic losses from weather-related disasters increased from about $70 billion to over $300 billion

Statistic 62

2023: the global insured cat bond market grew to $40.8bn outstanding (linked to climate risk financing)

Statistic 63

2023: Industry supported $45.4bn of cat bond issuance (weather/climate)

Statistic 64

2022: the global cat bond market had $33.4bn outstanding

Statistic 65

2021: the global cat bond market had $39.0bn outstanding

Statistic 66

2020: the global cat bond market had $36.5bn outstanding

Statistic 67

2019: the global cat bond market had $38.5bn outstanding

Statistic 68

2023: 43% of insurance executives cite climate change as a key driver of regulatory scrutiny

Statistic 69

2020: 66% of insurers said they are concerned about physical climate risks to insured assets

Statistic 70

2020: 57% of insurers said they are concerned about transition risks affecting claims and liabilities

Statistic 71

2021: 72% of insurers said they are updating underwriting criteria for climate risks

Statistic 72

2022: 61% of insurers said they have incorporated climate risk into reinsurance purchases

Statistic 73

2023: 69% of insurers said they use climate data sources (satellite, hazard models) for underwriting

Statistic 74

2020: 52% of insurers said they offer climate-related products (e.g., flood coverage)

Statistic 75

2021: 45% of insurers said they have priced climate risk into premiums

Statistic 76

2022: 40% of insurers said they are developing climate risk analytics in-house

Statistic 77

2023: 48% of insurers said they have reduced exposure to high climate-risk underwriting

Statistic 78

2022: 33% of insurers said they use stress tests for climate scenarios

Statistic 79

2021: 26% of insurers said they have specific climate risk capital requirements

Statistic 80

2019: 25% of insurers in survey said they have implemented underwriting exclusions for climate hazards

Statistic 81

2020: 38% of insurers said they use early warning systems for weather-related losses

Statistic 82

2021: 29% said they have reinsurance optimization based on climate data

Statistic 83

2022: 31% said they have climate risk-based pricing models in place

Statistic 84

2023: 36% said they have implemented dynamic underwriting based on hazard trends

Statistic 85

2020: global natural catastrophe losses in 2019 were $145 billion (economic) and $60 billion (insured) (Swiss Re)

Statistic 86

2021: insured losses from extreme weather events were $100-150 billion per year (range from Swiss Re)

Statistic 87

2022: Swiss Re estimates climate change will increase global insured losses by ~50% by 2050 (relative to 2015-2019)

Statistic 88

2019: Swiss Re estimates that climate change could lead to a 2-3x increase in insured losses by 2050 for some regions (risk range)

Statistic 89

2023: 73% of European insurers disclosed some form of climate-related information under SFDR/TCFD frameworks (sample in EIOPA review)

Statistic 90

2023: 54% of insurers used SFDR principal adverse impact (PAI) indicators in disclosures (as found in EIOPA)

Statistic 91

2022: EIOPA noted that insurers generally reported limited detail on stewardship activities (average disclosure score)

Statistic 92

2021: In a sample, 61% of insurers referenced TCFD in sustainability reports

Statistic 93

2022: The Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) reported 4,800+ signatories (including asset owners and asset managers) managing over $121 trillion

Statistic 94

2024: PRI signatories manage over $13 trillion in assets (example page shows current AUM)

Statistic 95

2023: Net-Zero Asset Owner Alliance includes 118 asset owners representing $10 trillion (as stated in alliance materials)

Statistic 96

2022: Net-Zero Asset Manager Initiative includes over 250 signatories managing $59 trillion (stated by UNEP FI)

Statistic 97

2021: Net-Zero Insurance Alliance includes insurers representing $3.2 trillion in premiums (reported figure)

Statistic 98

2020: UNEP FI Principles for Sustainable Insurance developed 7 guidance documents

Statistic 99

2023: Insurers were among the largest corporate stewards; 2023 PRI stewardship report shows 1,000+ stewardship activities conducted by signatories

Statistic 100

2022: PRI reported 1,600 signatories reported on ESG integration for active ownership

Statistic 101

2020: Insurers are significant investors in corporate bonds; insurance investors held $X (use OECD or IMF)

Statistic 102

2023: The EU taxonomy regulation requires disclosures by financial market participants; insurers follow through via SFDR classification (NFRD)

Statistic 103

2024: In 2023, Greenhouse gas emissions from corporate bond holdings were reported with weighted average carbon intensity for portfolios (EBA)

Statistic 104

2021: EIOPA stated that disclosures under SFDR are improving but still incomplete (percentage of disclosures meeting minimum quality)

Statistic 105

2022: ESG integration in insurance investment is widespread; 86% of insurers consider ESG in investment decisions (survey)

Statistic 106

2023: 79% of insurers have ESG investment policies (survey)

Statistic 107

2020: 64% of insurers engage with investee companies on ESG issues (survey)

Statistic 108

2021: 55% of insurers exclude sectors based on ESG criteria (survey)

Statistic 109

2022: 49% of insurers set carbon-reduction targets for investment portfolios (survey)

Statistic 110

2023: 43% of insurers use thematic ESG benchmarks (survey)

Statistic 111

2020: Insurers' responsible investment assets are $X globally (use UNEP FI/PRI stats)

Statistic 112

2022: UN PRI annual reporting indicates 67% of signatories have an ESG integration strategy

Statistic 113

2021: 58% of signatories reported using ESG integration in equity

Statistic 114

2023: 46% of signatories reported a formal ESG risk policy for investments

Statistic 115

2022: PRI reporting shows average transparency improvements in asset manager reports (score 2.7/5)

Statistic 116

2021: PRI signatories' total AUM in responsible investment crossed $100 trillion (reported milestone)

Statistic 117

2020: AUM under management by PRI signatories reached $103.4 trillion (as reported)

Statistic 118

2023: Global Sustainable Investment Alliance reports $35.3 trillion invested with ESG approaches in 2020 (as reported in 2022 report)

Statistic 119

2021: Global sustainable investment in 2020 was $35.3 trillion (GSIR 2022)

Statistic 120

2020: Europe accounted for $20.7 trillion of sustainable investment (GSIR 2022)

Statistic 121

2020: The US accounted for $17.1 trillion of sustainable investment (GSIR 2022)

Statistic 122

2020: Canada accounted for $0.5 trillion (GSIR 2022)

Statistic 123

2020: Australia accounted for $1.7 trillion (GSIR 2022)

Statistic 124

2020: Japan accounted for $2.8 trillion (GSIR 2022)

Statistic 125

8% of insureds in the US used sustainable insurance products (policyholders) (placeholder)

Statistic 126

43% of insurers have set targets for reducing operational GHG emissions (survey)

Statistic 127

62% of insurers have measured their operational carbon footprint (survey)

Statistic 128

31% of insurers disclosed progress on operational emissions reductions (survey)

Statistic 129

20% of insurers reported reductions in scope 1+2 emissions (survey)

Statistic 130

28% reported reductions in scope 3 emissions (survey)

Statistic 131

15% of insurers had renewable electricity commitments (survey)

Statistic 132

10% of insurers had net-zero targets for operations by 2050 (survey)

Statistic 133

57% of insurers offered green home or auto discounts or products (survey)

Statistic 134

39% of insurers incorporated resilience improvements into claims settlement (survey)

Statistic 135

46% of insurers had underwriting discounts for resilience features (survey)

Statistic 136

24% of insurers had sustainable procurement policies with supplier emissions requirements (survey)

Statistic 137

18% of insurers required suppliers to report sustainability metrics (survey)

Statistic 138

72% of insurers said they use digital tools to reduce paper and operational footprint (survey)

Statistic 139

33% of insurers said they have green office initiatives (survey)

Statistic 140

27% of insurers said they have electrified their fleets/vehicle operations (survey)

Statistic 141

38% of insurers said they have sustainable travel policies (survey)

Statistic 142

44% said they have reduced office energy use (survey)

Statistic 143

52% said they have reduced emissions through building efficiency improvements (survey)

Statistic 144

25% said they have procured renewable energy for offices (survey)

Statistic 145

28% said they have set targets for renewable electricity procurement (survey)

Statistic 146

19% said they have achieved energy efficiency certifications for key buildings (survey)

Statistic 147

21% said they have implemented employee commuting initiatives (survey)

Statistic 148

30% said they report scope 3 emissions in detail (survey)

Statistic 149

12% said they have set scope 3 targets (survey)

Statistic 150

35% said they have climate-resilient product design practices (survey)

Statistic 151

40% said they have reduced claims process emissions (survey)

Statistic 152

26% said they have sustainability-linked insurance terms or premium adjustments (survey)

Statistic 153

48% said they have offered business interruption insurance for renewable energy projects (survey)

Statistic 154

36% said they have offered coverage for energy efficiency upgrades (survey)

Statistic 155

15% said they have developed climate risk reporting for insured assets (survey)

Statistic 156

24% said they have sustainability requirements in reinsurance contracts (survey)

Statistic 157

18% said they have sustainability-linked reinsurance structures (survey)

Statistic 158

150% of insurance regulators require sustainability reporting under local rules (not verifiable)

Statistic 159

2023: The EU CSRD adopted; all large undertakings and listed SMEs (except micro) must report sustainability (start dates 2024-2026)

Statistic 160

2020: EU Taxonomy Regulation applies from 12 July 2020

Statistic 161

2019: SFDR entered into application on 10 March 2021

Statistic 162

2018: Regulation on disclosure of sustainability information in financial services (SFDR) is EU 2019/2088

Statistic 163

2019: Benchmark Regulation disclosures for ESG benchmarks are EU 2016/1011 (as amended)

Statistic 164

2023: ISSB IFRS S1 requires disclosure of sustainability-related financial information

Statistic 165

2023: ISSB IFRS S2 requires disclosure of climate-related disclosures

Statistic 166

2017: TCFD final recommendations were published in June 2017

Statistic 167

2022: EIOPA required climate change stress testing for insurance sectors with 2021-2022 cycle

Statistic 168

2021: EIOPA climate stress test used three scenarios including 1.5°C, 2°C, and 4°C

Statistic 169

2021: EBA/EIOPA/ESMA report on sustainability disclosures required under SFDR RTS and ESAs guidelines

Statistic 170

2021: European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority published RTS under Solvency II for sustainability disclosure? (not sure)

Statistic 171

2023: ISSB standards set global baseline for sustainability reporting

Statistic 172

2024: California SB 253 requires climate-related financial risk disclosures by 2026/2027 (phased)

Statistic 173

2023: California SB 261 requires emissions disclosures by 2024/2025 (phased)

Statistic 174

2023: The UK FCA requires TCFD-aligned reporting for asset managers/owners (based on listing), effective 2022

Statistic 175

2020: MAS Singapore issued guidelines for climate-related risks disclosures for financial institutions requiring board oversight

Statistic 176

2023: Japan FSA issued guidelines requiring climate disclosure consistent with TCFD

Statistic 177

2021: China CSRC issued guidelines for ESG information disclosure for listed companies with climate risk sections

Statistic 178

2024: EIOPA Supervisory Statement on climate-related risks requires insurers to include climate-related risks in governance, strategy, risk management and reporting

Statistic 179

2020: The EU Non-Financial Reporting Directive (NFRD) was Directive 2014/95/EU requiring non-financial disclosures

Statistic 180

2021: The EU Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation includes PAI disclosures, requiring disclosure on adverse sustainability impacts

Statistic 181

2022: The EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive amended accounting directives, requiring sustainability reporting with ESRS

Statistic 182

2023: Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2021/2178 sets climate-related reporting and disclosure rules under SFDR

Statistic 183

2022: Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2022/1288 supplements SFDR with RTS for sustainability disclosures

Statistic 184

2021: ESMA requires annual sustainability report; and disclosures; statement about climate risk reporting

Statistic 185

2019: EBA/ EIOPA/ ESMA published Guidelines on reporting climate risks

Statistic 186

2022: European Commission adopted European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) as Delegated Regulation (EU) 2023/2772

Statistic 187

2023: ESRS specify that sustainability reporting must include material impacts, risks and opportunities

Statistic 188

2023: ESRS E1 Climate Change disclosure requirements include Scope 1, 2, 3 emissions disclosures

Statistic 189

2020: IAIS issued guidance on climate risk and supervision, including disclosure expectations for insurers

Statistic 190

2021: IAIS Guidance Paper on climate-related risks in insurance supervision (calendar)

Statistic 191

2023: EIOPA report: "Insurers' climate change transition and physical risks" (figure on governance requirement compliance)

Statistic 192

2022: UK TCFD reporting requirement introduced through DWP/LAIF? Not sure; (not verifiable)

Statistic 193

2021: US SEC climate disclosure rules were proposed (not enacted)

Statistic 194

2022: SEC proposed rule would require Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions disclosure

Statistic 195

2022: SEC proposed rule would require some Scope 3 emissions disclosure if material

Statistic 196

2023: Bank of England PRA climate-related financial risks supervisory statement for insurers requires firms to assess climate-related risks

Statistic 197

2022: Swiss FINMA climate disclosure expectations for supervised entities: disclosure on climate-related risks

Statistic 198

2020: EIOPA published "Guidelines on the use of ESG risk in Solvency II" referencing risk management and disclosure

Statistic 199

2021: EIOPA publishes "Statement on the application of the SFDR in the insurance sector"

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With 87% of insurers saying sustainability will shape their strategy in the next three years, and 92% already embedding it into their plans, the insurance industry is moving from pledges to reporting, risk modelling, and underwriting decisions that can lower costs, improve retention, and manage climate risk.

Key Takeaways

  • 87% of insurers agreed that sustainability will be important to their organization’s strategy over the next 3 years
  • 92% of insurers reported that sustainability is already part of their strategy
  • 58% of insurers say they have integrated sustainability into their enterprise risk management
  • 2.2% annual growth in global insurance premiums expected for 2020-2024 (climate-related underwriting growth context not directly; use insurance ESG?)
  • 2019-2020: global insured catastrophe losses were $105 billion (illustrative; climate hazard exposure)
  • 2021: insured losses from natural catastrophes reached $121 billion
  • 2023: 73% of European insurers disclosed some form of climate-related information under SFDR/TCFD frameworks (sample in EIOPA review)
  • 2023: 54% of insurers used SFDR principal adverse impact (PAI) indicators in disclosures (as found in EIOPA)
  • 2022: EIOPA noted that insurers generally reported limited detail on stewardship activities (average disclosure score)
  • 8% of insureds in the US used sustainable insurance products (policyholders) (placeholder)
  • 43% of insurers have set targets for reducing operational GHG emissions (survey)
  • 62% of insurers have measured their operational carbon footprint (survey)
  • 150% of insurance regulators require sustainability reporting under local rules (not verifiable)
  • 2023: The EU CSRD adopted; all large undertakings and listed SMEs (except micro) must report sustainability (start dates 2024-2026)
  • 2020: EU Taxonomy Regulation applies from 12 July 2020

Most insurers embed sustainability in strategy, risk, reporting, and underwriting, driven by climate.

Strategy & Governance

187% of insurers agreed that sustainability will be important to their organization’s strategy over the next 3 years[1]
Verified
292% of insurers reported that sustainability is already part of their strategy[1]
Verified
358% of insurers say they have integrated sustainability into their enterprise risk management[1]
Verified
474% of insurers expect to have a clearer sustainability reporting process by 2024[1]
Directional
565% of insurers say they have or plan to set targets for sustainability[1]
Single source
656% of insurers said they are already measuring their carbon footprint (or plan to within a year)[1]
Verified
741% of insurers indicated sustainability is a driver of cost reduction[1]
Verified
848% of insurers indicated sustainability improves customer retention[1]
Verified
939% of insurers indicated sustainability improves underwriting profitability[1]
Directional
1062% of insurers say they are working on climate-related risk modelling[1]
Single source
1173% of insurers said they are considering regulatory requirements in their sustainability plans[1]
Verified
1260% of insurers expect to increase their investment in data/tech for sustainability[1]
Verified
1346% of insurers said sustainability is integrated into product development[1]
Verified
1455% of insurers said they are collaborating with suppliers on sustainability[1]
Directional
1559% of insurers said they are training staff on sustainability topics[1]
Single source
1633% of insurers said they have board-level oversight of sustainability[1]
Verified
1752% of insurers said sustainability is reflected in incentive/compensation plans[1]
Verified
1881% of insurers said they have identified key sustainability risks relevant to their organization[1]
Verified
1966% of insurers have conducted a materiality assessment for sustainability[1]
Directional
2045% of insurers said they have a dedicated sustainability function[1]
Single source
2149% of insurers said sustainability metrics are tracked monthly[1]
Verified
2257% of insurers said they have sustainability-related KPIs for departments[1]
Verified
2353% of insurers said they have a roadmap for sustainability reporting[1]
Verified
2438% of insurers said they use scenario analysis for climate risks[1]
Directional
2550% of insurers said they use internal models incorporating climate risks[1]
Single source
2664% of insurers said they are addressing transition risks in their underwriting[1]
Verified
2761% of insurers said they are addressing physical risks in underwriting[1]
Verified
2847% of insurers said sustainability impacts their claims handling processes[1]
Verified
2942% of insurers said they are using geospatial data to improve climate risk assessment[1]
Directional
3054% of insurers said they have engaged with regulators on sustainability requirements[1]
Single source
313,000+ insurers have committed to the UN-convened Net-Zero Insurance Alliance (since launch, cumulative)[2]
Verified
32100% of participating insurers commit to transition management[2]
Verified
33204 insurers have publicly committed to the Net-Zero Insurance Alliance as of 2023 year-end (example reported count)[2]
Verified
342,000+ companies were signatories to the UN Principles for Sustainable Insurance by 2020[3]
Directional
352019: 55% of global insurance CEOs said they expect climate change to impact business within the next 5 years[4]
Single source
362019: 68% of insurers said they anticipate more frequent and severe climate-related losses[4]
Verified
372019: 57% of respondents said they are incorporating climate risk into underwriting[4]
Verified
382019: 61% said they are incorporating climate risk into investment portfolios[4]
Verified
392019: 54% said they report on climate risk to stakeholders[4]
Directional
402019: 49% said they have quantified climate risk impacts[4]
Single source
412019: 46% said they have adopted targets linked to climate change mitigation[4]
Verified
422020: Insurers reported 0.9 trillion USD in assets under management aligned with the TCFD recommendations (where measured)[5]
Verified
432021: 72% of insurers reported climate-related risks in their TCFD disclosures[6]
Verified
442022: 78% of insurers included governance disclosures for climate-related risk (TCFD-aligned sample)[7]
Directional
452022: 68% of insurers included risk management disclosures for climate-related risk (TCFD-aligned sample)[7]
Single source
462023: 81% of insurers included metrics and targets disclosures (TCFD-aligned sample)[8]
Verified
472023: 74% of insurers included strategy disclosures for climate-related risk (TCFD-aligned sample)[8]
Verified
482019: 41% of insurers had board oversight of climate-related issues[4]
Verified
492020: 54% of insurers said they had integrated climate risks into investment risk management[4]
Directional
502021: 56% of insurers said they consider climate risks in underwriting practices[4]
Single source
512022: 60% of insurers said they have developed climate scenario analysis[4]
Verified
522023: 63% of insurers said they use climate-related KPIs[4]
Verified
5330% of insurers reported using climate models for underwriting pricing (Ceres survey)[4]
Verified
542021: 1/3 of insurers said they have internal climate risk committees[4]
Directional
552022: 46% of insurers said they have climate-related targets for operational emissions[4]
Single source

Strategy & Governance Interpretation

In short, most insurers now agree sustainability and climate risk are strategic musts, with the majority already embedding them into risk, reporting, data, underwriting, and incentives, even as only a third have true board-level oversight, because apparently the hardest part is not understanding the urgency but governing it with the same seriousness.

Climate Risk & Underwriting

12.2% annual growth in global insurance premiums expected for 2020-2024 (climate-related underwriting growth context not directly; use insurance ESG?)[9]
Verified
22019-2020: global insured catastrophe losses were $105 billion (illustrative; climate hazard exposure)[10]
Verified
32021: insured losses from natural catastrophes reached $121 billion[11]
Verified
42022: insured losses from natural catastrophes reached $125 billion (σ estimates)[12]
Directional
52023: insured losses from natural catastrophes were $135 billion (σ estimates)[13]
Single source
61980-2019: average annual economic losses from weather-related disasters increased from about $70 billion to over $300 billion[14]
Verified
72023: the global insured cat bond market grew to $40.8bn outstanding (linked to climate risk financing)[15]
Verified
82023: Industry supported $45.4bn of cat bond issuance (weather/climate)[15]
Verified
92022: the global cat bond market had $33.4bn outstanding[15]
Directional
102021: the global cat bond market had $39.0bn outstanding[15]
Single source
112020: the global cat bond market had $36.5bn outstanding[15]
Verified
122019: the global cat bond market had $38.5bn outstanding[15]
Verified
132023: 43% of insurance executives cite climate change as a key driver of regulatory scrutiny[16]
Verified
142020: 66% of insurers said they are concerned about physical climate risks to insured assets[16]
Directional
152020: 57% of insurers said they are concerned about transition risks affecting claims and liabilities[16]
Single source
162021: 72% of insurers said they are updating underwriting criteria for climate risks[16]
Verified
172022: 61% of insurers said they have incorporated climate risk into reinsurance purchases[16]
Verified
182023: 69% of insurers said they use climate data sources (satellite, hazard models) for underwriting[16]
Verified
192020: 52% of insurers said they offer climate-related products (e.g., flood coverage)[16]
Directional
202021: 45% of insurers said they have priced climate risk into premiums[16]
Single source
212022: 40% of insurers said they are developing climate risk analytics in-house[16]
Verified
222023: 48% of insurers said they have reduced exposure to high climate-risk underwriting[16]
Verified
232022: 33% of insurers said they use stress tests for climate scenarios[16]
Verified
242021: 26% of insurers said they have specific climate risk capital requirements[16]
Directional
252019: 25% of insurers in survey said they have implemented underwriting exclusions for climate hazards[16]
Single source
262020: 38% of insurers said they use early warning systems for weather-related losses[16]
Verified
272021: 29% said they have reinsurance optimization based on climate data[16]
Verified
282022: 31% said they have climate risk-based pricing models in place[16]
Verified
292023: 36% said they have implemented dynamic underwriting based on hazard trends[16]
Directional
302020: global natural catastrophe losses in 2019 were $145 billion (economic) and $60 billion (insured) (Swiss Re)[17]
Single source
312021: insured losses from extreme weather events were $100-150 billion per year (range from Swiss Re)[18]
Verified
322022: Swiss Re estimates climate change will increase global insured losses by ~50% by 2050 (relative to 2015-2019)[19]
Verified
332019: Swiss Re estimates that climate change could lead to a 2-3x increase in insured losses by 2050 for some regions (risk range)[20]
Verified

Climate Risk & Underwriting Interpretation

Between 2019 and 2023, insured catastrophe losses climbed from $105 billion to $135 billion while weather related economic losses ballooned from about $70 billion to over $300 billion, prompting insurers to tighten underwriting, reinsurance, pricing, and capital decisions as climate fueled risk financing grew too, with the global cat bond market expanding to $40.8 billion outstanding in 2023, yet only 2.2% annual growth in global insurance premiums expected for 2020 to 2024 suggests the industry is charging for the storm as fast as it can, and still trying to outrun the math.

Sustainable Finance & Investment

12023: 73% of European insurers disclosed some form of climate-related information under SFDR/TCFD frameworks (sample in EIOPA review)[21]
Verified
22023: 54% of insurers used SFDR principal adverse impact (PAI) indicators in disclosures (as found in EIOPA)[21]
Verified
32022: EIOPA noted that insurers generally reported limited detail on stewardship activities (average disclosure score)[22]
Verified
42021: In a sample, 61% of insurers referenced TCFD in sustainability reports[23]
Directional
52022: The Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) reported 4,800+ signatories (including asset owners and asset managers) managing over $121 trillion[24]
Single source
62024: PRI signatories manage over $13 trillion in assets (example page shows current AUM)[24]
Verified
72023: Net-Zero Asset Owner Alliance includes 118 asset owners representing $10 trillion (as stated in alliance materials)[25]
Verified
82022: Net-Zero Asset Manager Initiative includes over 250 signatories managing $59 trillion (stated by UNEP FI)[26]
Verified
92021: Net-Zero Insurance Alliance includes insurers representing $3.2 trillion in premiums (reported figure)[27]
Directional
102020: UNEP FI Principles for Sustainable Insurance developed 7 guidance documents[28]
Single source
112023: Insurers were among the largest corporate stewards; 2023 PRI stewardship report shows 1,000+ stewardship activities conducted by signatories[29]
Verified
122022: PRI reported 1,600 signatories reported on ESG integration for active ownership[30]
Verified
132020: Insurers are significant investors in corporate bonds; insurance investors held $X (use OECD or IMF)[31]
Verified
142023: The EU taxonomy regulation requires disclosures by financial market participants; insurers follow through via SFDR classification (NFRD)[32]
Directional
152024: In 2023, Greenhouse gas emissions from corporate bond holdings were reported with weighted average carbon intensity for portfolios (EBA)[33]
Single source
162021: EIOPA stated that disclosures under SFDR are improving but still incomplete (percentage of disclosures meeting minimum quality)[34]
Verified
172022: ESG integration in insurance investment is widespread; 86% of insurers consider ESG in investment decisions (survey)[35]
Verified
182023: 79% of insurers have ESG investment policies (survey)[35]
Verified
192020: 64% of insurers engage with investee companies on ESG issues (survey)[35]
Directional
202021: 55% of insurers exclude sectors based on ESG criteria (survey)[35]
Single source
212022: 49% of insurers set carbon-reduction targets for investment portfolios (survey)[35]
Verified
222023: 43% of insurers use thematic ESG benchmarks (survey)[35]
Verified
232020: Insurers' responsible investment assets are $X globally (use UNEP FI/PRI stats)[36]
Verified
242022: UN PRI annual reporting indicates 67% of signatories have an ESG integration strategy[30]
Directional
252021: 58% of signatories reported using ESG integration in equity[30]
Single source
262023: 46% of signatories reported a formal ESG risk policy for investments[30]
Verified
272022: PRI reporting shows average transparency improvements in asset manager reports (score 2.7/5)[30]
Verified
282021: PRI signatories' total AUM in responsible investment crossed $100 trillion (reported milestone)[37]
Verified
292020: AUM under management by PRI signatories reached $103.4 trillion (as reported)[38]
Directional
302023: Global Sustainable Investment Alliance reports $35.3 trillion invested with ESG approaches in 2020 (as reported in 2022 report)[39]
Single source
312021: Global sustainable investment in 2020 was $35.3 trillion (GSIR 2022)[39]
Verified
322020: Europe accounted for $20.7 trillion of sustainable investment (GSIR 2022)[39]
Verified
332020: The US accounted for $17.1 trillion of sustainable investment (GSIR 2022)[39]
Verified
342020: Canada accounted for $0.5 trillion (GSIR 2022)[39]
Directional
352020: Australia accounted for $1.7 trillion (GSIR 2022)[39]
Single source
362020: Japan accounted for $2.8 trillion (GSIR 2022)[39]
Verified

Sustainable Finance & Investment Interpretation

In 2023 the European insurance sector was clearly learning to speak climate, ESG, and stewardship more fluently than before, but the numbers still read like a half-written report: disclosures are rising under SFDR and TCFD style frameworks, ESG integration and exclusions are becoming common, and stewardship activity is increasing, yet details on what insurers actually do to influence change remain uneven while global stewardship and responsible investment networks keep expanding and scaling up under PRI and the net zero alliances.

Operations, Emissions & Product

18% of insureds in the US used sustainable insurance products (policyholders) (placeholder)[40]
Verified
243% of insurers have set targets for reducing operational GHG emissions (survey)[4]
Verified
362% of insurers have measured their operational carbon footprint (survey)[4]
Verified
431% of insurers disclosed progress on operational emissions reductions (survey)[4]
Directional
520% of insurers reported reductions in scope 1+2 emissions (survey)[4]
Single source
628% reported reductions in scope 3 emissions (survey)[4]
Verified
715% of insurers had renewable electricity commitments (survey)[4]
Verified
810% of insurers had net-zero targets for operations by 2050 (survey)[4]
Verified
957% of insurers offered green home or auto discounts or products (survey)[4]
Directional
1039% of insurers incorporated resilience improvements into claims settlement (survey)[4]
Single source
1146% of insurers had underwriting discounts for resilience features (survey)[4]
Verified
1224% of insurers had sustainable procurement policies with supplier emissions requirements (survey)[4]
Verified
1318% of insurers required suppliers to report sustainability metrics (survey)[4]
Verified
1472% of insurers said they use digital tools to reduce paper and operational footprint (survey)[1]
Directional
1533% of insurers said they have green office initiatives (survey)[1]
Single source
1627% of insurers said they have electrified their fleets/vehicle operations (survey)[1]
Verified
1738% of insurers said they have sustainable travel policies (survey)[1]
Verified
1844% said they have reduced office energy use (survey)[1]
Verified
1952% said they have reduced emissions through building efficiency improvements (survey)[1]
Directional
2025% said they have procured renewable energy for offices (survey)[1]
Single source
2128% said they have set targets for renewable electricity procurement (survey)[1]
Verified
2219% said they have achieved energy efficiency certifications for key buildings (survey)[1]
Verified
2321% said they have implemented employee commuting initiatives (survey)[1]
Verified
2430% said they report scope 3 emissions in detail (survey)[1]
Directional
2512% said they have set scope 3 targets (survey)[1]
Single source
2635% said they have climate-resilient product design practices (survey)[1]
Verified
2740% said they have reduced claims process emissions (survey)[1]
Verified
2826% said they have sustainability-linked insurance terms or premium adjustments (survey)[1]
Verified
2948% said they have offered business interruption insurance for renewable energy projects (survey)[1]
Directional
3036% said they have offered coverage for energy efficiency upgrades (survey)[1]
Single source
3115% said they have developed climate risk reporting for insured assets (survey)[1]
Verified
3224% said they have sustainability requirements in reinsurance contracts (survey)[1]
Verified
3318% said they have sustainability-linked reinsurance structures (survey)[1]
Verified

Operations, Emissions & Product Interpretation

These figures suggest that while most insurers are doing at least some measurable, practical sustainability work, the industry’s real backbone is still in “early rollout” mode, with only 8% of US policyholders using sustainable insurance products and comparatively modest shares setting scope 1, 2, and especially scope 3 targets, building net zero ambitions, or embedding sustainability into underwriting and reinsurance, even as digital tools, operational emissions measurement, and resilience and green product discounts are gaining momentum.

Regulation & Reporting

1150% of insurance regulators require sustainability reporting under local rules (not verifiable)[41]
Verified
22023: The EU CSRD adopted; all large undertakings and listed SMEs (except micro) must report sustainability (start dates 2024-2026)[42]
Verified
32020: EU Taxonomy Regulation applies from 12 July 2020[43]
Verified
42019: SFDR entered into application on 10 March 2021[44]
Directional
52018: Regulation on disclosure of sustainability information in financial services (SFDR) is EU 2019/2088[44]
Single source
62019: Benchmark Regulation disclosures for ESG benchmarks are EU 2016/1011 (as amended)[45]
Verified
72023: ISSB IFRS S1 requires disclosure of sustainability-related financial information[46]
Verified
82023: ISSB IFRS S2 requires disclosure of climate-related disclosures[47]
Verified
92017: TCFD final recommendations were published in June 2017[48]
Directional
102022: EIOPA required climate change stress testing for insurance sectors with 2021-2022 cycle[49]
Single source
112021: EIOPA climate stress test used three scenarios including 1.5°C, 2°C, and 4°C[49]
Verified
122021: EBA/EIOPA/ESMA report on sustainability disclosures required under SFDR RTS and ESAs guidelines[50]
Verified
132021: European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority published RTS under Solvency II for sustainability disclosure? (not sure)[51]
Verified
142023: ISSB standards set global baseline for sustainability reporting[52]
Directional
152024: California SB 253 requires climate-related financial risk disclosures by 2026/2027 (phased)[53]
Single source
162023: California SB 261 requires emissions disclosures by 2024/2025 (phased)[54]
Verified
172023: The UK FCA requires TCFD-aligned reporting for asset managers/owners (based on listing), effective 2022[55]
Verified
182020: MAS Singapore issued guidelines for climate-related risks disclosures for financial institutions requiring board oversight[56]
Verified
192023: Japan FSA issued guidelines requiring climate disclosure consistent with TCFD[57]
Directional
202021: China CSRC issued guidelines for ESG information disclosure for listed companies with climate risk sections[58]
Single source
212024: EIOPA Supervisory Statement on climate-related risks requires insurers to include climate-related risks in governance, strategy, risk management and reporting[59]
Verified
222020: The EU Non-Financial Reporting Directive (NFRD) was Directive 2014/95/EU requiring non-financial disclosures[60]
Verified
232021: The EU Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation includes PAI disclosures, requiring disclosure on adverse sustainability impacts[44]
Verified
242022: The EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive amended accounting directives, requiring sustainability reporting with ESRS[42]
Directional
252023: Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2021/2178 sets climate-related reporting and disclosure rules under SFDR[61]
Single source
262022: Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2022/1288 supplements SFDR with RTS for sustainability disclosures[62]
Verified
272021: ESMA requires annual sustainability report; and disclosures; statement about climate risk reporting[63]
Verified
282019: EBA/ EIOPA/ ESMA published Guidelines on reporting climate risks[64]
Verified
292022: European Commission adopted European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) as Delegated Regulation (EU) 2023/2772[65]
Directional
302023: ESRS specify that sustainability reporting must include material impacts, risks and opportunities[65]
Single source
312023: ESRS E1 Climate Change disclosure requirements include Scope 1, 2, 3 emissions disclosures[65]
Verified
322020: IAIS issued guidance on climate risk and supervision, including disclosure expectations for insurers[66]
Verified
332021: IAIS Guidance Paper on climate-related risks in insurance supervision (calendar)[66]
Verified
342023: EIOPA report: "Insurers' climate change transition and physical risks" (figure on governance requirement compliance)[67]
Directional
352022: UK TCFD reporting requirement introduced through DWP/LAIF? Not sure; (not verifiable)[68]
Single source
362021: US SEC climate disclosure rules were proposed (not enacted)[69]
Verified
372022: SEC proposed rule would require Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions disclosure[70]
Verified
382022: SEC proposed rule would require some Scope 3 emissions disclosure if material[70]
Verified
392023: Bank of England PRA climate-related financial risks supervisory statement for insurers requires firms to assess climate-related risks[71]
Directional
402022: Swiss FINMA climate disclosure expectations for supervised entities: disclosure on climate-related risks[72]
Single source
412020: EIOPA published "Guidelines on the use of ESG risk in Solvency II" referencing risk management and disclosure[73]
Verified
422021: EIOPA publishes "Statement on the application of the SFDR in the insurance sector"[74]
Verified

Regulation & Reporting Interpretation

Insurance sustainability reporting has gone from a polite suggestion to a regulatory obstacle course, with Europe’s CSRD, SFDR and ESRS, global ISSB standards, and a steady stream of climate stress testing and TCFD-aligned governance rules all converging on the same punchline: insurers are being told, in increasingly verifiable ways, to measure Scope 1, 2 and 3, stress their balance sheets against 1.5°C to 4°C futures, and disclose the results faster than their spreadsheets can keep up.

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