Cat risk: why forecasting climate change is a disaster

Forecasters are poles apart on climate-driven catastrophes; insurers fear there’s worse ahead

Risk 1119 In depth Mark Long nbillustration.co.uk
Mark Long, nbillustration.co.uk

The year is 1987. The worst storm in centuries is about to sideswipe the UK with hurricane-strength winds. Notoriously – folklorically – BBC meteorologist Michael Fish addresses a viewer’s concerns: “Earlier on today, apparently, a woman rang the BBC and said she heard there was a hurricane on the way. Well, if you’re watching: don’t worry, there isn’t.”

The storm cost the insurance industry an estimated £2 billion ($2.5 billion). Although Fish claimed his comment was taken out of context

Only users who have a paid subscription or are part of a corporate subscription are able to print or copy content.

To access these options, along with all other subscription benefits, please contact info@risk.net or view our subscription options here: http://subscriptions.risk.net/subscribe

You are currently unable to copy this content. Please contact info@risk.net to find out more.

Sorry, our subscription options are not loading right now

Please try again later. Get in touch with our customer services team if this issue persists.

New to Risk.net? View our subscription options

Most read articles loading...

You need to sign in to use this feature. If you don’t have a Risk.net account, please register for a trial.

Sign in
You are currently on corporate access.

To use this feature you will need an individual account. If you have one already please sign in.

Sign in.

Alternatively you can request an individual account here