Media Briefing - New IBC Research on Weather -- Can Canada Manage the Storms Ahead?

TORONTO, May 28, 2012 /CNW/ - By 2050, Canadian temperatures will warm more than the global average with much warmer winters and warmer summers. This is one of the key findings from a new research report prepared by world-renowned climate scientist Dr. Gordon McBean and the Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction. The report, commissioned by Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) will be released on Monday, June 4th in an address by Dr. McBean, hosted by The Empire Club of Canada.

Dr. McBean is also President-elect of the International Council for Science; Chair of the ad-hoc Committee for the Ontario Regional Climate Change Consortium; Chair of Board of the Canadian Foundation for Climate and Atmospheric Sciences; former Chair of the international Integrated Research on Disaster Risk Program; and member of the UNESCO High Panel for Science for Development. The study examines the future of weather trends in Canada and was undertaken to help to put communities, industry and governments in a better position to adapt.

Prior to the address, Dr. McBean will be available at a media briefing to talk about his findings including a description of specific climate changes we can expect in seven regions across Canada by the year 2050.

In 2011, catastrophic events cost Canadian insurers roughly $1.7B and almost $1B in each of the two previous years. All of these insured losses were caused by extreme weather events, but smaller weather events also played a role in significant property damage for consumers. Canadians are already witnessing the impact of more severe weather in terms of lost lives and injuries, families displaced from their homes, and towns that are devastated.

Gregor Robinson is IBC's Senior Vice-President, Policy and Chief Economist. He says, "We hope this research will act as a catalyst for governments, industry, communities and individuals to recognize the weather risks we are facing and to enter discussions about how to reduce their effects on Canadians' lives and communities."

Date:				Monday, June 4^th
Time:				1030am  NEWS BRIEFING 1200pm  LUNCHEON AND SPEECH
Where:				Media Briefing -- Fairmont Royal York Hotel - Salon A - Level C Luncheon -- Fairmont Royal York Hotel - Ballroom 100 Front Street West, Toronto, Ontario

(There will be an opportunity for you to get a copy of the report, meet Professor McBean and ask questions ahead of the event.)

About Insurance Bureau of Canada
Insurance Bureau of Canada is the national industry association representing Canada's private home, car and business insurers. Its member companies represent 90% of the property and casualty (P&C) insurance market in Canada. The P&C insurance industry employs over 114,000 Canadians, pays more than $7 billion in taxes to the federal, provincial and municipal governments, and has a total premium base of $40 billion.

To view media releases and information, visit the media section of IBC's website at www.ibc.ca.

 

and to RSVP to the event, contact Steve Kee, Director of Media Relations, 416-362-2031, Extension 4387 or email [email protected]