2008 Natural Catastrophe Review

On November 15 Munich Re and the Insurance Information Institute hosted a webinar to provide an overview of 2008 natural catastrophes. Topics and questions covered included: (1).An update of U.S. catastrophe activity (statistics and major events, including hurricane, flood, tornado and wildfire losses);(2). How did 2008 compare to prior years?;(3) An update of global catastrophe activity (statistics and major events, including the Chinese earthquake, Myanmar cyclone and European windstorm.);(4). Are global events increasing in frequency and severity? (5)How is global warming influencing trends?;(6). What are the economic implications of the significant natural catastrophes that occurred this year? The featured speakers were: Bob Kinsella, spokesperson, Munich Re Group; Carl Hedde, Head of Risk Accumulation, Munich Re America; Ernst Rauch, Head of Corporate Climate Center, Munich Re; and Dr. Robert Hartwig, President, Insurance Information Institute.