It's a fact: Natural catastrophes are increasing in severity andfrequency. The insured damage from all natural disasters in theUnited States in Q1 2017 is estimated at nearly $7 billion,according Aon Benfield. Of that, about $6 billion is fromsevere storms. Disaster losses along the East Coast are projectedto escalate in the coming years, in part because of spikes inbuilding and property development.

With the beginning of the Atlantic Hurricane season upon us, we have anopportunity to promote community resilience by fostering greateremphasis on solutions that can save lives and prevent losses. Thekey to having a lasting impact is to build and grow a resiliencemovement.

From Debates to Dialogues

To build a resilience movement, we need toshift the dialogue from causes to solutions.

People look at insurance as purely recovery-based. Counteringthis perception presents an opportunity to facilitate collaborationthat will make communities more resilient when catastrophes strike.The crux of insurance's impact is in how it helps businesses,communities and individuals plan ahead. This kind of preparationhelps by lowering insurance costs, reducing losses, and encouragingfaster recovery and rebuilding of our cities andinfrastructure.

The insurance industry's commitment to resilience spreadsfar beyond advanced risk modeling and reportingand astute management of capital. Insurers and industry groups helpto effectuate sound policymaking by advocating for the support offorward-looking legislation — for example, the reauthorization andreform of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), potentially ahuge catalyst for a burgeoning resilience movement.

Effective urban planning and building designalso play an important role in facilitating a greater capacity forresilience. That's why the insurance/reinsurance industry supportsgroups such as the Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS),which conducts objective, scientific research to identify andpromote the most effective ways to strengthen homes, businesses andcommunities. The industry also collaborates with institutions suchas the Risk Management and Decision Processes Center at the WhartonSchool, the Rockefeller Foundation's 100 Resilient Cities and theAtlantic Council's Adrienne Arsht Center for Resilience.

Setting the Agenda

Insurance can help inform discussions that set the agenda for aresilience movement. Insurers and communities are renewingpartnerships that work together to mitigate risk. By doing so, wecan reduce costs while rebuilding affected communities faster.

Natural catastrophes are an ever-presentthreat. The responsibility of safeguarding property and peopleis a serious matter that demands effective responses all around:Enlightened public policy, motivated public and private sectorpartners, and well-informed and aware citizens.