William McDonnell, IAG's Chief Financial Officer, highlighted that while various factors influence insurance pricing, the component related to natural perils is gradually increasing. He emphasised that climate change is playing an escalating role in this trend, particularly in areas more exposed to these perils.
A recent report by IAG, in collaboration with the US National Science Foundation's National Centre for Atmospheric Research, sheds light on the changing climate's impact on severe weather patterns. The report indicates a noticeable rise in large hail events, especially in major urban areas, with evidence suggesting a southward expansion of hail-prone regions along the Melbourne-Sydney-Brisbane corridor. Atmospheric conditions have become increasingly favourable for hail over the past 30 years in Australia's most densely populated regions.
Beyond hailstorms, the report highlights that bushfire weather risks are escalating rapidly. Rising temperatures are leading to more days with extreme weather conditions conducive to uncontrollable bushfires, while shifting rainfall patterns are reducing soil and fuel moisture in some areas, creating continuous, fire-supportive landscapes. The frequency of heatwaves combined with dry conditions is expected to rise, significantly increasing the number of extreme fire weather days and, as a result, the intensity of bushfires.
McDonnell stressed the importance of urgent action to improve the resilience of buildings and infrastructure to reduce risks in the long run. He called for steps such as improving building codes, land use planning, and deciding which flood defenses to build or not build. James Done from the US National Science Foundation's National Centre for Atmospheric Research echoed this sentiment, emphasising the need for a collective and urgent effort from business, industry, government, communities, and individuals to integrate scientific understanding with risk mitigation and adaptation strategies.
In conclusion, the insights provided by IAG and its partners highlight the critical link between climate change and rising insurance premiums. As extreme weather events become more frequent and severe, it is imperative for all stakeholders to collaborate on strategies that enhance resilience and mitigate risks, ensuring the sustainability and affordability of insurance for Australian homeowners.
