The International Actuarial Association (IAA) is pleased to announce the discussion paper, “Decarbonization: A Briefing for Actuaries”, developed by its Resource and Environment Working Group.

This paper provides an introduction to the topic of decarbonization for actuaries around the world. Aspects covered include: the main types and sources of greenhouse gas emissions; relevant international agreements; commitments made; the policies adopted; likely future developments; and, observations on potential actuarial implications. While decarbonization will increasingly affect every economy and will transform how and what goods are produced and services are provided, the timing and progress of change is highly uncertain.

Sam Gutterman, acting Chair of the Resource and Environment Working Group, said “decarbonization not only is an important characteristic of current and future physical processes, but it will also have an impact on financial and economic conditions that affect the industries that actuaries serve. We hope that this briefing will provide actuaries with a basis to recognize and understand these characteristics and processes.”

The paper is available on the IAA website under PUBLICATIONS/PAPERS.

This activity supports the IAA’s mission to promote the role, reputation and recognition of the actuarial profession. Further, it contributes towards achieving the IAA’s strategic objective to facilitate the coordination, use and expansion of the scientific knowledge and skills of the actuarial profession, and to help enhance the scope, availability, and quality of actuarial services offered by individual members of its member associations.

To learn more about the work of the IAA on this topic, contact the Secretariat, care of the Resource and Environment Working Group.