A sustainable world is a worthy goal that most businesses actively pursue. With the rise of climate change concerns, people are looking to organizations for solutions and socially responsible behavior. The insurance industry is a key player in addressing these complex challenges facing humanity and the environment.
Insurance companies are at the forefront of the fight for sustainability. They can lead the way to a more climate-friendly and resilient world for the future. They can accomplish this by delivering a framework for unified action and mapping out the road ahead for other businesses.
The Need for Sustainability in Today’s World
Sustainability incorporates three components. These are:
- Environmental sustainability
- Social equity
- Economic growth
Environmental sustainability addresses climate change by tackling current natural disasters and implementing programs to reduce future climate-related damage.
Social equity refers to a company’s proactive method of determining the business impacts on the community, including its employees.
Economic growth in a sustainable and forward-looking organization must be tempered with careful consideration of the other two components. Although a business should strive to be profitable, it must also have oversight and risk management.
What Is the World Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?
The United Nations implemented the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to provide a framework for businesses to achieve sustainability. These are as follows:
- No poverty
- No hunger
- Good health and well-being
- Quality education
- Gender equality
- Clean water and sanitation
- Affordable and clean energy
- Positive work and economic growth
- Industry, innovation, and infrastructure
- Reduced inequalities
- Sustainable communities
- Responsible consumption and production
- Climate action
- Life under the water
- Life on land
- Peace, justice, and strong institutions
- Partnerships
Insurance and Sustainability
The insurance industry is a vital partner in creating a sustainable world. With the many natural disasters sweeping the globe, providers offer protection and risk management products. In addition, the insurance industry has a role in developing viable solutions that mitigate risk to property.
Insurance companies are key players in improving life for individuals and other businesses. They have the potential to shape public opinion, influence stakeholders and investors, and effect change in the world.
As companies proactively and reactively manage climate-induced damage and engage in sustainability goals, they build their brand and reputation as a socially responsible industry. They can rise and meet the threat of environmental, social, and economic unsustainability.
What Is ESG, and How Is It Important?
Economic, social, and governance facets in business are considered ESG practices adopted by a company. The ESG practices of a business are vital to investors, who analyze them before investing money into a company.
Investors and consumers alike are more concerned about connecting with companies that embrace corporate social responsibility than they were a few decades ago. Now, stakeholders are prioritizing ESG, and insurance companies are sure to incorporate its practices.
Mitigating Risk
Insurance agencies are tasked with protecting people financially from a range of disasters, accidents, and liabilities. The climate crisis, economic instability, and complex social issues exacerbate some of these issues. The insurance industry can mitigate risks by offering sustainable insurance solutions for those affected by the abovementioned issues.
Socially Responsible
Insurance agencies can show their corporate sustainability activities by providing environmentally friendly coverage. In addition, these companies that support other organizations with corporate social responsibility goals will reflect their commitment to the cause. It’s important to connect and partner with other businesses that have adopted any of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Support for these entities indicates your pledge to put sustainability at the top of your priority list. Stakeholders will be more apt to get involved with companies on the path to global sustainability.
Insurance Contributions to a Sustainable World
The United Nations began developing sustainability development goals in 2012. They continue to map out goals and associated action plans for insurance companies. This aids the agencies in contributing to a sustainable world by using innovation, creativity, and proactive solutions.
Insurance agencies can provide packages that promote renewable energy, resilient communities, and sustainable living, offering discounts for customers who adhere to sustainability goals. In addition, some products can reach people in poverty-stricken areas in collaboration with the UN.
Taking the Lead
Insurers can rise to the occasion and take the lead. They have many opportunities to move forward in the quest to make the world sustainable. However, it requires being proactive and understanding how the SDGs are applicable to the area where they are located. Some aspects of climate change or social issues may be more of an issue in certain areas.
In addition, being a leader means staying on top of trends, implementing training, and analyzing how climate impacts clients. Some of the ways insurers can step forward and work on these goals are as follows:
- Develop a mission statement that aligns with sustainability goals
- Consider the location’s environment and climate
- Tailor environmentally friendly coverage
- Assign a team (or individual) to create a sustainable plan of action
- Assess risk factors in conjunction with SDGs and ESG practices
- Determine area risks and price products competitively
- Use data and analytics to support product creation
Join the Insurance Industry’s Sustainability Goals Today!
Now you know more about world sustainability goals and the role insurance plays. Look to Confie to keep you in the loop about insurance industry trends. Here at Confie, we are bringing you cutting-edge news about the industry’s goals. Ready to get on board and become a leader in the field? We’re always looking for talented agents, so feel free to reach out online or just give us a call at 714-252-2500!
