Capital, Canaries, or Catalysts: The Role of the Insurance Sector in Addressing Climate Risks

Duke students, faculty, and staff are invited to join a presentation from Francis Bouchard, managing director for climate at Marsh McLennan, on the role of the insurance sector in addressing climate risks.

In his talk, Bouchard will discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the sector's traditional investor and risk transfer roles, as well as provide a historical overview of how the sector has gone beyond those roles to transform societal risks. An informal reception will follow from 5-5:45 p.m.

Bouchard, an insurance executive with more than 30 years of experience, will start a one-year residency at Duke in January focused on exploring ways the insurance industry can make a positive impact on the climate crisis.

Other Opportunities for Duke Faculty and Staff to Connect with Bouchard
In addition to the talk on Nov. 14, Bouchard's visit on Nov. 14-16 will include meetings with Duke faculty and staff interested in collaborating during his residency; to set up a meeting, contact Caroline Gorham at caroline.gorham@duke.edu.

About Francis Bouchard
Francis Bouchard is an accomplished global public affairs professional who has served as an advisor, catalyst and contributor to a series of climate resilience and insurance initiatives.

Bouchard is currently the managing director for climate at Marsh McLennan, a leading professional services firm in the areas of risk, strategy and people. He earlier served as the group head of public affairs and sustainability for Zurich Insurance Group, where he focused on aligning the group's government affairs, sustainability and foundation activities. He originally joined the insurance sector in 1989 and has since held a series of industry-focused communications, sales, citizenship and public affairs roles, both in the United States and in Switzerland.

Bouchard also chairs the board of directors of SBP, a national nonprofit focused on disaster resilience and recovery; serves on the board of the climate-focused insurtech incubator InnSure; and is a member of the advisory council of Syracuse University's Dynamic Sustainability Lab.