The Bermuda Insurance Institute (BII) and the Risk Prediction Initiative (RPI), part of the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences (BIOS) will be collaborating to provide a day-and-a-half seminar focused on Catastrophe Risk.

The seminar will take place on Thursday, November 7 and Friday, November 8, at the BUEI.

Renowned international and local experts will be participating in the event.

A statement said the first day of the seminar will focus on international catastrophe risk and topics will include but are not limited to: Changing Hurricane Risk: Inferences from Models and Theory presented by Professor Kerry Emanuel of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and the Increasing Trends in Tornado Intensity which will be facilitated by Professor James Elsner of Florida State University.

On the second day of the seminar, participants will explore local risks and will cover topics such as Hurricane Risk in Bermuda and Severe Convective Risk in Bermuda, the statement said.

Dr Mark Guishard, Program Manager for the Risk Prediction Initiative will be presenting on these topics and had this to say: “Our current collaboration with the BII builds on our existing good relationship, which allows us to jointly host such events for the benefit of the industry. The RPI scientists we bring to this seminar will deliver an up-to-date scientific perspective on some of the hazards which drive risk on a regional and global scale, and also highlight some aspects of the changing face of risk for local interests.

“The implications of climate change for hurricanes and severe weather patterns will be discussed, as well as some of the natural cycles which affect the variability of weather impacts.”

Dr Dawnnelle Walker, CEO of the Bermuda Insurance Institute said, “The BII is pleased to partner with the Risk Prediction Initiative. One of our goals is to provide our members with meaningful educational opportunities, and RPI provides research information that is relevant to the insurance and (re) insurance industries. “The scientists provide high-level research on natural hazards such as hurricanes, typhoons and tornadoes, and the RPI management team uses their expert knowledge of climate-related natural disasters with their experience in risk management. Our collaboration is a win/win for both organisations.”

Persons interested in attending can register at www.bii.bm or call Dr Walker at 295-1596 for more information.