ZURICH, Switzerland Rising levels of pollution and the depletion of water resources are jeopardising the quality and availability of water supplies, according to two new Swiss Re focus reports.
Water Quality and Water Availability, published to coincide with today's United Nations' world water day, advocate broad-based strategies to correct the present situation and assess the implications for future generations.
As a global reinsurer, Swiss Re is contributing to this process by providing information and through its activities in risk management and financial services.
Clean drinking water has become increasingly scarce in the wake of ongoing pollution, depletion of global water resources, a rapidly increasing world population and growing demand for potable water. This trend has disastrous consequences for health and nutrition, threatening business development as much as the natural environment.
Water has always been an important factor for Swiss Re - as storms or torrential rain cause floods or trigger land and mudslides. Modern risk analysis is clear on one factor: in the future, water will gain pivotal importance as an issue affecting society, ecology and economics.
The management of water as a natural resource has an immediate impact on the insurance sector - both as a risk and an opportunity. The risks are known and lie primarily in the area of liability. However, water also presents opportunities as it shifts from being a public commodity to a commercial product, requiring the development of new insurance concepts and offering investment potential.
The information kit, The Water Factor is available in English and German, and contains the two Focus Reports Water Quality and Water Availability. A web version of the water kit is available at www.swissre.com (Top Topics). Two additional short publications on the topics of ocean pollution and large dams are scheduled to appear before the end of the year.
Swiss Re is one of the world's reinsurers with over 70 offices in more than 30 countries. In the 2000 financial year, gross premium volume amounted to CHF 26.1 billion and the net income after tax reached CHF 3 billion. Swiss Re is rated "AAA" by Standard & Poor's, "Aaa" by Moody's and "A++" (superior) by A.M.Best.
