The latest WTW Research Network newsletter collates insights
across our research portfolio and partners, exploring key themes on
recent natural catastrophe losses, the future of AI and
geopolitical trends.
Our H1 2024 Natural Catastrophe review highlighted
how in the first half of the year global natural catastrophes
caused extensive damage, with the U.S. experiencing above-average
tornadoes, hailstorms, and straight-line wind events, totalling
over $30 billion in insurance claims. Severe flooding affected
Brazil, East Africa, Australia, and Germany, while Japan and Taiwan
were hit by significant earthquakes. This follows on from a
"new normal" in 2023, another year in which insurers saw
over $100 billion in claims. A shift is also emerging in the
factors driving these losses. In 2023, more than 30 events
collectively contributed to over $100 billion in losses, with the
bulk of the total coming from smaller to mid-sized events. Notably,
the largest event— the
