Never‑before experienced storms, hurricanes, forest wildfires and pandemics (such as the new Covid‑19, that in a short space of time is bringing havoc to our way of life and economies) are threatening the survival of mankind as a species. While our actions have caused the extinction of many other species, we must ask ourselves – are we next?

 
For many years insurers and reinsurers have been at the forefront of risk management, yet never before have the increasing number of challenges and uncertainties required them to identify new ways of managing risk or finding new solutions.
 
Take the Swiss Re Group for example. We interviewed Andreas Berger who, in addition to sharing his views on leadership, diversity, technology and the company’s expansion plans, discusses how sustainability is a strategic priority for the Group, outlining ambitious targets to mitigate climate risk, advance the energy transition and reduce societal vulnerabilities with innovative re/insurance solutions (such as creating the first cover for hurricane damage to a reef barrier in the Caribbean sea). He also tells us how the Group is dealing with the pandemic crisis.
 
Because we’re at a climate emergency tipping point, we’ve given it special attention in this edition of FULLCOVER: from our articles explaining the causes of climate change to the tragedies that loom and the challenges ahead. As always, we go further, bringing you some of the latest‑adopted solutions, demonstrating human ingenuity has no boundaries. History shows us that in moments of great wars or natural catastrophes, when all seemed lost, mankind always found a way to innovate, persevere… and survive.

With history essential to understanding the present and planning for the future, FULLCOVER 13 sheds light on the first ever insurance treatise, written by a Portuguese citizen way back in 1552. Detailing the past to the present day, Michael Morrissey explains the work the International Insurance Society undertakes on behalf of the sector; and Steve Hearn tells us how the new independent broking group he leads, BGC, is meeting the challenge of combining talent and technology.

Finally, we talked to Joana Vasconcelos, the worldwide renowned Portuguese artist, who told us, with her usual irreverence, how she has faced some daunting risks during her career, and how her indomitable spirit has enabled her to beat them, one by one, against all odds.

We invite you to discover more in this edition of FULLCOVER. In this amazing world, where new risks peer around every corner, the insurance and risk management sector will be there, as always, in a fearless and supportive way.

At the end of the day, Joana Vasconcelos’ motto ‘good fortune favours the bold’ could very well be ours too.