ClimateWise, the insurance industry’s international initiative on climate change, today continued to extend its global influence as it welcomed three new members, each leaders on climate change in their home markets.

In joining ClimateWise, the three new members, Santam (Southern Africa’s largest short-term insurer), TrygVesta (the Nordic region’s second largest general insurer) and Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company (a leading U.S. provider of property and casualty insurance and subsidiary of Allianz SE), further underline the initiative’s international influence and appeal, with membership now covering three continents: Europe, North America and Africa, all of which will play crucial roles in the UN climate change negotiations at the end of the year.

In welcoming these new members, Andrew Torrance, ClimateWise Chairman, said: “I am delighted to welcome Santam, TrygVesta and Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company to ClimateWise’s growing international membership at this timely moment with the UN climate change negotiations in Copenhagen fast approaching. Climate change demands an urgent and transformational change in the way we manage our global economy. There is a climate crisis which poses a systemic risk to the global economy and which must be tackled now. ClimateWise’s members, leading insurance industry participants drawn from right across the globe, understand the need for action and will continue to influence the debate to achieve this.”

Explaining their decision to join, Hendri Nigrini, Executive Head of Risk Services at Santam said: “Climate change cannot be ignored or avoided and there are also limits to how much of climate risk can be transferred to the insurance industry. As a society we need to reduce and attempt to avoid catastrophes in the longer term. We at Santam are serious about our journey. We believe every small act is important, as it all adds up. We are therefore keen to learn from like-minded peers in the ClimateWise group. We also want to work together with them to address the risks, and share the opportunities for our industry concerning climate change with our clients.”

Meanwhile, Ms Stine Bosse, TrygVesta’s Group CEO, said: "As the second largestpeace of mind provider in the Nordic region, TrygVesta considers climate change one of the biggest social challenges of our time, demanding new products and services to help our customers face new and emerging risks. TrygVesta is determined to answer this challenge andtaking up membership of ClimateWiseis our way of materialising this ambition and launching a public commitment to constantly strive for improvement."

“Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company believes climate change is and will continue to have far-reaching implications,” said Mike LaRocco, chief executive officer of Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company. “We have integrated climate response into our product strategy by being the first insurance company to respond to the green building movement with specific coverage for green commercial buildings and green homes.Our green insurance addresses the unique risks associated with sustainable building practices.”

1. Enquiries to:

ClimateWise

Andrew Voysey +44 20 7216 7530 (mobile +44 7595 106458)

Santam

Ella Janson +27 021 915 719

ella.janson@santam.co.za

TrygVesta

Tom Anders Stenbro +47 55171855 (Mobile: +47 9382 5307)

Tom.Anders.Stenbro@trygvesta.no

Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company

Susan Murdy +1 415 899-3749

susan.murdy@ffic.com