Hamilton, Bermuda — ILS Bermuda is pleased to announce that Professor Kerry Emanuel, renowned meteorologist and climate scientist, will feature as the Science Keynote Speaker at the upcoming Convergence 2024 event. Taking place from October 7th to 9th in Bermuda, Convergence is a premier gathering for the insurance-linked securities (ILS) industry, where global leaders converge to discuss the latest trends, opportunities, and challenges facing the sector.

Professor Emanuel is the Cecil and Ida Green Professor of Atmospheric Science at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where he has been a faculty member since 1981. A distinguished scholar in the field of atmospheric science, Professor Emanuel specializes in tropical meteorology and climate science, with a particular focus on hurricane physics and climate change. His groundbreaking research on the effects of long-term climate change on hurricane activity has significantly influenced our understanding of natural disaster risk in the context of a changing climate—an area of immense relevance to the ILS community.

Over the course of his illustrious career, Professor Emanuel has authored or co-authored more than 200 peer-reviewed scientific papers and three highly regarded books, including “Divine Wind: The History and Science of Hurricanes” and “What We Know About Climate Change,” which is now in its third edition. His work has not only shaped academic discourse but also raised public awareness about the impacts of climate change and the increasing risks associated with extreme weather events.

In addition to his academic and research achievements, Professor Emanuel is the co-founder of the MIT Lorenz Center, a climate think tank devoted to basic, curiosity-driven climate research. His contributions to the field have been widely recognized, making him a sought-after speaker on issues related to climate science, weather prediction, and disaster risk management.

Professor Emanuel joins a distinguished lineup of leading scientists who will also be sharing their expertise and perspectives at Convergence 2024. Among them are Dr. Adam Sobel, a renowned expert in weather and climate from the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory at Columbia University, and Dr. Kelsey Malloy, a research scientist specializing in severe convective storms at Columbia University. These esteemed speakers will bring a wealth of knowledge on topics ranging from climate dynamics and extreme weather events to innovative approaches in risk modeling and prediction.  

Richard Lowther, Managing Partner at Integral ILS and member of the ILS Bermuda Steering Committee, commented:

“We are thrilled to welcome Professor Emanuel to Bermuda as the Science Keynote Speaker for Convergence 2024. His deep expertise in climate science and his insights into the evolving dynamics of natural disaster risk are invaluable to the ILS industry, especially as we navigate the growing impacts of extreme weather events on our global environment. On behalf of Integral ILS Ltd, we are deeply grateful to Kerry for serving as our Science Advisor since the firm’s inception.”

Professor Emanuel’s keynote confirmation comes shortly after ILS Bermuda’s announcement of an additional afternoon of sessions, hosted in conjunction with Arizona State University (ASU) and the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences (BIOS), which will provide an immersive experience centered on the latest scientific advancements and their implications for the ILS market.

As the ILS industry continues to intersect with extreme weather risk and science innovation, Professor Emanuel’s keynote address is expected to provide a compelling perspective on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. His participation underscores the Convergence event’s commitment to fostering dialogue on critical issues that shape the future of the ILS market and the broader financial landscape.

Convergence 2024 is an annual, highly anticipated networking event that delivers insightful sessions and hot topics from some of the best minds in the industry. To register for this year’s event, taking place on October 7 – 9, visit https://ilsbermuda.com/convergence.

There are still a variety of sponsorship opportunities at this year's event. To learn more, please get in touch at: convergence@ilsbermuda.com.