Changing nature: actuarial involvement in climate and sustainability work

Half of the top 10 global risks listed in the World Economic Forum’s Global Risk Report 2026 are related to climate and nature; if that isn’t an indicator of why actuaries should be interested in this topic, I’m not sure what is. Actuaries have long followed these issues, taking on a growing role in highlighting the risks we face and setting out how the actuarial mindset can help to tackle them.

Thematic review findings

During 2025, the IFoA conducted a thematic review survey to gain an up-to-date picture of how actuaries are involved in climate and sustainability work and thought leadership. Of those from whom we heard, more than 80% think that actuaries are more involved in climate and sustainability than they were three to five years ago, and they demonstrated that actuaries have influence over this topic in a wider range of domains than ever before. There is also growing evidence that actuaries are taking on senior organisational climate and sustainability roles, cementing the profession’s reputation in this field.

As part of the review we spoke to actuaries around the globe, and while political environments may differ, there was consistent underlying understanding of the need to address climate and sustainability risks. Actuaries are very aware of the resources available – both those focusing on standards, and the available lifelong learning and thought leadership materials.

In our discussions with actuaries in the field, certain points stood out. One contributor highlighted the range of high-profile financial domains in which actuaries have influence – insurance, pensions, investment, banking. 

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