When wildfires tore through Los Angeles, they left behind more than just scorched landscapes: they exposed the growing crisis of climate-driven insurance risk. As disasters become more frequent and severe, entire communities are finding themselves uninsurable, pushing homeowners, businesses, and governments into uncharted financial territory.

This conversation explores the intersection of climate change, disaster recovery, and the insurance industry’s shifting role in building resilience. What happens when the safety nets disappear? How can financial markets adapt to ensure people aren’t left behind?

Join leading experts, led in conversation by CEO of IEMA and former BBC Environment Correspondent Sarah Mukherjee, as they unpack the real-world implications of rising climate risks and discuss innovative approaches—from community insurance models to nature-based solutions—that could redefine how we rebuild in the wake of catastrophe.

Event Schedule

6:00pm: Pre-event socialising and networking

A cash bar will be available for refreshments.

6:15pm: Event begins

7:30pm: Event ends

Speakers:

Sarah Mukherjee MBE is the CEO of IEMA, bringing a wealth of experience in environmental advocacy and leadership. Formerly the BBC’s Environment Correspondent, she reported on national and international issues across radio and television, earning global recognition for her work. Following her time at the BBC, Sarah took on leadership roles across various sectors, including utilities and agriculture.

She has contributed her expertise to multiple national initiatives, serving as a panel member for the National Parks Review and the Glover Review, as well as on the National Food Strategy Advisory Panel. Currently, she co-chairs the Natural England Landscape Advisory Panel and sits as a Non-Executive Director on the Board of the Environment Agency. Awarded an MBE in 2021 for her services to agriculture and farmer well-being, Sarah has championed inclusivity in sustainability through IEMA’s Diverse Sustainability Initiative (DSI). Outside of work, she enjoys martial arts, has judged for the ‘Campaign for Real Ale,’ and has even worked as a rugby reporter.

Catherine Howarth has been Chief Executive of ShareAction since July 2008. ShareAction is the leading civil society organisation in Europe promoting responsible investment, transparency and good governance by institutional investors. Catherine is a board member of the Scott Trust, owner of the Guardian Media Group, and a member of HM Treasury’s task force on asset management.

She was a Member Nominated Trustee of The Pensions Trust (the multi-employer pension scheme for the UK’s not-for-profit sector) for five years, where she served on the Investment Committee of this £7bn fund. Catherine holds a First Class BA in Modern History from Oxford University and an MSc in Industrial Relations from the London School of Economics. In June 2011 Catherine was named a ‘Rising Star of Corporate Governance’ by Yale University’s, Millstein Center. Catherine was recognised by the World Economic Forum as a Young Global Leader in 2014.