We are all feeling the consequences of extreme weather events; heatwaves, droughts, heavy rainfall and severe cyclones, and more frequently. Yet it is often the case that those who suffer the most from extreme weather are those who already live in difficult economic circumstances. With their joint initiative Tackling climate change together (TCCT), Munich Re and ERGO are supporting initiatives that help to mitigate the consequences of weather-related natural catastrophes or show people how they can adapt to climate change.
We do not just provide expertise and experience, but also the financial means. TCCT is pursuing two paths: together with EIT Climate-KIC, the largest public-private climate initiative from the European Union, TCCT is helping new companies to develop climate protection solutions. TCCT also supports projects that carry out so-called ecosystem-based adaptation initiatives. This involves maintaining, sustainably using, and regenerating ecosystems to limit the regional effects of climate change, and to ensure a basis of existence for the people affected in the area. Examples include reforestation or restoring coral reefs to protect the coast.
Successful work continues
WasserWald project
From agroforestry systems to water systems: In 2023, the partner organisations in Mexico, Guatemala and the Dominican Republic continued to work on various measures to strengthen the resilience of people and nature to the consequences of climate change.
Over 100,000 mangrove seedlings planted in Vietnam A film with impressive views of the Mekong Delta reflects the work and outcome of the project which is also summarized in key facts and figures.
Increasing resilience to the consequences of climate change
Through the WasserWald project, OroVerde and its partner organisations from Guatemala, Mexico and the Dominican Republic are making a valuable contribution to strengthening the tropical rainforest ecosystem in selected catchment areas.
Initiative for ecosystem-based adaptation to climate change
First project location successfully planted
The GIZ project for the reforestation of mangrove forests in Vietnam was strongly affected by the pandemic in 2021. Despite strict lockdowns, it was possible to plant over 100,000 mangrove seedlings and saplings with the help of breakwater fences.
Insurance is our core business. It is how we make society more resilient. But we also want to use our expertise, experience and financial means to avoid losses, or at least to reduce their impact. Climate protection has been our focus for decades. With the two reforestation projects, we can reach people who are unable to protect themselves against the effects of climate change.
Implementation phase has begun
Substantial successes in GreenWatersheds project
Since the fourth quarter of 2020, ERGO and Munich Re have provided financial support for the tropical forest foundation OroVerde’s GreenWatersheds project. The project’s annual report for 2021 shows impressive advances despite challenging conditions – especially thanks to the tireless dedication of the project staff working on site, as project manager Torsten Klimpel underscores.
TCCT and GIZ started two projects as part of the ecosystem-based adaptation initiatives in 2020: The reforestation of mangrove forests in the Mekong Delta in Vietnam and the support of the tropical forest foundation OroVerde for the conservation of tropical rainforests in Mexico, Guatemala and the Dominican Republic.
In the ClimAccelerator, together with partner EIT Climate-KIC and a broad innovation network, we promote start-up solutions for removing CO2 from the atmosphere.
