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Theodore A. Howard
Partner
Wiley Rein LLP
Website: www.wileyrein.com
Global Warming: The “Next Big Thing” Or “Much Ado About Nothing” for General Liability Insurers?
About The Author: Theodore A. Howard is a partner in the Insurance Practice Group of Wiley Rein LLP, where he specializes in the counseling and representation of domestic and international property/casualty insurers and reinsurers with respect to complex coverage disputes and litigation, reinsurance arbitrations, and regulatory matters. This article was written as part of a Strafford Publications, Inc. teleconference on “Climate Change and Insurance: Anticipating Liabilities and Coverage Risks,” on Feb. 28, 2008. The views expressed in this article are those of Mr. Howard, and should not be attributed to Wiley Rein LLP or its clients.
the article
Media coverage of the potential impact of “global warming” on the insurance industry has largely been forward-looking. Although this emphasis on future first-party exposures and possible avenues of avoidance is certainly appropriate, the insurance industry should also be aware of the prospects for substantial liability coverage claims against corporate policyholders based on these insureds’ alleged responsibilities for the already-existing manifestations of “global warming.” While a critical mass of liability claims against corporations giving rise to such coverage demands has not yet emerged, signs suggest that it could be coming soon.
submissions Climateandinsurance.org wants to build this page into a valuable resource for individuals interested in the potential legal ramifications of climate change on the insurance industry. Submissions are welcomed, and should be directed to the editor, David Reddick, at dreddick@namic.org. |
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