The Vatican and Notre Dame University recently hosted their third Dialogue on Energy Transition, with 22 participants from public policy, non-profit and the energy and finance sectors, among others. The theme of this year’s discussion was “Just Transition” with an emphasis on putting people – primarily the most in need - at the center of the energy transition effort.

Aon CEO Greg Case participated in a group discussion alongside Jay Koh, co-founder and managing director of The Lightsmith Group, and Mark Lewis, head of climate research for Andurand Capital Management, titled “Financing Resilience,” which illustrated the potential sources of funding to support the rebuilding of communities.

The discussion focused on the wellbeing of workers and communities that may bear an undue burden from the transition to a green economy, and who experience disproportionate adverse effects of climate change on their stability, health and livelihoods.

Case shared with the group that there is a critical need to bring more capital – from a wide range of private sources – into the equation to help solve these challenges and finance resilient solutions for communities.  The risk and insurance industry can serve as a bridge between public risks and private capital.

“Climate change is not just an issue of science or weather or catastrophe, it is one of people,” Case said. “And one in which the communities most vulnerable to the consequences of the economic and social impacts of climate change will no doubt bear the brunt if we do not act collectively and now.”

Case previously signed a statement from the Vatican with other CEOs, which incentivizes business practices, consumer behavior, research and investment to significantly advance the energy transition while minimizing the costs to vulnerable communities and supporting economic growth. He is also participating in the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference, also known as COP26, in Scotland.

Read more on the Notre Dame University website and learn more about Aon’s commitment to enhanced climate stewardship in our 2020 Impact Report.