Managing Catastrophic Risk

Howard Kunreuther and Geoffrey Heal

No 18136, NBER Working Papers from National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc

Abstract: A principal reason that losses from catastrophic risks have been increasing over time is that more individuals and firms are locating in harm's way while not taking appropriate protective measures. Several behavioural biases lead decision-makers not to invest in adaptation measures until after it is too late. In an interdependent world with no intervention by the public sector, it may be economically rational for those at risk not to invest in protective measures. Risk management strategies that involve private-public partnerships that address these issues may help in reducing future catastrophic losses. These may include multi-year insurance contracts, well-enforced regulations, third-party inspections, and alternative risk transfer instruments such as catastrophe bonds.

JEL-codes: D62 D80 D85 H20 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2012-06
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-rmg and nep-upt
Note: EEE
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

Published as "Managing Catastrophic Risk" (with Geoffrey Heal). Encyclopedia of Energy, Natural Resources and Environmental Economics (ed.) J. Shogren, Elsevier, Vol. 3, pp 52-59 2013.

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