Happy Wednesday! In this week’s Big I Buzz: extreme weather climbs to the top of business risk concerns, and Gen Z workers see AI as a career co-pilot.

Extreme Weather Emerges as Top Business Risk

Extreme weather has quickly risen to the forefront of business risk. The number of U.S. disasters costing over $1 billion has more than tripled—from an annual average of 7.2 (1980–2019) to about 23 per year between 2020 and 2024, according to Gartner.

Organizations are being pushed to rethink risk management strategies. It’s no longer enough to focus solely on physical damages such as flooding, storms, and wildfires. Businesses must also address transitional risks like changing regulations, evolving consumer expectations, and long-term climate exposure.

Enterprise Risk Management leaders are now tasked with building greater visibility into vulnerabilities, strengthening organizational agility, and embedding resilience throughout operations and supply chains. With insurance costs rising and coverage becoming more limited in high-risk regions, defining clear risk ownership within companies is becoming essential for sustaining business continuity. Read more here.

Gen Z Insurance Workers Want AI on the Job

A recent survey by Counterpart and Young Risk Professionals shows that Gen Z insurance workers largely welcome AI as a tool for career growth rather than a threat. Over half say AI poses no risk to their jobs, and 69% believe it will improve their workflow. At the same time, 45% point to slow technology adoption as a major challenge within the industry.

While AI is reshaping industries across the economy, the insurance sector has lagged in keeping pace. As the industry works to catch up, young professionals have an opportunity to position themselves as future leaders by leveraging AI expertise—an advantage that may outweigh traditional tenure. Looking ahead, companies that embrace innovation are likely to attract both top talent and future clients, while those that delay risk falling behind. Read more here.

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