Brokers are concerned about climate change but don’t feel confident enough to advise their clients on the risks.

According to a survey by Zurich Financial Services and the National Insurance Brokers Association (NIBA) launched at the NIBA Convention in Sydney this afternoon, one in four brokers have already started adding cover or adjusting clients’ policies to help them cope with climate change risks, but most feel their knowledge of climate change is limited.

Only one in five feel confident talking to their customers about climate change risks and are looking to governments and insurers to help them better understand the issues. A quarter want training by the end of the year.

Zurich Australia CEO David Smith says the survey shows there is a major role for the insurance industry to play in helping people adapt to the effects of climate change.