Zurich Australia General Insurance is inviting local government representatives to meet with brokers to discuss climate risk issues.

The insurer has been heavily involved in climate risk training for brokers since 2009, with more than 200 brokers trained last year.

Zurich Australia General Insurance CEO Shane Doyle says the training gives brokers a greater understanding of how a changing climate may affect their customers’ businesses.

“It gives brokers insights and skills they need to position themselves as climate risk managers,” he said.

The company says it will continue with the broker training initiative after becoming the only corporate finalist in the National Climate Change Adaption Research Facility’s inaugural Climate Adaptation Champions awards.

The research facility is based at Griffith University and is an initiative of the Federal Government, with additional funding by the Queensland Government and eight university partners.

Mr Doyle says that despite not winning an award, Zurich “is very proud to have been recognised for its efforts in the climate risk area”.