I.Introduction Founded in 1810, The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. (NYSE: HIG) is one of the largest investment and insurance companies based in the United States, with offices in Japan, Brazil, Ireland, England, and the United States. With nearly 30,000 employees and $2.3 billion in income in 2005, The Hartford was ranked 78th on the 2006 Fortune 100 list. The Hartford is a leading provider of investment products – annuities, mutual funds, college savings plans – as well as life insurance, group and employee benefits, automobile and homeowners' insurance, and business insurance. The Hartford serves millions of customers worldwide – including individuals, institutions, and businesses – through independent agents and brokers, financial institutions, and online. About 11,000 independent agencies and more than 100,000 registered broker/dealers sell The Hartford's trusted products. After nearly 200 years in business, The Hartford is known for its financial strength and stability, superior customer service, and continued operational excellence. The Hartford Financial Services Group recognizes the clear consensus within the scientific community that climate change is of real and increasing concern. As an insurer, investor, employer, property owner and responsible corporate citizen, The Hartford is committed to understanding, managing and mitigating the risks associated with global climate change. In July 2007, The Hartford convened a standing committee on climate change, composed of executives with a wide range of responsibilities and perspectives, including enterprise risk management, applied research & product development, actuarial and underwriting, corporate finance, workplace restheirces, law and government affairs. The committee has been tasked by Senior Management with examining the risks and opportunities presented by climate change, assessing The Hartford's current approach to climate change, and assisting in the development of climate change-related strategies going forward. The following discussion examines The Hartford's current views concerning the science of climate change, public policy and legislation, the effect climate change may have on their company and steps The Hartford is taking in response to climate change. This statement, in conjunction with The Hartford's recent submission to the Carbon Disclosure Project, represents an early but important step in The Hartford's efforts to address the growing challenge of global climate change.
