Nine out of 10 experts (91%) view the state of nature and biodiversity as a catastrophic or alarming issue, with 90% stating that companies need a public nature strategy

Geneva / New York 9 November 2023 – Almost a year since 196 governments adopted the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework at CBD COP15, the Business for Nature coalition has today launched a new global campaign ‘It’s Now for Nature’ to rally all businesses to act on nature and contribute towards the global goal to halt and reverse nature loss by 2030.

The need for corporate action on nature has never been clearer. New research from GlobeScan reveals nine out of ten experts (91%) from across academia, NGOs, the private sector and policymakers view the state of nature and biodiversity as a catastrophic or alarming issue. 90% of experts also say companies need a public nature strategy backed by the CEO or Board to effectively protect nature and biodiversity.

Research from the World Benchmarking Alliance shows that less than 1% of companies know how much their operations depend on nature. Through a new Nature Strategy Handbook, developed by Business for Nature, a global coalition of 85+ partner organizations and in collaboration with PwC UK, the ‘It’s Now for Nature’ campaign encourages businesses and financial institutions to develop and publish a nature strategy.

Eva Zabey, CEO, Business for Nature, commented: “Business leadership, innovation and courage can lead us out of the nature crisis, but we must move fast. ‘It’s Now for Nature’ is a multi-year campaign from now to 2030 to help companies scale and speed up their efforts and ensure businesses make nature part of their decision-making. Every business and financial institution needs a nature strategy – a roadmap of how a company will contribute to a nature-positive world.  It’s the only way businesses will achieve their climate goals and ensure their future resilience.”

The Nature Strategy Handbook will guide organizations through the supportive tools and frameworks available, building on the High-Level Business Actions on Nature and including the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosure’s (TNFD) final recommendations, guidance from the Science Based Targets Network and new sector-specific guidance which sets out priority actions for companies to take.

Lynne Baber, Head of Sustainability at PwC UK, commented: “The Nature Strategy Handbook provides a common direction for all businesses to begin or continue their journey towards a nature-positive future by setting a nature strategy. It offers a step-by-step guide on how to write a credible nature strategy and where to find the most useful tools and resources. We hope this helps businesses of all sizes and geographies accelerate the transition to a nature-positive, net-zero and equitable future.”

At CBD COP15, governments committed through Target 15 to require all large businesses and financial institutions to assess and disclose their risks, impacts and dependencies on nature – as well as take action. ‘It’s Now for Nature’ aims to help businesses navigate and anticipate upcoming regulation and investor demands.

Sherry Madera, Chief Executive Officer at CDP, said: “The Nature Strategy Handbook will provide critical support and guidance for companies at all stages of their nature-positive journey, with annual disclosure through CDP as a vital step. All companies must recognize the need to understand their relationship to the natural world, the material and systemic risks they face, the opportunities available and the impacts they have on the environment. While disclosure on nature is increasing, it continues to lag far behind climate. The Nature Strategy Handbook is important to raise awareness of the steps needed for companies to begin their journey and take action”.

Business leaders recognize that they cannot sustainably grow their business, or achieve their climate goals, without protecting and restoring nature. The GlobeScan survey finds that 94% of experts believe companies need to take much more integrated approaches to effectively address nature and climate issues, challenging the historically siloed approach. And 94% believe biodiversity loss needs to be addressed with the same urgency and resources as climate change.

Jane Ambachtsheer, Global Head of Sustainability, BNP Paribas Asset Management: “The story of the biodiversity crisis is a story of value destruction on an unprecedented scale. We understand that this is about more than just money – life is material to us too – but the financial estimates alone are staggering, in terms of what we might lose and what we might gain if we change course now. Making this issue central to corporate and financial decision-making will help transform our economies and secure a better future for our clients and for society.”

More than 1,400 companies with revenues of more than US$ 7 trillion, have called on governments to adopt policies now to reverse nature loss in this decade. The campaign will be used by businesses and policymakers to demonstrate the momentum for global business action on nature until 2030.

The campaign does not assess, approve or validate targets in nature strategies, or the progress companies are making towards those targets, as many organizations, including CDP and the World Benchmarking Alliance, provide – or will provide – independent assessments for this purpose.

##ENDS ##

 

The Nature Strategy Handbook will be available on 9 November at:

https://nowfornature.org/

For more information and to arrange interviews please contact:

Rachel Parkes [email protected] +44 7775 652919

Georgia Crump [email protected]  +44 7565 398747

 

Notes to editors 

About ‘It’s Now for Nature’

• Developed by Business for Nature, a coalition of more than 85 partner organizations ‘It’s Now for Nature’ is a global campaign to rally all businesses to act on nature.
• Through a new Nature Strategy Handbook, the campaign encourages businesses and financial institutions to develop and publish a nature strategy. This enables them to make a meaningful contribution towards the global goal to halt and reverse nature loss by 2030.

ABOUT GLOBESCAN’S CLIMATE & NATURE CONSULTATION

• An online survey was conducted in English with 204 sustainability and nature experts across the world between September 13 and October 20, 2023. Experts come from a wide range of sectors including academia, non-government organizations, companies and industry associations, government, multilateral organisations, consultancies, and research organizations.

ABOUT BUSINESS FOR NATURE

• Business for Nature is a global coalition of 85+ influential organizations and forward-thinking companies. Together, we drive credible business action and policy ambition to achieve a nature-positive economy for all by 2030.

ABOUT GLOBESCAN

• GlobeScan is a global insights and advisory consultancy working at the intersection of sustainability, behavior change, and trust. We partner with leading companies, NGOs, and governmental organizations to deliver insights that guide decision-making and build strategies that contribute to a sustainable and equitable future.
• Established in 1987, we have offices in Cape Town, Hong Kong, Hyderabad, London, Paris, San Francisco, São Paulo, Singapore, and Toronto. GlobeScan is a participant of the UN Global Compact and a Certified B Corporation.

SUPPORTING QUOTES

 

Mary Robinson, Former President of Ireland and Member, The B Team: “A nature-positive future is within our reach, but achieving it requires that we transform our relationship with nature. As governments move to implement the Global Biodiversity Framework, business leaders must step up with an unwavering spirit of collaboration and courageous leadership to deliver this future together. Lest we forget, business relies on nature at every stage of the value chain.”

Ani Dasgupta, CEO, WRI: “In bringing nature to the forefront of the international agenda, the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework has rightly identified the important role of business to step up, innovate, and lead the way. The Nature Strategy Handbook provides companies with much-needed guidance on how to roll up their sleeves and get beyond political statements to incorporate nature protection, restoration and conservation into their business models. Recognizing the critical interlinkages between nature, climate and human wellbeing, the Handbook could not be timelier in pushing the private sector to ask the right questions and align with the latest science.”

John Denton, Secretary General, International Chamber of Commerce: “It’s Now for Nature offers a powerful reminder: a net-zero, nature-positive, and equitable future is possible. By developing and publishing a nature strategy aligned with the global goal to reverse nature loss by 2030, businesses can contribute to safeguarding our communities and economies. Nature is intricate yet resilient but underpins our whole society. Every business must ask: Where is nature in our strategy? Now is the time for transformative action.”

Tony Goldner, Executive Director, TNFD: “It is now clear, from the science and from growing investor concern, that nature is not just a corporate social responsibility issue, but a strategic risk management one for companies across markets, sectors and geographies. Developing a nature strategy, including science-based targets and based on a robust assessment of the underlying issues using the TNFD’s LEAP approach, will become the new baseline for credible action and disclosure of information to investors and other stakeholders.”

Mark Gough, CEO, Capitals Coalition: “Investor, consumer, and regulatory expectations are changing, and businesses will increasingly be asked about their nature strategy in the way they’re currently being scrutinised on their action on climate. The Nature Strategy Handbook is a critical milestone to support businesses in taking action on nature and compliments the work of leading frameworks such as the Natural Capital Protocol, the SBTN guidance, and the TNFD final recommendations.”

Jennifer Morris, CEO, The Nature Conservancy: “We are encouraged that companies and financial institutions are realizing that nature loss is a growing risk for the planet – and the bottom line. It is simply impossible to manage and restore nature without everyone’s participation. So it’s not just ‘now for nature’, it’s now for nature in the boardroom too.”

Erin Billman, Executive Director, Science Based Targets Network: “Every company relies on and impacts nature, underscoring the urgency of taking action to halt and reverse nature loss by 2030. The Science Based Targets Network fully supports the Nature Strategy Handbook so companies can develop credible nature strategies and, crucially, ensure their integration into the boardroom agenda. Science-based targets for nature play a pivotal role in the corporate roadmap for nature; empowering companies to undertake ambitious and measurable action where it matters most.”

Nicole Schwab, Co-Head, Nature Positive Pillar, World Economic Forum: “Business-as-usual is no longer an option. Every part of the economy is dependent on nature and its ecosystem services. We must urgently act to halt and reverse nature loss. Businesses can lead the way by developing and implementing nature-positive strategies, and acting on their respective impacts and dependencies. Collective and ambitious action now could create 395 million jobs by 2030 for a global nature-positive economy.”

Diane Holdorf, Executive Vice President, World Business Council for Sustainable Development: “As a founding partner of Business for Nature, WBCSD welcomes and supports this important campaign to accelerate business ambition, action and accountability on nature. Building on the ACT-D high-level actions, it will help companies focus their nature strategies on where action is most needed and ensure that business contributes significant progress toward the Global Biodiversity Framework’s 2030 goals. WBCSD has developed a range of guidance and tools, such as our Roadmaps to Nature Positive: Foundations for all businesses, that provide companies with the support they need to set nature strategies aligned with the ‘It’s Now for Nature’ campaign and, most importantly, take credible, impactful action to halt and reverse nature loss.”

Zhou Zhou, President, Society of Entrepreneurs and Ecology: “It is vital for business to build broad collaborations with conservation communities through philanthropic financing. But above all, business itself should be aware of its nature foot prints and strive to minimise and reverse the negative impacts the soonest.” 

Chris Coulter, CEO, GlobeScan: “Our economy, livelihoods, and well-being all depend on nature. Over nine in ten experts in our global consultation agree that biodiversity loss needs to be addressed with the same urgency and resources as climate change. They also believe companies need to take much more integrated approaches to effectively address nature, climate, and social issues. We strongly support the work of Business for Nature’s coalition to help companies prioritize nature and contribute to a sustainable, equitable, and nature-positive future.”

Halla Tómasdóttir, CEO and Chief Change Catalyst, The B Team: “With more than half of global GDP at risk due to biodiversity loss, responsible business leaders understand that Mother Nature is an indispensable stakeholder. Simply put, a healthy planet preserves the balance that makes prosperity possible. Let’s lead with courage to halt and reverse nature loss by 2030 — and secure a resilient, nature-positive future for all.”

Dr. M. Sanjayan, CEO, Conservation International: “A crisis of this magnitude demands whole-of-society action, and increasingly, consumers are looking to the private sector for environmental leadership. We’re approaching an inflection point: Companies who can reimagine their relationship nature will be rewarded, and those who cannot be left behind. Initiatives like ‘It’s Now for Nature’ are indispensable, providing the guidance and expertise that businesses need to accelerate nature-positive transformation.”

Jonathan Normand, CEO, B Lab Switzerland: “We, at the B Lab Switzerland Foundation, stand behind the ‘It’s Now for Nature’ campaign, firmly believing that businesses can serve as a force for good, leading the way towards a just, regenerative, and inclusive economy that benefits both people and the planet. Beyond strong policy development, we recognize the critical role of proactive business engagement and innovation in addressing environmental challenges. The private sector has the unique potential to pioneer transformative solutions and drive meaningful change. The time to act is now!”

Dr Grethel Aguilar, Director General, IUCN: “There is growing recognition that businesses have a key role in setting and implementing explicit targets to halt and reverse biodiversity loss globally. We welcome this publication and urge all companies to move now, develop their nature strategy, and play their part in achieving a nature-positive future.”

María Mendiluce, CEO, We Mean Business Coalition: “Businesses need to understand their part in helping create a nature-positive and net zero emissions future. Coupled with strong government leadership, companies can accelerate action by making sure they are clear on their ambitions to halt and reverse nature loss by 2030. This is critical, given the urgency of the climate crisis has never been more tangible. We need to protect, restore and sustainably use nature to cut emissions and remove carbon, while also benefiting nature by building resilient and biodiverse ecosystems.”

Jenni Black, Nature Transformation Lead, World Benchmarking Alliance: “Our Nature Benchmark results show some companies leading the way on nature, but many more who are just getting started. The Nature Strategy Handbook is an easy-to-use and comprehensive guide that can help companies to develop a nature strategy, and give reassurance that their actions are credible and meet the needs and expectations of stakeholders. The message for business is clear – “It’s Now for Nature”, and we don’t have any time to waste.”

SUPPORT FROM THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY

Ilham Kadri, Chief Executive Officer, Solvay: “Biodiversity is declining. We must act urgently to preserve the nature and ecosystems we all rely on, now and for future generations. The decisions global companies make now will be decisive. A nature strategy, supported at the most senior levels will boost business resilience and help businesses prepare for future regulation. With Solvay One Planet, Solvay takes concrete action to minimize our global impact on biodiversity, which we have reduced by 28% since 2018. Our nature preservation and restoration efforts in several sites are recognized by organizations like the IUCN and WHC. And through our Star Factory program, we continue to develop and implement local roadmaps (more than 30 by the end 2023), enabling each of our sites to take tangible actions towards nature regeneration and the wellbeing of communities.”

Claire Lund, VP Sustainability, GSK: “Action on nature is important for human health, climate change and business success. Protecting nature makes our business more resilient and helps to ensure the ongoing supply of raw materials needed for manufacturing our medicines and vaccines. That’s why nature is a key part of our company strategy and we have set out our ambitious plan to contribute to a nature-positive world. This includes targets to reduce our impact on freshwater, land, oceans and the atmosphere, as well as protecting and restoring biodiversity. We welcome the ‘It’s Now for Nature’ as a hugely useful resource to help accelerate company action on nature.”

Tim Christophersen, Vice President, Climate Action, Salesforce: “Nature needs a seat at the table in all key business decision-making. It’s not only about managing risks but also about innovation, collaboration and creating value. We welcome this campaign and think the Nature Strategy Handbook will be a hugely useful resource to help us hone and iterate our nature strategy over time.”

Rob Cameron, Global Head of Public Affairs and ESG Engagement, Nestlé: “Biodiversity is in decline and the rate of loss is accelerating. As a company that depends on nature, we recognize the need to shift towards more sustainable and regenerative practices that contribute to ecosystem restoration. At the UN Biodiversity COP15, governments around the world made their intentions clear: Regulation on corporate nature disclosure is coming. By setting a credible nature strategy and acting ambitiously, businesses can protect and restore biodiversity and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”

Facundo Etchebehere, Senior Vice-President, Sustainability Strategy & Partnerships, Danone: “At Danone, we know our business depends on nature, which is why we have made it a core pillar of our Danone Impact Journey. Preserving and regenerating nature is not a simple challenge, both given how multi-faceted it is and given the shifting external landscape. This is where the ‘It’s Now for Nature’ campaign comes in. It provides a pioneering platform for assisting companies in formulating their nature strategies, including industry-specific guidance. We believe it will be helpful for us and for other companies as we step up and accelerate business actions to reverse nature loss.”

Renata Pollini, Sustainability, Head of Nature, Holcim: “For the world to urgently reset its relationship with nature, every part of society needs to step up its efforts, with business taking a leading role. At Holcim, our Nature Strategy takes a science-based approach and focuses on restoring and preserving biodiversity and freshwater ecosystems while bringing more nature into cities. We welcome this campaign – which comes at a time when nature is in crisis – and the Nature Strategy Handbook which will accelerate corporate action on nature globally.”

Christina Niemelä Ström, Head of Sustainability, IKEA Supply: “At IKEA, we strive to take a holistic approach as climate change, nature loss, and inequality are interdependent. Protecting and restoring nature is a vital part of our climate agenda since climate change is one of the main drivers of nature loss. Nature itself is also a prerequisite for building resilience and protecting us from the effects of climate change. Most products and the food in the IKEA range are made from materials sourced from nature, and we are currently assessing our impact and dependency on biodiversity across our value chain, guided by the Science Based Targets Network (SBTN) methodology. As the next step, we will set commitments and goals, working together with partners and stakeholders to halt and reverse nature loss.”

Agustin Delgado, Chief Innovation and Sustainability Officer, Iberdrola: “Iberdrola, as one of the world leading power utilities fully supports Business for Nature’s “It’s Now for Nature” campaign. With more than 40GW of renewable generation assets, and plans to have more than 80 GW in 2030, Iberdrola is completely aligned and supportive of the campaign’s mission and vision thanks to our ambitious and bold Biodiversity Plan, in which Iberdrola commits to become positive on biodiversity by 2030. This plan is a perfect complement to our Climate Change plan and our Circular Economy plan that will support our vision to work towards a nature positive energy sector.”

Adrien Geiger, Managing Director, L’OCCITANE en Provence, L’OCCITANE International: “In 2021, L’OCCITANE Group adopted an ambitious biodiversity strategy, contributing towards a nature-positive world. There is no question that businesses should act for Nature. We enthusiastically welcome the Nature Strategy Handbook which offers a solid foundation for all companies to build an ambitious nature strategy. If frameworks and accurate data are valuable tools for driving the profound transformation that nature calls for, companies like ours have a responsibility to act and scale up our action plans.”

Fernando Bertolucci, Chief Sustainability, Research and Innovation Officer, Suzano: “We must all unite in a shared mission: to halt and reverse nature loss by 2030. If business leaders fail to understand how their operations and value chain impact nature, and how their creation of value depends on nature, then the long-term health of both our planet and our economy is in peril. At Suzano, we are committed to actively contributing to the achievement of a nature-positive economy for all by 2030. Going through the process of setting a thoughtful nature strategy, based on science and taking into account the needs of communities, can allow companies to find innovative ways to drive growth at the same time as supporting thriving ecosystems.”

Richard Mattison, Vice Chair, S&P Global Sustainable1: “As the business world begins to understand nature and biodiversity’s connection to climate change, it is essential that net zero climate goals should be net positive for nature. We have an essential role to play in providing businesses the tools to understand and quantify both their dependency on nature and the impact of their operations on the world’s key biodiversity areas. We are proud to be a part of this campaign to help develop a common approach to measuring nature-related risks and encourage further disclosure from companies and transparency for investors.”

Ingrid Reumert, Senior Vice President of Group Stakeholder Relations, Orsted: “Ørsted proudly supports the ‘It’s Now for Nature’ campaign and I encourage other companies to start their nature strategy today. Healthy ecosystems not only underpin every aspect of our wellbeing and prosperity, they are our greatest natural tool in the fight against climate change. This is why Ørsted has made climate and nature our business, building net-positive biodiversity impact into our renewable energy projects, enhancing the societal value of our activity. There are many reasons why an energy company should have a robust nature strategy in place. One I am particularly focused on, is that leaving nature in better shape than we find it will be key to earning the broad societal support required to deliver the scale and speed of energy transition that global goals on climate – and nature – demand. The science is clear, and so are we, that net-zero and nature-positive must go hand-in-hand.”