Future of Nature and Business

"Future of Nature and Business 2020" Report

The report focuses on the economic and environmental impact of biodiversity loss and provides a roadmap for transforming economic systems to be more sustainable and nature-positive.

Key Points:

1. The Economic Value of Nature:

Natural resources contribute $44 trillion annually, over half of the global GDP.

About 1 million species are threatened with extinction due to human activities, impacting agriculture and the economy.

2. Environmental Challenges:

Climate Change: Responsible for 11%-16% of biodiversity loss.

Three Main Drivers of Risk:

Food, land, and ocean use (72% of threatened species).

Infrastructure and cities (29%).

Energy and extractives (18%).

3. Transitioning to a Nature-Positive Economy:

A potential of $10.1 trillion in additional economic opportunities and the creation of 395 million new jobs by 2030.

This transformation requires an annual investment of $2.7 trillion in three key sectors.

Targeted Sectors:

Food, Land, and Ocean Use Sector:

Contributes 12% of global GDP and 40% of jobs.

Causes 80% of deforestation and agricultural greenhouse gas emissions.

Can generate $3.6 trillion and create 191 million jobs through:

Productive and regenerative agriculture.

Sustainable forest management.

Reducing food waste.

Infrastructure and Cities Sector:

Represents 40% of global GDP and 7% of jobs.

Responsible for 29% of biodiversity threats.

Transitioning could yield $3 trillion and create 117 million jobs by:

Developing nature-integrated infrastructure.

Designing sustainable urban environments.

Improving waste management and recycling.

Energy and Mining Sector:

Contributes 23% of global GDP and 16% of jobs.

Resource consumption has tripled since 1970.

Transitioning could generate $3.5 trillion and create 87 million jobs by:

Implementing circular economy models.

Extracting minerals using eco-friendly methods.

Transitioning to clean energy sources.

Recommendations:

Integrate biodiversity into economic planning.

Change production and consumption patterns to reduce environmental impacts.

Encourage innovation and investment in nature-based solutions.

The report emphasizes the urgent need to transition to economic systems that respect planetary boundaries to ensure sustainable resources and achieve inclusive economic development.