The United Nations and financial regulators increasingly warn that biodiversity loss represents a material risk to businesses. Over half of global GDP—approximately $44 trillion—depends on nature and its services.
Business Dependencies on Nature
Industries from agriculture to pharmaceuticals depend directly on biodiversity. Pollinators support crops worth over $500 billion annually. Many medicines derive from natural compounds. Forests regulate water supplies and climate.
Emerging Regulatory Frameworks
The Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) provides frameworks for companies to report nature-related risks. Regulations requiring biodiversity impact assessment and disclosure are expanding globally.
Supply Chain Vulnerabilities
Ecosystem degradation threatens supply chains across sectors. Soil depletion reduces agricultural productivity. Deforestation disrupts rainfall patterns. Ocean acidification threatens fisheries that feed billions.
Corporate Nature Commitments
Leading companies are setting nature-positive targets alongside climate goals. Commitments include eliminating deforestation from supply chains, restoring degraded lands, and reducing pollution impacts on ecosystems.
The Business Case for Biodiversity
Companies protecting and restoring nature often find business benefits: more resilient supply chains, reduced regulatory risk, enhanced brand value, and access to growing markets for sustainable products.