What does biodiversity have to do with business?

As the global environmental crisis reaches unprecedented levels, businesses are under mounting pressure to protect nature. While this challenge may seem daunting, it also presents a major business opportunity. Biodiversity refers to the variety of life on Earth, encompassing all species and ecosystems. This rich diversity underpins the ecosystem services that support human life, such as pollination, clean air and water, nutrient cycling, and climate regulation. Yet despite its fundamental importance, biodiversity is being lost at an alarming rate. According to WWF’s Living Planet Report 2024 , wildlife populations have decreased by 73% in just five decades. The implications of this biodiversity loss for businesses are profound. Industries that depend on natural resources, such as agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and textiles, are particularly vulnerable, facing supply chain disruptions, increased raw material costs, and reputational risks. But even companies without direct links to biodiversity feel the impact, as ecosystem services contribute to more than half of global GDP , amounting to $44tn annually. Without a healthy natural environment, economies falter, and businesses struggle to operate. As the global crisis of biodiversity loss intensifies, businesses are increasingly recognizing the need to incorporate biodiversity considerations into their strategic planning. However, moving from recognition to […]

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