Nature Positive Flashcards
Definition and scope of nature positivity
Nature positivity goes beyond reducing carbon emissions (net-zero) and extends to actively improving and restoring natural ecosystems. This concept includes biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources, and revitalization of ecosystems.
What are the key elements of nature positivity
Biodiversity Conservation: Protecting and enhancing the variety of life forms on Earth, including species diversity, genetic diversity, and ecosystem diversity.
Sustainable Resource Use: Ensuring that the extraction and use of natural resources, such as water, soil, and minerals, do not exceed the rate at which they are replenished.
Ecosystem Restoration: Activities aimed at restoring degraded or destroyed ecosystems to their natural state, including reforestation, wetland restoration, and habitat improvement.
What is the strategic importance for businesses (nature positivity)
Long-term Sustainability: Ensuring the long-term availability of natural resources crucial for business operations.
Risk Mitigation: Reducing environmental risks that can disrupt supply chains and operations.
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): Aligning with global sustainability goals and enhancing corporate reputation.
What are the measurement challenges with nature positivity
Quantification Difficulties:
Unlike carbon emissions, which can be relatively easily measured and quantified, the impact on biodiversity and ecosystems is more complex and multifaceted.
There is no single metric or standard unit of measurement for nature positivity, making comparisons and benchmarks challenging.
Lack of Standardized Frameworks:
Unlike carbon footprint, which has established protocols and standards (e.g., the Greenhouse Gas Protocol), nature positivity lacks universally accepted measurement frameworks.
This leads to inconsistency in reporting and difficulty in assessing progress.
Variability Across Ecosystems:
The impact on nature varies significantly depending on the type of ecosystem (forests, oceans, wetlands, etc.) and geographical location.
A standardized approach might not capture the nuances and specific needs of different ecosystems.
Data Availability and Quality:
Reliable data on biodiversity and ecosystem health is often scarce or difficult to obtain.
This makes it challenging to assess baseline conditions and monitor changes over time.
Interdependencies and Complexity:
Ecosystems are complex and interconnected, making it difficult to isolate the impact of specific actions or interventions.
The indirect effects of business activities on nature can be as significant as direct impacts but harder to measure.
According to WWF’s living planet report 2020, what has been the vertebrate population decline since 1970
68%
In 2020 what did the world economic forum estimate about the economic impact of biodiversity.What proportion of the worlds total GPD is dependant on nature and its services?
The World Economic Forum estimated in 2020 that over half of the world’s total GDP is moderately or highly dependent on nature and its services.
What is the estimated cost of ecosystem degradation(annual loss of natural capital due ot deforestation and land degredation)
The UN’s TEEB (The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity) initiative reported that the annual loss of natural capital due to deforestation and land degradation is estimated between USD 2 trillion and 4.5 trillion.
On December 19, 2022, some 195 countries adopted the..
On December 19, 2022, some 195 countries adopted the Kunming-Montréal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) aimed at halting and reversing the global decline of nature and biodiversity. The GBF established 23 targets, including those focused on the protection of freshwater and other ecosystems and the disclosure of biodiversity impacts by companies.
BCG stated how much economic value is being produced by biodiversity
Biodiversity generates significant economic value through ecosystem services such as food provisioning, carbon storage, and water and air filtration. These services are valued at more than $150 trillion annually, which is about twice the world’s GDP. This figure is based on academic research and BCG’s analysis.
This staggering value underscores the immense economic importance of biodiversity. It suggests that the well-being of the global economy is intricately tied to the health of our natural ecosystems. These ecosystems provide essential services that underpin economic activities. For instance, pollination by bees and other insects, which is a key component of biodiversity, is crucial for agriculture. Similarly, forests play a vital role in carbon sequestration, helping to mitigate climate change impacts.
In essence, this $150 trillion value signifies the economic contribution of healthy ecosystems to human society
