Source: GreenBiz (February 5, 2020) – This year, 2020, has been dubbed the “super year” for the environment. We’re used to hearing about climate change and the urgent need to slow global warming. This year, environmental experts are adding another focus to the mix: biodiversity.
A new business buzzword? Or an oldie but a goodie? It depends who you ask. Historically, biodiversity tends to be a sustainable business trend that comes and goes but now, it may (fortunately) be here to stay.
In January, the environment was top of mind among the world’s most notable business leaders at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos. According to the WEF’s 2020 Global Risk Report, destruction of nature negatively will affect bottom lines and generally, these risks are undervalued by business decision-makers.
While business and biodiversity might seem strange bedfellows, companies are dependent on biodiversity. And while the level of dependency can vary across sectors, the loss of biodiversity is a critical risk for all. For example, a failure to take biodiversity into account could lead to reduced food supplies, disrupted supply chains, economic loss from floods or fires — and that’s just scratching the surface.
The good news: Businesses are poised to lead global efforts in the movement to better protect the planet. They have the resources, autonomy, technology and ability to innovate that other stakeholders do not.
The time is now to invest in smart eco-forward business strategies, so corporations aren’t forced to play catch-up after it’s too late. Conservation International’s Helen Crowley and Leonardo Viana, will discuss biodiversity, conservation and business at GreenBiz 20 in Scottsdale, Arizona, this week.
Here are the need-to-know basics:
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