An important international report has highlighted that the continuous depletion of biodiversity is not just an environmental crisis but a direct threat to the global economy and financial stability. It calls on companies to act swiftly to protect nature, as their very survival could be at stake. Compiled by the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) over three years and endorsed by over 150 governments, this report is poised to guide policymaking across various economic sectors in the years ahead.

The report, which involved the contributions of 79 experts from around the globe, emphasizes the need for a nature-respecting economy but notes that significant barriers remain. These barriers include insufficient or counterproductive incentives, weak institutional support, lax law enforcement, and substantial gaps in data. All of these factors hinder progress in safeguarding biodiversity, highlighting the urgency of the situation as businesses grapple with the implications of environmental degradation.

Furthermore, the report outlines that companies not only face moral and ethical obligations towards protecting the environment but also a strategic imperative. Failure to acknowledge the intrinsic link between biodiversity and economic health may lead to increased risks and liabilities for businesses, underscoring the critical need for immediate and effective action to mitigate these growing threats to both nature and the economy.