Focus on GDP Leads to Nature Decline, Say 150 Countries in New Report
A significant report endorsed by over 150 countries, including Brazil, highlights the detrimental impact of GDP-focused growth on the natural environment.
A new report, supported by more than 150 countries including Brazil, underscores the negative effects of prioritizing GDP growth on the natural world. Compiled over three years by nearly 80 scientists and industry experts, the study emphasizes that while global companies depend on nature for essential raw materials and critical services, their actions have led to considerable environmental degradation. The findings were presented at the Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) summit held in Manchester, UK, where researchers and diplomats collaborated on strategies for investment and national policies.
The report reveals alarming statistics about the decline of the natural environment, noting that nearly 40% of the so-called natural capital, which includes ecosystems and natural resources, has diminished. The documents are a wake-up call for governments and industries to reconsider their growth models, particularly those centered around Short-term GDP measurements. As biodiversity continues to drop, the report calls for an urgent reevaluation of how economic success is defined, pushing for a shift toward more sustainable practices that prioritize ecological balance and long-term health over immediate financial gains.
This issue is particularly relevant as businesses worldwide are reevaluating their impact on nature, with growing evidence of the interconnectedness between economic activities and ecological health. The report aims to inform future policies that not only address economic growth but also safeguard the planet's biodiversity, ultimately paving the way for a more sustainable coexistence between human activities and the natural environment.