The biodiversity and nature crisis, a critical threat to human well-being and economic stability, is intensifying rapidly. Wildlife populations have declined significantly, and one million species are at risk of extinction. The degradation of natural ecosystems poses a significant threat to the business world, as business relies on nature for its raw materials. Growing societal awareness of biodiversity loss, coupled with stricter regulations are increasing pressure on the corporate world to take action not only to minimise negative impact, but also be part of nature-positive solutions.
Failure to do this can expose business to severe risks, such as supply chain disruption, reputational damage, legal action, and financial losses. Importantly, it can erode goodwill among a company’s stakeholders and weaken its social license to operate.
Black Sun has always been an advocate of responsible business practices. In this report, which is part of our 2024 Research programme on Redefining Engagement, we focused on nature. We analysed 224 UK and European companies and assessed their nature-related disclosures.
What we found was that while most companies acknowledge the importance of biodiversity and nature conservation, fewer have set specific targets or developed comprehensive strategies. Only a small percentage have embraced ambitious long-term goals like 30% nature retention by 2030, in accordance with the Kunming Montréal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), which was agreed in 2022 at COP15.
While the lack of nature metrics is a real challenge, forward looking companies should invest in understanding their impact on nature and take advantage of new technologies and innovation.
Importantly, they can use data and progress against targets to engage with their stakeholders, who are increasingly feeling the adverse impacts of the nature crisis and are expecting brands to be part of the solution.
To request a full copy of the research report or to find out about how we can help you to improve your nature-related disclosures please get in touch with Sarah.
Black Sun Global is a stakeholder advisory and engagement agency that's been driving transformation and positive change for ambitious brands for more than 20 years. With deep expertise in disclosure and reporting, ESG, sustainability, and digital engagement, we reshape how organisations connect with customers, investors, employees, and the wider world.
We are trusted partners to some of the most influential global organisations, sparking innovation and sustainable performance through our strategic insights, partnerships, and proprietary technologies.
As founders of the Positive Change Group, we are on a mission to create a new kind of stakeholder relations partner. Our world-class specialists work closely with executive leadership teams to protect reputations, inspire trust, and promote responsible business practices - building resilience and long-term value in a rapidly changing world.
For more information, please visit: www.blacksun-global.com
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