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- Over 450 businesses and financial institutions are embracing nature-based solutions to contribute to the halving of global emissions by 2030.
- Nature provides a third of the solution for achieving climate goals, saving up to $104 billion in adaptation costs by 2030.
- Investment in nature-based solutions must triple to $542 billion annually to build resilience, create jobs, and ensure sustainable food systems.
A Critical Report for Climate Action
The Nature Positive for Climate Action report, developed by High-Level Climate Champions and CDP, offers a collection of 28 case studies that highlight the indispensable role of nature in combating climate change. As businesses and financial institutions continue to scale their efforts, this report brings forth real-world applications of nature-positive solutions contributing to the global fight to cut emissions by 50% by 2030.
Over 450 businesses and financial institutions are implementing nature-positive solutions to contribute to halving global emissions by 2030. This report emphasizes the critical role nature plays in addressing both biodiversity and climate goals simultaneously.
“CDP is proud to have supported the development of this publication, showcasing how ambitious investors are using CDP data to push forward corporate action on nature and climate. Ahead of COP16, this is a timely reminder of the need to move away from the siloing of climate and nature. The return on investment is far greater when we manage them together.” – CDP
Key Insights from the Report
1. What is Nature Positive?
Nature positive is a global goal to halt and reverse nature loss by 2030, with full recovery targeted by 2050. Nature-based solutions—ranging from regenerative agriculture to urban greening and forest conservation—are critical for protecting biodiversity while contributing to climate mitigation. This dual approach is vital because nature alone can deliver a third of the emission reductions needed to meet the Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C pathway.
2. The Call for Businesses and Financial Institutions
The Call to Action asks companies to integrate nature into their strategic and operational plans, including setting science-based targets, boosting investment in nature-based solutions, and disclosing risks and progress transparently. Businesses across sectors, from agriculture to finance, are urged to accelerate nature-positive actions.
More than 60 organizations have already set science-based targets for both nature and climate, with over $3 billion in private sector funds allocated to nature-positive projects. These investments aim to ensure nature and climate are considered in tandem to maximize their impact.
3. Tracking Progress on the Nature Positive for Climate Action Framework
As of August 2024, over 480 non-state actors, including businesses and financial institutions, have committed to nature-positive actions. More than 60 institutions have already set science-based targets for both nature and climate, while over $3 billion in private sector funding has been allocated to nature-positive projects. These non-state actors span different regions, sectors, and stages of their nature-positive journey, showing that diverse organizations are getting involved.
Why Nature is Key to Climate Solutions
The report highlights nature’s critical role in achieving global climate targets. Protecting natural ecosystems like mangroves, peatlands, and forests could reduce up to 1 gigaton of emissions annually by 2030.
- Economic Impact: Investing in nature could unlock $10 trillion in business opportunities and create over 395 million jobs by 2030. Nature-based solutions could also save $104 billion in adaptation costs by 2030, making it a highly cost-effective approach to climate action.
- Deforestation and Land Use: Without tackling deforestation and improving land use, net-zero goals will be out of reach. The integration of nature into climate strategies is essential for achieving net-zero emissions.
“A nature-positive economy is a no-brainer—for biodiversity, the climate, public health, food security, and the long-term goals of businesses.” – H.E. Razan Al Mubarak, UN Climate Change High-Level Champion
Real-World Case Studies: Nature in Action
The report showcases how companies are already implementing nature-positive solutions to drive meaningful climate progress. Examples include:
- Zephyr Power Ltd. (Pakistan): By restoring mangroves, Zephyr Power has increased site stability, improved biodiversity, and reduced soil erosion, while saving the company up to $7 million over 25 years.
- FEMNCAFÉ (Colombia): This coffee collective integrates community-driven land planning and nature-based solutions to achieve net-zero carbon emissions while improving water regulation and soil preservation.
The Investment Imperative
Nature-based solutions need $542 billion annually by 2030 to meet climate, biodiversity, and land degradation targets. The report calls on businesses and financial institutions to scale up investments in nature and climate resilience and ensure their strategies reflect the interconnectedness of nature and climate.
Annual investments in nature-based solutions must triple by 2030 to meet these targets, driving job creation, building resilience, cutting pollution, and ensuring sustainable food systems. Scaling up these investments is essential for creating jobs, boosting resilience, cutting pollution, and feeding a growing planet sustainably.
Looking Ahead: The Road to COP16
As we approach COP16, the Nature Positive for Climate Action report serves as a crucial reminder of the need for integrated nature and climate strategies. Governments and businesses must work together to enhance resilience, protect ecosystems, and meet their climate commitments. The report also highlights that nature provides a third of the climate mitigation needed to meet the Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C goal, making nature-based solutions indispensable in achieving our global climate objectives.
For the full report, access Nature Positive for Climate Action.