Post COP15: Nordic business and policy prospects
2022 concluded with the historic Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. It was signed by 196 countries that pledge to achieve 23 targets to reverse ecosystem degradation under four overarching goals for the survival of the natural world. Nature and biodiversity, represented by SDG 14 (Life Below Water) and 15 (Life on Land), are vital foundations for our planet ́s well-being and the green transition. They are equally crucial for companies as they navigate towards a sustainable future. In fact, more than 50% of the global GDP today is directly dependent on nature. While strides have been made in the Nordics regarding climate-related SDGs, it is important that biodiversity is placed at the forefront of efforts to fast-track progress.
A forthcoming report highlights the sustainability efforts of the Nordic private sector and compares them to other regions in Europe and the world. While the key findings are not revealed, it suggests that there is still progress to be made in terms of sustainability, especially when it comes to nature and bio-diversity measures. The report emphasizes the importance of policy changes, supply chain engagement, and cross-sector partnerships in meeting the commitments of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework from COP15.
The report underscores the urgent need for action from both the private and public sectors to halt and reverse nature loss by 2030. It emphasizes the necessity of unity in addressing both the climate crisis and the nature crisis while transitioning towards the future of business and developing new sectors. Recognizing the interconnectedness of climate and nature, nations and businesses must implement new measures to prevent further degradation of nature and biodiversity.
This Nordic Talk will dive into the findings from the stocktaking report, and invite business leaders, policymakers, and experts to discuss solutions, policies, and business opportunities.
Program outline:
10:00 – Welcome remarks – including key nature findings from the report
10:05 – Keynote: Connecting nature and climate, private and public.
10:15 – Panel: From Paris, Kunming, and Montreal to policy implementations and business transitions
Topics: Need for long-term policy signals to enable substantial business investments. How can the businesses be an asset to the policymakers and how can the policymakers incentivize the businesses to take impactful nature action? How can we improve and keep the climate engagement and harness it into nature engagement to solve the twin-crises simultaneously?
10:35 – Businesses taking initiative for nature: approaches, challenges and solutions
Topics: proactive business involvement in nature preservation, encompassing sustainable business opportunities, managing nature-dependent operations, mitigating risks in materials use, and promoting biodiversity through agricultural practices.
10:55 – closing remarks
11:00 – Networking and keeping the conversations going between the audience and the participants.
12:00 – End