Now published: Biodiversity and finance

The degradation of nature is challenging the integrity of the biosphere, ultimately endangering human survival, and also represents a significant threat to financial system stability. Understanding and managing biodiversity-related physical and transition risks will enable financial institutions to avoid losses and reputational damage. Furthermore, understanding the complexities of biodiversity and ecosystems may also enable financial market actors to take advantage of rising business opportunities that are nature-positive.
Regulation touching upon biodiversity and ecosystems already in place or being planned may only push firms to comply rather than creating the momentum needed to transform the economy to operate within planetary boundaries. Moving beyond compliance is essential if financial institutions are to avoid reputational risks and play a role in effectively restoring and protecting biodiversity and ecosystems.