The science & economics of our environment | CDP Europe Awards 2022

Transforming ESG: Towards #Sustainability #Innovation #Future 🌍💡🚀

3 Key Takeaways:

Bridging climate efforts with nature conservation is crucial for achieving 1.5°C goal.
Biodiversity loss presents extreme risks; sustainable supply/demand balance needed.
Europe's Green Deal illustrates actionable pathways for embedding sustainability in core economic sectors.

Further Insights:

Tipping Points: Dr. Rockstrom emphasizes the significant advancements in understanding how biosphere systems (like forests, oceans, and permafrost) are integral in regulating the climate by absorbing carbon and cooling the planet. This highlights the urgent need for a comprehensive approach that includes becoming sustainable stewards of all ecosystems to help combat climate change.
Biodiversity Risks: Sir Partha Dasgupta warns about the demand on the biosphere's goods and services vastly exceeding its capacity to supply them sustainably. With current trends suggesting we require 1.6 Earths to meet our needs, it's vital to either reduce demand or allow the biosphere to recuperate and supply more, underlining the severe risks posed by biodiversity decline.
European Green Deal: Hans Brunwich discusses the significance of the European Green Deal, which brings together measures addressing biodiversity, climate change, and resource use. This deal also focuses on transforming the key economic drivers of unsustainability (energy, food, mobility, and the built environment), marking critical steps toward sustainability.
Economic Models: A shift towards nature-positive economic models, as suggested by recent reports and discussions, involves putting value on natural assets and operating within scientifically defined planetary boundaries. This approach doesn't necessarily overturn current economic systems but proposes a redefinition of economic success to include natural capital alongside produced and human capital.

Closing Thoughts: The dialogue among experts underscores a pressing need for global cooperation in transitioning towards sustainability. By acknowledging the intricate connection between our economic activities and the environment, we must ponder: How can businesses and policymakers not only adapt but lead in these transformative times? This question challenges us to consider deep, systemic changes that value nature and promote equity — essential steps for a sustainable and inclusive future. Can we afford to wait any longer, or is the time for action now?