Why science-based targets for nature?
We encourage others to start taking science-based action on nature, to build business resilience and to help us all move faster to a net zero, nature positive, healthier planet.
This change must occur in multiple ways and at multiple levels. The key questions for businesses are how to change and by how much. Science-based targets are designed to provide the answer.
The loss of nature poses a direct threat to economic activities currently responsible for generating over half of GDP. Each year, ecosystems provide services estimated to be worth more than US$ 40 trillion (around half of global gross domestic product [GDP]).
Local and global pressures on nature like landscape conversion and pollution are decreasing ecosystems’ ability to function and, consequently, their ability to provide contributions to the wellbeing of human and nonhuman life.
Businesses are waking up to this. Biodiversity loss is increasingly being recognized as one of the most important and most likely business risks, alongside climate change and water crises.
Get ahead of regulation and policy changes
Strengthen your reputation among consumers, employees, and society
Increase the confidence of your investors, parent companies, subsidiaries, and other stakeholders
Catalyze innovation that’s good for the planet, and for business
Open opportunities to collaborate with other stakeholders
Improve your medium-to-long-term profitability
A key advantage of integrated SBTs is that they are being designed to recognize the interconnection of issue areas. This allows companies to take action on multiple issues at once and not create new problems. When designed and implemented correctly, SBTs can help resolve interrelated climate and nature risks, including:
Creating resilience to climate hazards like heat waves, floods, and droughts
Conserving freshwater resources and increasing water security
Regenerating land systems
Supporting healthy, diverse oceans
Conserving biodiversity and preventing species extinction
Ensuring equal opportunities for societies to sustain a decent living and to access the benefits of the transition toward a zero-emission, nature-positive future.
Join Holcim, Natura, and over 120 leading companies in our Corporate Engagement Program preparing to set science-based targets for nature.
Click here to learn more about our Corporate Engagement Program
Consolidated approach: The methods and targets designed by SBTN are being built on existing sustainability tools, approaches, and platforms,
Practicality: We are working with end users to “road test” draft methods and ensure that SBTs are practical and intuitive for businesses.
Credibility: The guidance is being developed by experts from the world’s leading environmental NGOs, governmental organizations, purpose-driven consultancies, ambitious businesses, and societyminded business coalitions. The guidance is grounded in the best available science.
Stability: While the science will continue to evolve, SBTN’s framework for setting SBTs will be designed for long-term use.
Prioritization: The SBTN approach to target setting will help companies prioritize places and issue areas for action, so that they can confidently address their most urgent impacts and dependencies.
Communication and alignment: The approach to setting SBTs lends itself to straightforward communication about your target-setting journey.