(Credit score: SBTN)

The Science Based mostly Targets Community (SBTN) has launched the primary official science-based targets for nature, which offer steering for firms to take motion on each local weather and nature targets.

This new steering helps firms assess their environmental impression and set targets to deal with any points with researched, science-based methods. However in contrast to sustainability targets based mostly solely on local weather targets, SBTN’s recommendation additionally acknowledges the connection between local weather change and ecosystem depletion, each pushed by exploitation of Earth’s pure sources. The science-based targets have been examined by over 115 firms in 25 international locations, representing over $4 trillion in market capitalization.

A pilot group of 17 firms, chosen for his or her readiness and for having provide chains recognized to extremely have an effect on nature, will set their first targets this 12 months. The steering is supposed to construct on firms’ pre-existing sustainability procedures whereas following current requirements in place from the Science Based mostly Targets Initiative and the Taskforce on Nature-related Monetary Disclosures threat administration and disclosure beta framework. The targets additionally embody collaboration with Earth Fee’s world workforce of scientists working to outline a secure and simply hall for folks and the planet.

Reaching Internet-Zero Requires Nature Preservation

SBTN acknowledges that local weather change is a key focus for a lot of firms’ sustainability targets, however scientific proof doesn’t but show that web zero is feasible with out nature. Preserving local weather contains defending freshwater sources, regenerating land, securing a wholesome ocean, and defending biodiversity. The targets assist firms in the direction of these efforts with a complete, five-step course of, then can measure firms’ contributions to a nature-positive financial system as soon as modifications are made.

SBTN defines science-based targets as “measurable, actionable, and time-bound targets, based mostly on the perfect accessible science, that enable actors to align with Earth’s limits and societal sustainability targets.” Such targets enable firms to align their sustainability actions by balancing Earth’s limits with sustainable, equitable human improvement.

In 2020, SBTN’s Preliminary Steering for Enterprise was revealed in response to a query that many firms face: what can an organization do to work in the direction of a net-zero, “nature-positive” future? Now, SBTN’s science-based targets for nature additional reply to this purpose, offering firms with “scientific guardrails” in taking measurable motion to protect nature.