Institute for Sustainable Finance ’s Post

For the first time, scientists, governance, and business leaders have collaborated to estimate the cost of restoring Australia's environment.   The Wentworth Group of Concerned Scientists has released a Blueprint detailing 24 practical actions and investments, across five key environmental asset groups, to repair Australia’s degraded landscapes.   This comprehensive plan leverages science and expert advice to highlight public and private investment opportunities worth A$7.3 billion annually over 30 years – just 0.3% of Australia's GDP.   Key measures include objectives across soils, inland waters, native vegetation, threatened species and coastal environment innovative private sector solutions, while emphasising the need for First Nations leadership in managing and repairing landscapes.   ASFI recognises the importance of nature to a resilient and sustainable economy. We welcome the report and look forward to building on its findings to support the direction of capital toward nature positive outcomes. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gqDUs3D2   #NatureRestoration #NaturePositive #SustainableFinance

We know wetland and stream restoration have significant positive economic benefits from an ecological services perspective. But a 2023 study from UNC Institute for the Environment has documented the emergence of an ecological restoration "industry" composed of 53,000 jobs across the US with an annual economic impact of $9.6 billion. The sector has grown exponentially in recent years, further undermining the perceived need for trade offs between good-paying job growth and environmental quality. Check out the UNC study here: https://lnkd.in/ev-G3gdX

Will UK businesses invest in nature recovery? Our Chief Ecologist Emma Toovey strongly predicts so, and according to The Times’ Ben Cooke, it’s looking likely. “There are plenty of signs that Toovey’s prediction will prove right. The government already encourages companies to disclose their impacts on the natural world. And last year, the chair of the Commons environmental audit committee, Philip Dunne, called on it to require them to do so.” With a Habitat Bank at the Castle Howard Estate Ltd recently adding to our portfolio of nature recovery sites in England, we’re offering businesses with nature-positive targets the opportunity to invest in meaningful action via our Nature Shares. Many business sectors don’t yet face mandatory disclosure but still have environmentally-minded consumers to consider, and we believe there are truly compelling incentives for them to invest in nature ahead of impact disclosure becoming mandatory – for the planet’s health and for their own commercial interest. With governments putting increasing pressure on businesses to be transparent about their impact on the natural world, is proactive investment into restoring our lost habitats the next logical step for businesses to take? Read Ben Cooke's The Times article to discover more on predictions for a “thriving market” for businesses looking to invest in nature. https://lnkd.in/eYwXAGdh #NatureShares #NatureRecovery #Business #Biodiversity #Environment

On October 30, the Australian Government announced the prioritisation of four new proponent-led methods for development under the Australian Carbon Credit Unit (ACCU) Scheme. This initiative aims to bolster carbon market innovation and supports the nation’s commitment to emissions reductions and net zero climate targets. The proponent-led method development is part of ongoing ACCU Scheme reforms, stemming from recommendations in the Independent Review of ACCUs. Prioritised Methods: - Improved Native Forest Management in Multiple-use Public Forests: Proposed by the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, this method would delay or stop timber harvesting to allow forests to store more carbon. - Extending Savanna Fire Management to the Northern Arid Zone: Suggested by the Indigenous Desert Alliance, this method focuses on expanding fire management practices to reduce emissions and enhance economic opportunities for First Nations communities in northern Australia. - Improved Avoided Clearing of Native Regrowth: A proposal by the Queensland Department of Environment, Science and Innovation, which incentivizes farmers to preserve native forest regrowth rather than clear it for agriculture, securing ACCUs for the stored carbon. - Reducing Disturbance of Coastal and Floodplain Wetlands: Developed by the Northern Australian Indigenous Land and Sea Management Alliance and the University of Queensland, this method seeks to manage ungulates (e.g., water buffalo, pigs) to protect wetlands, thereby reducing emissions released from disturbed ecosystems. Next Steps: The government will collaborate with the developers of these prioritised methods to advance their proposals. The Independent Emissions Reduction Assurance Committee (ERAC) has provided advisory support for these developments. For more updates on environmental policies and carbon market developments, follow Global Regulatory Insights. #ClimateChange #ACCU #CarbonCredits #Australia #Sustainability #GRI

UK Plans Natural Capital Markets For Marine Protection The ocean could provide up to 3 billion tonnes of the 5 billion tonnes of emissions removal needed to reach net zero. Yet ocean heat records have been broken every day over the last year, and there is an urgent need to understand the risks and opportunities in ocean function and fund their protection. The UK believes that natural capital markets is the way to do this, and a blueprint for how to set them up has just been launched. High Integrity Marine Natural Capital Markets in the UK: A Roadmap for Action is intended to create a mechanism for investors and corporations to invest in projects that provide a flow of benefits – from resilient communities, clean water, nature recovery and biodiversity as well as carbon sequestration, based on a consistent flow of funding for marine nature protection. The health of the marine environment, whether in deep ocean, the continental shelf or coastal areas, can have a huge economic impact. The global ocean economy was valued by WWF in 2015 at around $1.5 trillion per year, making it the seventh largest economy in the world, with its value expected to double by 2030 to $3 trillion. At the same time, the total value of ocean assets (natural capital) was estimated to be $24 trillion. #maritimeconnection #smes #ISeaSMEs #socsea24 https://lnkd.in/eShB5kVd

What pushes governments to favor conservation over exploitation of natural resources? Professor Bård Harstad has uncovered a key mechanism that could dramatically sway environmental policy. As an economist, Harstad has spent much of his career seeking more efficient ways to conserve natural resources and slow climate change. His most recent paper uncovers a phenomenon that could fit the bill — one that he calls the “conservation multiplier.” According to Harstad, the likelihood of either exploitation or conservation in the future causes an increase in the same today. “As soon as the government fears that the lobby will pay for exploitation in the future, it becomes attractive to exploit now,” Harstad says, “and suddenly we have a domino, or multiplier, effect.” Traditional economic models assume that governments act in their country’s long-term interests when setting environmental policy. But Harstad’s key insight is to consider how policymakers think about the near-term future benefits of conserving or exploiting a resource — as this can significantly impact what policies they set today. Harstad hopes his findings will be instructive for policymakers, and as he says, “[reveal] how the world community can be more successful in motivating a government to conserve.” #businessandsociety #climate https://lnkd.in/e3rdTutT

What pushes governments to favor conservation over exploitation of natural resources? Professor Bård Harstad has uncovered a key mechanism that could dramatically sway environmental policy. As an economist, Harstad has spent much of his career seeking more efficient ways to conserve natural resources and slow climate change. His most recent paper uncovers a phenomenon that could fit the bill — one that he calls the “conservation multiplier.” According to Harstad, the likelihood of either exploitation or conservation in the future causes an increase in the same today. “As soon as the government fears that the lobby will pay for exploitation in the future, it becomes attractive to exploit now,” Harstad says, “and suddenly we have a domino, or multiplier, effect.” Traditional economic models assume that governments act in their country’s long-term interests when setting environmental policy. But Harstad’s key insight is to consider how policymakers think about the near-term future benefits of conserving or exploiting a resource — as this can significantly impact what policies they set today. Harstad hopes his findings will be instructive for policymakers, and as he says, “[reveal] how the world community can be more successful in motivating a government to conserve.” #businessandsociety #climate https://lnkd.in/dwabNHpy

A trivial cost to save Australia's environment... The Wentworth Group of Concerned Scientists released their Blueprint to repair Australia's environment. Using the best available science and expert advice, they identified 24 actions worth A$7.3 billion each year over 30 years, which could repair much of the past two centuries of degradation. This investment amounts to about 0.3% of Australia’s gross domestic product. In reality, the Blueprint shows that it is possible to undo 200 years of poor land management at a continental scale. I truly hope that the Australian Government adopts and implements the Blueprint - we need to ensure future generations of Australians can enjoy our most remarkable and unique biodiversity and landscapes as we have done. https://lnkd.in/gBHafNt3

Recently, the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, announced the release of Canada’s 2030 Nature Strategy and introduced the Nature Accountability Bill. These initiatives aim to safeguard biodiversity and ensure accountability in protecting nature. Key Points: 1. 2030 Nature Strategy: - Implements goals under the Kunming-Montréal Global Biodiversity Framework. - Defines clear action areas and identifies additional needs. - Follows extensive engagement with various stakeholders, including provinces, territories, Indigenous partners, businesses, and citizen groups. 2. Nature Accountability Bill: - Enshrines the Government of Canada’s commitment to nature protection in legislation. - Establishes requirements for developing and reporting on a national nature strategy. - Ensures accountability and transparency in achieving nature protection goals. 3. Investment and Support: - Backed by over $12 billion in investments since 2015. - Aims to protect 30% of land and water by 2030 and conserve species at risk. - Supports building a nature-positive Canada for a clean, competitive, and resilient economy. These steps mark a significant advancement in Canada’s efforts to halt and reverse biodiversity loss, promoting a sustainable environment for future generations. Follow Global Regulatory Insights to stay updated on the latest environmental regulations and initiatives. #Canada #NatureProtection #Biodiversity #ESG #Sustainability #EnvironmentalLaw #ClimateChange #Conservation #IndigenousLeadership #GRI

The launch of WA's third Waterwise Action Plan (Kep Katitjin – Gabi Kaadadjan) marks an important milestone for the state's environmental sector and a significant step forward for environmental management. What stands out is the scale of impact since 2019: • 24 billion litres of water saved • 10,000+ trees planted • 300,000 waterwise plants established The program's expansion beyond the metropolitan area, coupled with its focus on urban greening and climate resilience, signals growing momentum in WA's environmental sector. This kind of integrated environmental planning creates ripples across multiple sectors - from urban development to conservation, water management to community engagement. It's a reminder of how interconnected our environmental challenges and solutions truly are. Looking forward to seeing how this initiative shapes WA's environmental landscape in the years ahead. https://lnkd.in/eyehsZ-v #WAEnvironment #WaterConservation #EnvironmentalJobs #SustainableWA