An Introduction to Nature, Business and Finance

Nature is deteriorating globally and biodiversity is declining faster than at any time in human history. There is growing evidence that this poses risks for businesses, capital providers, financial systems and economies, and that these risks are increasing in severity and frequency. Our society, economies and financial systems are embedded in nature, not external to it.

However, despite the risks and opportunities, most companies and capital providers remain unprepared. Making nature-related reporting a reality is challenging, but feasible, building on work already done in response to climate-related risks.

The TNFD recommendations and additional guidance, published in September 2023 enable business and finance to integrate nature into decision-making ultimately contribute to a shift in global financial flows toward nature-positive outcomes and the goals of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

This course is an  introduction to the foundations of nature, business and finance. Including understanding nature-related dependencies, impacts, risks and opportunities, and an overview of key elements of the TNFD recommendations and additional guidance.  

The intended audience of this course are those new to understanding the economic and financial relevance of nature. In particular, it is aimed at both private and public sector economic and financial decision makers who would like to build their understanding of the topic.