Imagine if nature were a business, a global enterprise providing essentials like clean air, fresh water and fertile soil. Every human is a shareholder, relying on its assets for survival and prosperity.
Let’s examine the balance sheet:
- Global Wildlife Populations: Since 1970, there’s been a 73% decline worldwide.
- Freshwater Species: An alarming 83% decrease in populations.
- Latin America’s Biodiversity: A staggering 94% reduction.
Source: WWF Living Planet Report 2024
Perhaps you think, “That’s unfortunate, but it’s happening elsewhere in the world.” Unfortunately, Nature’s UK HQ is also in trouble:
- Overall Species Abundance in the UK: Declined by 19% since 1970.
- Bird Populations: Farmland birds have suffered a 61% decrease over the same period.
- Butterfly Numbers: Halved, reaching their lowest recorded levels.
Sources: State of Nature Report 2023, The Guardian
In business terms, nature – were it a company – is on the brink of bankruptcy. Its assets are being depleted faster than they can regenerate. As shareholders, we’ve been drawing dividends – resources and ecosystem services – without reinvesting in sustainability.
So, here’s the pressing question:
If Nature were a business, how long before it declares bankruptcy?
#NaturalCapital #BiodiversityCrisis #Sustainability #EnvironmentalAccountability #InvestInNature #StateOfNatureReport
