2 June 2026
That nature is intrinsic to economic growth is increasingly becoming better understood, and – as highlighted by the research paper from IPBES in February - all businesses rely on the natural environment, either directly or indirectly through their supply chains.
Whether it is clean air and water, healthy soils and biodiversity, or well-managed sites, it provides critical resources that enable growth and improve resilience against impacts of climate change.
However, as nature declines, the risks to businesses increase. Globally, environmental risks comprise five of the ten most severe risks to the global economy in the next 10 years. Acting now will better prepare businesses to mainstream biodiversity across their decision-making processes and supply chains and harness the mounting economic opportunities created across the bioeconomy and nature markets.
This is why ISEP has partnered with the Aldersgate Group to produce a guide, Placing nature on the board agenda, that will enable senior business leaders to better understand how nature positive action fits within their operations, and if acted on quickly, can present a significant economic opportunity. In fact, despite being the second most growing sector globally, the World Economic Forum predicts that the green economy will exceed $7 trillion in value by 2030.
The guide presents a five-phase framework to support businesses to understand where nature can be supported and what tools they can utilise to increase their awareness and positive action. It is sector-agnostic and could be utilised in a wide range of sectors.
Understanding nature impacts and interdependencies
Developing a nature strategy and setting targets
Embedding nature into operational delivery and supply chians
Developing nature skills and expertise across the organisation
Investing in nature and greening investments
Examining this critical opportunity through these interconnected steps will make it easier for businesses to ensure robust supply chains, increase innovation and create goods and services that are increasingly being sought. Conversely, failing to will leave companies exposed to volatile supply chains, increasing temperatures that will impact staff, risks of both flood and drought, and miss out on critical opportunities.
Signe Norberg is the Director of Policy and Public Affairs at the Institute of Sustainability and Environmental Professionals (ISEP). She is responsible for ensuring impactful policy and guidance which supports sustainable change that delivers for the environment, society and the economy. Prior to joining ISEP, Signe was the Head of External Affairs at the Aldersgate Group, where she also served as its Interim Executive Director. She also has experience of both the public and private sector having worked at Southwark Council and Weber Shandwick, driving impactful public affairs work across a range of areas including environment, public health, housing and food and drink. She has also served as a Board Member of Broadway Initiative and Advisor to Unchecked UK.
