How can we make the value of nature more distinct in alignment with current climate and nature-related financial frameworks? This is the question we explored internally prompting some interesting reflections and discussions. We’d love your input…but first, some background.

More than half of global GDP ($USD58 trillion) is dependent on nature, and over 90% of the world’s largest companies will be highly exposed to the physical impacts of climate change by the 2050s. Current frameworks like the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) and the Task Force on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) have brought these critical considerations of climate and nature into corporate governance and risk management practices. Whereas, as of this year, the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) requires companies to report on biodiversity-related risks and opportunities across their value chain.

In parallel, the global push towards adopting and financing nature-based solutions (NbS) is accelerating. By 2050, NbS could sequester at least 10GtCO2 emissions per year, while re/afforestation could generate $USD800B in annual revenues.

Moreover, unlike other carbon capture technologies, nature can reduce the financial impact of climate-related risks and contribute to climate-related opportunities. Mangroves, for example, provide over $65 billion in flood protection, and protect 15 million people from being flooded each year. 

Could we make this potential impact more distinct by mapping (primarily) TCFD, and TNFD climate-related financial risks and opportunities, to the potential for ecosystem services provided by nature to reduce, control or mitigate a given risk? Or to contribute, improve, or increase a given opportunity?

With the overarching mission of mobilizing nature finance, Symbaiosys aims to complement current frameworks by connecting the potential impact of investing in nature to reduce climate-related financial risks—be they physical, transitional, systemic or otherwise.

Example 1: To mitigate the impact of hurricanes, investments in nature-based solutions that provide the following ecosystem services can be considered: flood prevention, prevention of extreme events, storm protection, drainage, and
erosion prevention.
 

Example 2: To increase property values, investments in nature-based solutions that provide the following ecosystem services can be considered: attractive landscapes, capturing fine dust, air quality regulation, pest control, disease control, microclimate regulation, erosion prevention, storm protection, flood prevention, fire prevention, prevention of extreme events, recreation, tourism, ecotourism, hunting / fishing, water regulation, and abatement of noise.

You can download the table below, or comment directly on the public draft–we’d love your thoughtful inputs as we work to give greater visibility to the financial, and intrinsic value of natural capital.