Humanity currently faces some of its greatest challenges in the form of biodiversity loss and climate change. At the same time, the world's population is increasing steadily, and the global middle class is growing as we combat poverty. We have many sustainability goals to be achieved simultaneously, and this will only be possible if all elements of society work jointly.
Strengthening biodiversity is a crucial component for mitigating the eects of climate change and improving the conditions for combating poverty. In order to reduce poverty, global growth and prosperity must increase, something which may initially impact both nature and emissions. It is therefore essential to decouple growth from resource consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, a goal to which technological advancements and changed business models can contribute. Society also aims to achieve climate neutrality, which requires - among other things - fossil-free electricity production and the existence of industries that may demand significant use of land and sea. It is therefore necessary to strike a balance between the various interests, and work for them to complement and strengthen other with global sustainable development as a goal.
The business sector will play a vital role in reducing global impact on biodiversity. Businesses depend heavily on biodiversity and its ecosystem services for their operations and - in just 10 years - the loss of biodiversity is seen as one of the most significant threats to the global economy. Investment in biodiversity can also create new business opportunities, as there is an increasing market demand for products that take biodiversity into account, leading to improved investment and recruitment opportunities.
Much is being done in the business sector to reduce environmental and biodiversity impacts. Through technological advancements, new innovations and increasingly circular business models, the business sector can contribute even more. To accelerate this work, and to create opportunities for the entire business sector to contribute to an even greater extent, increased awareness, and knowledge will be essential. With a greater understanding of biodiversity, there are more actions that can be taken. Together, the entire Swedish business sector can contribute to strengthening biodiversity.