Khatri also highlights the importance of not leaving people behind : “indigenous people are stewards of 80% of the world’s biodiversity, so any solution that does not put them in the centre, it is not going to work”. In that line, she mentions that 40% to 50% of the world's employment is in agriculture, farmers need to be at the centre of the transition. The recently launched WEF initiative, Hundred Million Farmers, is a practical example of how to move economic activities towards becoming nature-positive without leaving anyone behind.
In other terms, there is no future for business as usual - we are reaching irreversible tipping points for nature and climate. Fighting climate change is essential but not enough to address the nature crisis – a fundamental transformation is needed across three socio-economic systems: food, land and ocean use; infrastructure and the built environment; and energy and extractives.
These changes won’t happen overnight. And without a doubt, they are amongst the biggest challenges humanity has ever faced. However, these transitions represent a huge business opportunity. Studies suggest that these systemic transitions could create 395 million jobs by 2030, with annual business opportunities worth $10 trillion.
Governments are listening and need a strong signal to move forward at COP15 and COP26 with confidence. Business can truly make a difference as a force for good when they give government this confidence and align business models with policy goals.