Biodiversity

In this Capgemini Research Institute report, ‘Preserving the fabric of life: Why biodiversity loss is as urgent as climate change‘, we examine the importance of protecting biodiversity and its significance to organizations.

Biodiversity encompasses the entire variety of life on Earth. It is necessary for the planet to function and provides the conditions for human existence. Damage to biodiversity, called biodiversity loss, threatens this delicate balance by stripping away the protection that healthy ecosystems provide. To address this issue, organizations must take strategic action to reduce their impact on the natural world.

Survey Findings

1. We surveyed over 1,800 executives across 12 countries and 15 industries to inform our research on this topic.
2. Based on our findings and analysis, it is clear that current efforts aimed at biodiversity preservation and restoration are insufficient.
3. Only 24% of respondents indicate that their organization has a biodiversity strategy.
4. It is estimated that the financing gap for biodiversity exceeds $700 billion annually.

Despite these shortcomings, executives realize the importance of biodiversity. Of those we surveyed, 86% agree that biodiversity is important to the planet, and 88% understand that it helps to address climate change. But, as the immediate focus has turned towards fighting climate change on its own, many organizations view biodiversity as a lesser priority. Unfortunately, this approach is unsustainable and could lead to an environmental catastrophe. 

Recommendations

• Organizations will have to act now to avoid the worst impacts of a biodiversity crisis.
• In this report, we conclude with four recommendations that will help organizations advance their biodiversity journeys:
1. Strategy: Organizations need to develop a biodiversity strategy to guide their actions.
2. Collaboration: Collaboration between organizations, governments, and NGOs is crucial for effective biodiversity preservation.
3. Measurement and Disclosure: Organizations should measure and disclose their biodiversity impact to track progress and drive accountability.
4. Technological and Data Solutions: Leveraging technology and data can help organizations identify and implement effective biodiversity solutions.

Download our report to find out more about the importance of biodiversity and how organizations can act to address this critical issue.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. SDG 15: Life on Land

   • Target 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains, and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements.
   • Indicator 15.1.1: Forest area as a proportion of total land area.
   • Indicator 15.1.2: Proportion of important sites for terrestrial and freshwater biodiversity that are covered by protected areas, by ecosystem type.

2. SDG 13: Climate Action

   • Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.
   • Indicator 13.1.1: Number of deaths, missing persons, and directly affected persons attributed to disasters per 100,000 population.
   • Indicator 13.1.2: Number of countries that adopt and implement national disaster risk reduction strategies in line with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030.

Analysis

The article highlights the importance of protecting biodiversity and its significance to organizations. Based on the content, the following SDGs, targets, and indicators can be identified:

1. SDG 15: Life on Land

This SDG is directly connected to the issues discussed in the article. Biodiversity loss threatens the delicate balance of ecosystems, which is a key focus of SDG 15. The targets and indicators under this SDG that can be identified are:

• Target 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains, and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements.
• Indicator 15.1.1: Forest area as a proportion of total land area.
• Indicator 15.1.2: Proportion of important sites for terrestrial and freshwater biodiversity that are covered by protected areas, by ecosystem type.

The article emphasizes the need for organizations to take strategic action to reduce their impact on the natural world and highlights the insufficient current efforts aimed at biodiversity preservation and restoration.

2. SDG 13: Climate Action

This SDG is indirectly connected to the issues discussed in the article. The article mentions that 88% of respondents understand that biodiversity helps to address climate change. While the focus of the article is primarily on biodiversity, the connection to climate change is mentioned. The targets and indicators under this SDG that can be identified are:

• Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.
• Indicator 13.1.1: Number of deaths, missing persons, and directly affected persons attributed to disasters per 100,000 population.
• Indicator 13.1.2: Number of countries that adopt and implement national disaster risk reduction strategies in line with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030.

The article highlights the importance of biodiversity in addressing climate change and emphasizes the need for organizations to prioritize biodiversity alongside climate change efforts.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: capgemini.com

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