Aug 30, 2019 03:20 AM
(This post was last modified: Aug 30, 2019 03:21 AM by C C.)
https://www.investec.com/en_za/focus/bey...ction.html
EXCERPT: . . . But what's all the buzz about bees? And why should businesses and the finance sector care? The simple answer is that organisations themselves are also at risk of extinction when animal and plant populations die out. [...] the loss of species negatively affects value creation and threatens supply chains, production processes and profits. The knock-on effect on a company's value and liquidity represents a material financial risk, not only to the business itself but also banks and investors.
As an example, the Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) estimated the global value of agricultural crop production at $2.6 trillion in 2016. Up to $577 billion of this annual output is at risk due to pollinator losses, providing a real sting in the tail for workers, businesses and the finance industry. [...] IPBES recently estimated that one million animal and plant species are at risk of extinction. The resulting impact of widespread species extinction will be catastrophic for ecosystems, businesses and financial markets.
[...] Is the situation as bad as it seems? Why should species extinction matter to businesses and the finance industry in particular? And what are the best ways to solve these problems? Here are five key insights from the day that answer these pressing questions and show why urgent action is needed before it's too late. (MORE - details)
SUMMARY POINTS:
1. The good, the bad and the ugly: any species can affect business. Bees may be the poster insect of biodiversity efforts, but not every species enjoys the same level of media attention. Many flora and fauna are often overlooked in conservation discussions, with some holding pivotal keystone status within ecosystems.
2. The situation is worse than most of us realise. Species are disappearing at rates unprecedented in our history, and humans have a lot to answer for. That was the stark message from the IPBES report, which estimated 25% of plant and animal groups across terrestrial, freshwater and marine environments are at risk.
3. Species extinction will cause financial systems to collapse. American biologist E. O. Wilson once said humanity wouldn’t last more than a few months if insects and other land-dwelling arthropods were to disappear because they are so important to the survival of our ecosystems. The spirit of these words is echoed in Around the World in 80 Species.
4. The investment sector should play a key role in protecting species. There are many challenges ahead due to species extinction, but there are also opportunities for businesses and investors that prioritise biodiversity issues. Some organisations are already thinking outside of the box.
5. There is still time to act. Here’s what you can do. Businesses, governments, NGOs, investors, regulators and other stakeholders must all work together to drive the changes that need to occur. Every expert who spoke at the seminar emphasised the importance of collaboration and communication at a local, national and international level.
EXCERPT: . . . But what's all the buzz about bees? And why should businesses and the finance sector care? The simple answer is that organisations themselves are also at risk of extinction when animal and plant populations die out. [...] the loss of species negatively affects value creation and threatens supply chains, production processes and profits. The knock-on effect on a company's value and liquidity represents a material financial risk, not only to the business itself but also banks and investors.
As an example, the Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) estimated the global value of agricultural crop production at $2.6 trillion in 2016. Up to $577 billion of this annual output is at risk due to pollinator losses, providing a real sting in the tail for workers, businesses and the finance industry. [...] IPBES recently estimated that one million animal and plant species are at risk of extinction. The resulting impact of widespread species extinction will be catastrophic for ecosystems, businesses and financial markets.
[...] Is the situation as bad as it seems? Why should species extinction matter to businesses and the finance industry in particular? And what are the best ways to solve these problems? Here are five key insights from the day that answer these pressing questions and show why urgent action is needed before it's too late. (MORE - details)
SUMMARY POINTS:
1. The good, the bad and the ugly: any species can affect business. Bees may be the poster insect of biodiversity efforts, but not every species enjoys the same level of media attention. Many flora and fauna are often overlooked in conservation discussions, with some holding pivotal keystone status within ecosystems.
2. The situation is worse than most of us realise. Species are disappearing at rates unprecedented in our history, and humans have a lot to answer for. That was the stark message from the IPBES report, which estimated 25% of plant and animal groups across terrestrial, freshwater and marine environments are at risk.
3. Species extinction will cause financial systems to collapse. American biologist E. O. Wilson once said humanity wouldn’t last more than a few months if insects and other land-dwelling arthropods were to disappear because they are so important to the survival of our ecosystems. The spirit of these words is echoed in Around the World in 80 Species.
4. The investment sector should play a key role in protecting species. There are many challenges ahead due to species extinction, but there are also opportunities for businesses and investors that prioritise biodiversity issues. Some organisations are already thinking outside of the box.
5. There is still time to act. Here’s what you can do. Businesses, governments, NGOs, investors, regulators and other stakeholders must all work together to drive the changes that need to occur. Every expert who spoke at the seminar emphasised the importance of collaboration and communication at a local, national and international level.