Ecosystems are losing their ability to deliver the products that businesses need most.
The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment determined that the capacity of ecosystems to provide people with valued goods and services, such as food, water, fiber, carbon storage, and control of floods, disease and climate, was degraded for nearly two thirds of the ecosystem services examined.
The Ecosystem Challenges and Business Implications report, launched today, warns that companies must transform their business models to avoid major economic losses caused by ecosystem degradation. Findings in this publication include:
* Many companies recognize the risks associated with degrading ecosystems, but most don't make the link between healthy ecosystems and their business interests.
* Many companies already work with nongovernmental organizations to adapt to ecosystem change. But the magnitude of environmental change requires a collective business response.
* Business risks include scarcity of raw materials, higher operating costs, government restrictions and reduced flexibility.
* Companies can best respond to the growing loss of ecosystem services by measuring their impact and dependence on ecosystem services, taking advantage of emerging opportunities, and reducing their operational footprints.
See full Press Release.
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