The Economy is a Wholly Owned Subsidiary of Nature

If you’re reading this article you’re an environmental leader or, in GreenHalo terms, a Green Angel. The current focus is on reducing or offsetting carbon emissions. This is driving a transition to the carbon economy and Michele Embling, Chair of the External Reporting Board, says, “In a few decades the economy is likely to be unrecognisable in today’s terms”. The next wave to consider is “nature” in a broader context. Abbie Reynolds, Country Manager at The Nature Conservancy in Aotearoa New Zealand, says, “The economy is a wholly owned subsidiary of nature”. Her organisation states that two-thirds of New Zealand’s plants and animals are found nowhere else in the world so we’re a place of global conservation significance. I think everyone would agree that’s worth protecting. In simple terms, a nature focus is about regenerating our [native] plants, animals and microorganisms. This creates stronger biodiversity, which is a fancy name for the variety of plants and animals in a given area. Biodiversity goes under the microscope with monoculture farming and is part of why farmers are considering regenerative agriculture. This article is a soft entry to the concept that nature is likely to become the next focus of environmental sustainability for businesses, including mandatory reporting requirements. The summer break will be a good time to start thinking about what could might mean for your organisation. Chris Bailey GreenHalo Founder #nature #biodiversity #carbonaccounting #sustainability #carbonemissions