In 2023, the total volume of financial flows associated with actors harming nature amounted to $7.3 trillion. Of this amount, $4.9 trillion are private investments concentrated in sectors such as utilities, energy, industry, and raw material extraction.
At the same time, only $220 billion was allocated for nature protection in 2023, with nearly 90% of this funding coming from public sources.
UNEP emphasizes that to change the situation, investments in nature protection need to be increased by at least 2.5 times, reaching $571 billion per year, which is only 0.5% of global GDP.
UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen noted: "The analysis of cash flows clearly shows how great the task ahead of us is. We have a choice: either invest in the destruction of nature or support its restoration – there is no compromise here."
The report provides leaders with a plan to change current trends and work with nature, not against it.The document emphasizes that redirecting private and public capital is a powerful tool for achieving sustainable development. The authors presented a concept that can help policymakers and businesses gradually implement reforms and increase the number of eco-friendly solutions across various sectors of the economy.
This concept offers a strategy for gradually phasing out subsidies and investments that harm nature, as well as expanding financial contributions that support its protection. It includes specific recommendations for public and private companies at all levels of the supply chain.The report also provides examples of successful application of this approach by governments and businesses around the world:
- greening urban spaces;
- integrating nature-based solutions into road and energy infrastructure;
- developing building materials with a negative carbon footprint.
Photo on the main page is illustrative: UN / N. Nasir.
