More than half of the world’s GDP (US$ 44 trillion) depends on nature and its services and more than 1.2 billion jobs rely on a healthy environment. Green transitions in consumption (food systems, land and ocean use), the built environment, and extractives and energy use could deliver US$10.1 trillion of annual business opportunities and 395 million jobs by 2030.
Yet, according to recent analysis (Vivid Economics, OECD), most countries are failing to ensure that their recoveries from the COVID-19 crisis follow a sustainable, inclusive, resilient, and nature-positive path. Paired with relaxations of nature protection efforts due to lockdowns and reallocation of funds as well as reduced incomes from sustainable tourism, this barely provides for an optimistic outlook on a green recovery from the pandemic that is in line with commitments to the Paris Agreement, Aichi Targets, or SDGs.
Nevertheless, there are some signs of hope. The private sector increasingly acknowledges the potential of building forward better with and for nature. The coalition Business for Nature for instance calls on governments to adopt ambitious policies and increase cooperation, and highlights the application of Nature- based Solutions as a central strategy. The financial sector is called upon to provide resources and establish new financial instruments such as sustainable finance taxonomies, green bonds or debt swaps.
This briefing gathers COVID-19 responses targeted at protecting, managing, or restoring biodiversity (in particular ecosystems) in the context of economic recovery.
The Build Forward Better Briefing compiles the latest “green” stimulus news, measures and propositions by governments, multilateral organisations, academia, civil society, and other actors at the national and international level. It shares insights on options and responses for a sustainable, inclusive, and resilient recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.