The global pandemic has caused its fair share of devastation on a number of levels, including an economic one. Yet there remains a bright spot amidst the uncertainty that has been making recent headlines: Nature-positive policies, or legislation aimed at adding value to nature or improving the environment.
According to a study cited by the World Economic Forum (WEF), nature-positive solutions can create an estimated 395 million jobs by 2030, along with $10.1 trillion in annual business value. This could greatly benefit many businesses across industries who’ve taken a substantial hit during COVID-19.
According to the WEF’s Future of Nature and Business Report, a nature-positive economy can help prevent further biodiversity loss by fundamentally transforming three socioeconomic systems: food, land, and ocean use, infrastructure, and energy and extractives. These systems, according to the report, represent a third of all global economic output and up to two-thirds of all jobs.
At True Vert, we truly believe in the power of nature and everything it has to offer, and we couldn’t be more excited for a more nature-positive society to take shape. Here are some of the ways nature-positive policies are or will be making an impact across sectors.
Nature Positive Policies
It all starts at the policy level with legislation that promotes things like a “clean energy economy,” and repairing the disruption in food supply chains caused by COVID-19. Some of the most effective pieces of environmental legislation are the Clean Air Act, the Endangered Species Act, the Montreal Protocol, the Clean Water Act, and Reformation Plan No. 3 of 1970. If legislators can continue to support these acts in addition to creating new ones, the environment will see a great benefit.
Smart Farming
Farming and agriculture use a significant amount of resources, like water and electricity—but there are ways to do it better and smarter while benefiting the economy. The WEF study reports that more than 4.3 million jobs and $195B in business opportunities can come from precision-agriculture technologies by 2030.
More Efficient Technology & Energy
Clean energy sources are a growing industry, especially wind and solar power. In fact, renewable energy is the fastest-growing energy source in the United States, increasing 100 percent from 2000 to 2018. Government policies and financial support are needed to support the further development of these renewable energy technologies.
Green Walls & Rooftop Ecosystems
By using plants and living walls in urban areas, energy costs can go down and nature can thrive. That’s because installations like green roofs not only block out solar energy, but they create natural habitats and ecosystems for insects, birds, and other small animals to thrive.
While making the transition to these eco-friendly, nature-positive policies will be long and challenging, we all stand to benefit from the results they will create.
