Businesses around the world rely heavily on nature and biodiversity – it underpins our agricultural systems and food supply, and an estimated 1.2 billion jobs depend on the management and sustainability of ecosystems. 

Yet today, biodiversity is declining faster than at any other time in human history. Over the past 50 years about half of Earth’s forests have been lost, while recorded populations of mammals, birds, fish, amphibians and reptiles have fallen by more than two-thirds.

For businesses, nature and biodiversity loss creates very specific risks. These include supply chain disruptions; the reduced availability of raw materials; and regulatory risks as governments increasingly require businesses to become more sustainable.

Circular and resource-efficient approaches offer a way to mitigate these risks. By providing an alternative to the “take, make, use, dispose” model of traditional business, they can reduce pressure on ecosystems by lowering demand for raw materials, maximizing the value of resources in the value chain, and reducing waste.

Why a circular economy is increasingly crucial and profitable | UNEP – UN Environment Programme