British businesses, represented by the Aldersgate Group, are urging the UK government to implement mandatory corporate reporting on nature impacts, emphasizing the need for sector-specific guidance to help companies become nature-positive. Key members such as Netflix, Ikea, and Nestle have backed this call, citing systemic risks that nature loss presents to the economy, from disrupted supply chains to reduced economic growth. 

According to the Aldersgate Group, which includes influential businesses and environmental organizations, addressing nature loss is critical for the UK’s economy and businesses. The report calls for more detailed policy, regulation, and business action, urging clarity for companies and financial institutions to meet global environmental targets. Karen Ellis, chief economist at WWF UK, highlights that transitioning to a nature-positive economy represents a significant economic opportunity for the 21st century. However, unlocking private investment will require more precise governmental direction on how businesses can contribute to national and global environmental goals. 

The UK government has committed to developing a new statutory plan to restore and protect the environment, including cleaning waterways, planting trees, reducing waste, and halting species decline by 2030. This includes working on sector-specific guidance to help various industries make a net-positive impact on nature. 

Regarding biodiversity, the Aldersgate Group also advocates for mandatory corporate disclosures aligned with the Taskforce on Nature-Related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) framework. The report highlights the need for clarity around the 30×30 biodiversity goal, where nations must set aside 30% of land and sea for conservation by 2030. The UK is currently off-track to meeting this target, and more explicit mandates on how companies should disclose their nature-related risks will be essential. This call for mandatory reporting and clearer frameworks aims to align businesses with global sustainability targets. This supports the UK’s broader efforts to become nature-positive and achieve its carbon-neutral strategy. 

Sources:  

https://www.edie.net/british-businesses-call-for-mandatory-corporate-reporting-on-nature-impacts/ 

https://wholelifecarbon.com/article/british-businesses-call-for-mandatory-corporate-reporting-on-nature 

https://www.businessfornature.org/make-it-mandatory-campaign 

https://greenhouse.agency/case-study/raising-business-mandatory-nature-assessment-disclosure/