More than half of the world’s gross domestic product (US$44 trillion) is moderately or highly dependent on nature and its services – such as the provision of food, fibre and fuel – and the unprecedented loss of biodiversity places this value at risk. It is critical that institutional investors take action to halt the loss of biodiversity. Conversely, taking action against biodiversity loss offers opportunities. For investors, a clear understanding of the potential impact that biodiversity loss might have on the risk-return profile of investees, as well as on an overall portfolio, will be important – exposure to some sectors may lead to those assets becoming stranded, if not properly managed.
In this webinar organised in partnership with Rainforest Foundation Norway, Norges Bank Investment Management (NBIM) will share its approach to addressing nature-related risks and opportunities across its global investment portfolio, including policy development, standard-setting and company engagement. NBIM manages the world’s largest sovereign wealth fund, with USD 1.3 trillion in Assets Under Management. The fund is the largest single owner in the world’s stock markets, owning almost 1.5 percent of all shares in the world’s listed companies. We will also hear about current policy developments and research of relevance to investors in relation to biodiversity, including the forthcoming UN Biodiversity Conference (COP15), which is under the Presidency of the People’s Republic of China.