Investing in the Future: Addressing Nature and Deforestation Risks

Deforestation, driven by investments and trade in agricultural commodities and extractive minerals, accounts for up to 13% of the world’s CO2 emissions (if deforestation was a country, it would rank third in CO2 emissions after US and China). It threatens vital ecosystems, causing soil erosion, water pollution and habitat destruction. In response, greater scrutiny of environmental impacts has led to new mandatory reporting regulations.

With over a decade of experience engaging with financial sector institutions, Rainforest Foundation Norway (RFN) has successfully guided investors in adopting zero deforestation policies. A new study by RFN and WWF Norway, based on geospatial analysis (assessing the ‘forest exposure’ of 2.41 million mining and oil and gas terrestrial assets) provides financial institutions (FIs) with concrete tools and recommendations to better understand and mitigate the ‘nature exposure’ of their portfolios.

The panel discussion will highlight the risks investors and FIs are exposed to and aims to increase awareness for financial institutions regarding their impacts on nature, and how these can be mitigated to drive positive outcomes. This session will emphasize the need for proactive strategies to finance forest preservation and sustainable development.

Location: Convene, 101 Park Ave, New York. Room: Pershing Hub.