Nature Finance Event—The Big Debate

“Nature needs significant government intervention to enable it to scale as an investable infrastructure asset class”

This lively, structured debate will feature two expert teams arguing for and against the motion, chaired by an independent moderator. The event will showcase the latest thinking and progress in bringing nature finance into the mainstream infrastructure investment sector, drawing on new voices and perspectives—including lessons learnt from other infra-asset classes.

Key themes include:

·    Where has government intervention been successful in driving nature finance—both geographically and in terms of policy?

·    What are some examples of nature finance projects that have worked without Government intervention? Where and how have they managed to scale?

·    What do different types of possible government intervention look like, in the UK and elsewhere?

·    How do governments balance an incentive and sanction approach to drive nature investment?

·    What are the non-negotiable features of infrastructure investment structures that nature finance must adopt in order to scale—and can the private sector take the initiative to drive these forward?

Programme

The afternoon will feature opening statements from each team captain, a moderated audience Q&A session, closing arguments, and a live audience vote—followed by coffee, cake, and networking.

Moderated by Jack Hurd, Head of the World Economic Forum’s Earth System Agenda. Panellists include senior representatives from a range of sponsors, investors, advisors and multipliers.