The Aldersgate Group (AG) has published a report on business and biodiversity, making the case for incorporating the value of nature into decision making in order to safeguard long-term economic growth.

The report conservatively estimates that the failure to address biodiversity loss will lead to cumulative losses equivalent to approx 7% of global consumption by 2050.

Peter Young, Chairman of the AG who also sits on the Government’s Ecosystem Markets Task Force said: “The protection of biodiversity must be a priority as we seek to build a stronger, more resilient economy. Preserving and replenishing services provided by nature will provide business opportunities now, and huge economic benefits in the future.”

To read the report, click here. To read coverage in Guardian Sustainable Business, click here.

Responding to the Autumn Statement, Peter Young, Chairman of the AG, said: 

“The Chancellor blames the rise of energy and commodity prices for damaging growth, but has not done enough to ensure the economy is more resilient to these threats. He is also wrong to claim that environmental regulation is a burden and cost on British business; it is a fundamental driver for growth of tomorrow's businesses and our future global competitiveness. Green policy should have been at the heart of the growth strategy, reducing our dependence on increasingly volatile global resource markets, stimulating investment and creating jobs.”

The AG joined forces with TransformUK to host a private parliamentary event with business leaders and MPs on the Green Investment Bank (GIB).

A key recommendation was that the GIB must have the ability to borrow funds enshrined in legislation and the EU state aid application. The event saw the launch of ClientEarth’s report, “Towards the Green Investment Bank Act”, which contains proposed legislative drafting of the key provisions for the legislation establishing the GIB.

To read ClientEarth's report, click here.

The AG marked the publication of the first Carbon Reduction Commitment and Energy Efficiency Scheme (CRC) league table, by gathering policymakers and businesses to debate the challenges and potential of the scheme.

Many of the business representatives highlighted the need for a simpler regulatory framework by streamlining the CRC with the Climate Change Levy and mandatory carbon reporting.

Peter Young, Chairman of the AG, joined Ian Cheshire, Chief Executive of Kingfisher, and Caroline Spelman to launch the Ecosystem Markets Taskforce.

Peter Young said at the launch: "There is an unnerving similarity between the exceedence of sustainable ecosystem services and the exceedence of sustainable finance that has led to the sovereign debt crisis. Both rob future generations of riches which we have mortgaged or depleted. The timing of this task force is absolutely right to build on the recent National Ecosystem Assessment and pledge to produce Natural Capital accounts. I believe business is eager to lead in developing markets and opportunities to stop depletion and start enhancing the incredible value of services provided by nature."

The AG joined a UK delegation to discuss the green economy with Colombia's President Juan Manuel Santos Calderón, Environment Minister Pearl and Foreign Minister Holguin, during the President's visit to London last week.

The meeting took place at the British Council one week before the start of the climate change talks at Durban. Both the UK and Colombia are active proponents of a legally binding deal on climate change, with Colombia making up a significant proportion of global forestry as well as being an important emerging economy.

The UK delegation included AG's Executive Director, Andrew Raingold and AG member Andrew Slight, Head of External Affairs at PepsiCo.

Save the date for forthcoming events below.

• 12th December (3.30pm), “Green policy in the midst of the debt crisis”, a panel debate with Janez Potočnik, European Commissioner for the Environment on the way forward for Europe. If you would like to attend, RSVP to events@aldersgategroup.org.uk.
• 12th January (7pm), “A Tale of Two Cities: from Durban to Rio”, reception at the House of Commons. Rt Hon Chris Huhne, Secretary of State for DECC confirmed to speak.
• 19th January (6.30pm), “Green ISAs”, launch of new AG report in central London
• 13th February (6pm), “Green Buildings”, launch of new AG report in central London

Some sponsorship opportunities are available, please contact Victoria on vfwilliams@aldersgategroup.org.uk for more information.