COP16 – biodiversity for our survival

Right now, representatives from countries around the world are gathering at COP16 to discuss a critical issue: biodiversity. What’s at stake? Not just the future of nature, but also the survival of future generations. Furthermore, how can your pension funds be a tool for creating change?

“A Paris Agreement for Nature”: What is the meeting about?
From October 21 to November 1, 2024, representatives from over 190 countries will gather in the Colombian city of Cali. They are there to discuss and advance the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF)—an agreement that countries reached in 2022 in Montreal. This framework, often referred to as a “Paris Agreement for Nature,” aims to halt and reverse the loss of biodiversity worldwide. There, the countries that have signed promise, among other things, to protect 30 percent of the Earth's surface, both at sea and on land, by 2030.

What will be discussed?
During the meeting, participants will talk about how well countries have adapted their strategies to the framework so far. They will also discuss how funds should be allocated to best support these actions and address other important issues related to the agreement and the conservation of biodiversity.

But biodiversity, why is it so important?
Biodiversity is crucial for maintaining the health and stability of ecosystems, which in turn is essential for our survival and well-being. It contributes to clean air, food, and a stable climate. Plants and trees purify both air and water, and many crops depend on pollinators like bees. Nature also absorbs carbon dioxide and releases oxygen, helping to stabilize the climate.

Nature also contributes to our health in many other ways, such as being used in medicines. By preserving biodiversity, we can ensure that future generations also have access to these vital resources and services.

How do your pension funds come into play?
The collective pension capital has significant influence. Every day, Swedish employers allocate 600 million kronor to occupational pensions. By placing trust in pension companies and managers that work for the preservation of biodiversity, your pension can become a tool for making a difference. These actors can participate in global initiatives to influence authorities and decision-makers, and through their investments in companies, they can push them to consider these issues. They can advocate for and emphasize the importance of protecting sensitive ecosystems and biodiversity.

Can working for biodiversity benefit you as a saver?
Absolutely! Many companies, including us at SPP, believe that preserving biodiversity is crucial for economic growth. In fact, according to the World Economic Forum, $44 trillion of economic value creation—more than half of the world’s total GDP—is moderately or strongly dependent on nature and its services. This means that many companies you and we invest in rely on a healthy planet and biodiversity. By supporting companies that demonstrate awareness and manage environmental challenges, we can not only reduce future risks but also discover new opportunities. For you, this means that your investments can support companies that contribute to positive change while also providing the potential for long-term stable returns.

How we at SPP work to highlight biodiversity

We strive to contribute to the protection of biodiversity by actively influencing the companies we invest in. Through dialogue, we encourage them to consider sensitive ecosystems and participate in global initiatives such as the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD).

In the TNFD, we collaborate with other financial institutions to develop frameworks that help companies manage risks related to biodiversity. We also report our contributions to global goals, including how we assess our impact and set targets.

We also support the Ecocide Law Alliance's work to make large-scale environmental destruction illegal under international law, and we are dedicatedly and purposefully working against deforestation and to protect ecologically sensitive areas in the Arctic and the deep sea.

The benefits for you as a saver:

Stability in the long term: 
By protecting nature's ecosystem services, which provide clean air and water, a stable foundation for economic growth is created. This means that your investments have the potential for a secure and sustainable basis for development.

Reduced risks:
By considering biodiversity in investment decisions, risks related to supply chain issues and rising raw material costs can be minimized, protecting investments from unexpected losses.

New opportunities:
By investing in projects that support biodiversity, such as green technologies and sustainable agriculture, new and profitable opportunities can be opened up, which may provide better returns.

Curious about COP16? Here are the questions being discussed:

Implementation:
All countries need to have their national implementation plans in place ahead of COP16 or at least have reported their targets.

Funding:
Developing countries need financial assistance from wealthier nations to realize the global framework. It is estimated that several hundred billion dollars per year will be needed to achieve the goals of the framework.

Fair distribution of benefits:
Negotiations are also ongoing regarding how the benefits derived from genetic materials, such as those from plants and animals, should be shared fairly, for example, when used to create medicines or other products.