Becoming nature positive: Committing, measuring, and reporting

With so much focus on the SEC’s climate disclosure proposal in the US this year, climate has taken the attention of many preparers – and for good reason. However, another topic, natural resources and biodiversity, is coming to the forefront as governments and companies begin to understand the size of the problem, both in terms of its potential impact on business and the potential impact of business on biodiversity. 

This week, Heather Horn was joined by Alan McGill, a partner in PwC’s Global Sustainability, Reporting, Measurement and Assurance practice, and PwC Global sustainability topic team leader Andreas Ohl to discuss the measurement of and reporting on the topics of nature and biodiversity.

In this episode, you’ll hear discussion of:

• 2:05 - The current state of company readiness to report on nature and biodiversity
• 8:19 - How all types of businesses exhibit indirect dependencies on nature and exposure to nature risks
• 14:08 - Measuring biodiversity-related value in your company’s operations
• 21:07 - Definition of natural capital and overview of its financial impacts
• 30:11 - The importance to businesses in every sector of developing nature positive strategies
• 36:21 - Assurance on data and metrics on nature and biodiversity topics
• 45:43 - Final advice for organizations wanting to become nature positive

Interested in more background on the business value drivers inherent in nature and biodiversity? Listen to our previous podcast in this series, and check out PwC’s global nature hub here.

Alan McGill is a partner in PwC UK and is the Global Sustainability Reporting, Measurements, and Assurance Leader. With over 15 years’ experience delivering sustainable business projects, Alan’s work focuses on the impact of sustainability issues on business, and providing organizations with attestation services over their reporting on relevant sustainability issues.

Andreas Ohl is a partner in PwC's National Office focused on thought leadership, standard setting, and mergers and acquisitions under US GAAP and IFRS. In addition to his US responsibilities, he leads the sustainability topic team for the PwC global network. Andreas is chairman of the Business Valuation Standards Board at the International Valuation Standards Council, is a member of the working group that authored the AICPA's in-process R&D guide, and has served as a member of the FASB's Valuation Resource Group.

Heather Horn is PwC’s National Office thought leader, responsible for developing our communications strategy and conveying firm positions on accounting and financial reporting matters. She is the engaging host of PwC’s accounting and reporting weekly podcast and quarterly webcast series. With over 30 years of experience, Heather’s accounting and auditing expertise includes financial instruments and rate-regulated accounting.

Transcripts available upon request for individuals who may need a disability-related accommodation. Please send requests to us_podcast@pwc.com.

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