The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) has released a new brief for businesses based on the findings of the Global Environmental Outlook 6 (GEO-6), a 2019 scientific assessment by UNEP that examines the health of the planet.

GEO for Business presents pathways for enterprises exploring COVID-19 recovery to accelerate a lasting transformation to sustainable business practices. The brief, Adapt to Survive: Business transformation in a time of uncertainty, is a how-to guide for businesses of all sizes to cut greenhouse gas emissions, conserve natural resources and safeguard biodiversity. The brief warns that businesses that remain “stuck in conventional economic thinking” out of sync with nature will face “existential challenges.”

ERM Partner Denise Delaney was a co-author on the paper and has served on the Advisory Committee for GEO for Business since August of 2019. Commenting on the brief she said: “Business success is inextricably linked to healthy people and ecosystems. Yet, COVID-19 has exposed the fragility and vulnerability of our health and ecosystems. Now more than ever, we need global resilience and we hope that this brief offers business a pathway and the light at the end of the tunnel: a human-centred,nature positive economy.”

Launched via an online interactive panel discussion with the UNEP Deputy Executive Director, this brief is the first in a series of six studies that will cover circular economy, infrastructure, food systems, deep decarbonization and full electrification, and finance aims to help business navigate the path to a more sustainable future.

About the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
UNEP is the leading global voice on the environment. It provides leadership and encourages partnership in caring for the environment by inspiring, informing and enabling nations and peoples to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations.

About GEO for Business
The newly launched GEO for Business briefs look at the findings of UNEP’s flagship Global Environment Outlook through a business lens. Written ‘by business for business’, the briefs bring the science of the GEO to the business community to support them in developing plans, business strategies, technology pathways, mechanisms and enablers towards building a green and circular economy.