Why the Natural World Belongs in Every Sustainability Strategy Nature means something different to everyone. For some, it is a dog-walk through the park; for others, it is hiking misty mountains in Scotland, swimming in turquoise waters, or exploring tropical forests in Costa Rica. Whatever image comes to mind, the truth remains the same: we all depend on nature for a sense of clarity, consistency, and stability. Nature provides us with clean air, fresh water, food, and moments of calm in an increasingly busy world. Its positive impact on our mental health is well documented; yet, while most of us recognise its value, we often struggle to understand how to support it, or how to bring more of it into our daily lives. Rediscovering Nature During the Pandemic Despite, and perhaps because of, their emphasis on isolation, the COVID-19 lockdowns reminded many of us just how vital being outside and being around nature are. That single hour of permitted outdoor exercise became a lifeline, a way to unwind, reset, and reconnect with others and ourselves. A 2023 report by Jonathan Kingsley et al. found that gardening played a key role in moderating stress and improving mood during the pandemic. Those with access to a garden reported significantly higher life satisfaction and mental wellbeing than those without. This experience underlined a powerful truth: access to nature should not be a luxury, it is essential for human health and happiness. The State of Nature in the UK When we think of nature in the UK, we might picture rolling countryside, rivers, and ancient forests. But beneath that green surface lies a concerning reality: the UK is one of the most nature-depleted countries on Earth (according to the UN). Ancient woodland, i.e. forests that have existed since pre-1600AD in England and Wales (1750AD in Scotland), now make up just 2.5% of the UK’s land area. These woodlands host incredibly diverse ecosystems in which plants, animals, and microorganisms coexist in balance. When disrupted, through deforestation, culling, or chemical use, these systems become fragile and fragmented. Monoculture such as dense pine plantations, for example, may appear lush but support only a fraction of the biodiversity found in ancient woodland, leaving them vulnerable to disease and collapse. The UK once hosted brown bears, wolves, lynx, moose, and beavers. While some, like the beaver, are being cautiously reintroduced, broader rewilding debates continue. What united both sides, however, is a shared recognition of the urgent need to protect and restore nature in the UK. One major policy proposal aiming to do just that is the Climate and Nature Bill (CAN Bill), a landmark piece of UK legislation designed to tackle both the climate crisis and the nature crisis together. The Bill calls on the Government to: The Bill calls on the government to: Set legally binding targets to reduce the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions in line with the latest science (limit warming to 1.5°C). Restore nature , halting and reversing UK biodiversity loss by 2030, by setting and implementing a legally-binding roadmap. Involving the public , through a Climate and Nature Assembly that ensures public participation in shaping solutions. The proposed CAN Bill is gaining widespread support from the public and over 1,500 organisations, seeking to tackle this crisis head-on, aligning efforts to address both the climate and biodiversity emergencies. A Global Challenge The challenge extends far beyond the UK. The UN warns that over one million species worldwide are now at risk of extinction due to human activity. This loss doesn’t just affect wildlife and being able to show future generations elephants and rhinos, it threatens the very systems that sustain us: our food, water, and health. Over the past 150 years, land use has changed dramatically. With the global population more than quadrupling, human activity now dominates 75% of the planet’s usable land. The regenerative capacity of Earth’s ecosystems is in rapid decline. If we are to secure our future, regenerating the natural world is no longer optional; it is essential. Why Nature Belongs in Corporate Sustainability Despite its fundamental role, nature remains one of the most overlooked elements in corporate sustainability strategies, with the focus of many of these relating to another important aspect: greenhouse gas emissions. While this is a great start, and a fundamental issue, it must be combined with a nature strategy to ensure both the climate and biodiversity crises are tackled together. While frameworks like the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) and the Science Based Targets Network (SBTN), nature-based target pilot schemes, have begun to offer guidance, many organisations still lack direction. As a result, we’re seeing a growing voluntary market for corporate nature investment, from tree planting and habitat restoration to animal welfare initiatives. Yet these efforts remain fragmented and underpowered relative to the scale of the challenge. The UK Government’s Nature Recovery Network (NRN) aims to change this by moving from protection to restoration. Its goals include but are not limited to: Protecting and managing 30% of England’s land and sea for nature by 2030 Halting species decline by 2030 and increasing species abundance by at least 10%, to exceed 2022 levels by 2042 Restoring or creating 500,000 hectares of wildlife-rich habitat outside protected sites by 2042 Improving 75% of protected sites to favourable condition by 2042 Increasing tree canopy cover to 16.5% by 2050 Improving access to nature, working across government to ensure that everyone lives within 15 minutes’ walk of a green or blue space These efforts are directly linked to achieving net zero by 2050, improving air quality, and supporting public wellbeing, outcomes that businesses can and should help accelerate. The Business Case for Nature Investing in nature isn’t just good ethics; it’s good business. Productivity and wellbeing: Studies show that employees with access to green spaces are happier, healthier, and more productive. Even having indoor plants or a green view can reduce stress, improve focus, and lower absenteeism. Customer and employee loyalty: Millennials and Gen Z, now the largest segments of the workforce and consumer base, increasingly expect companies to demonstrate environmental responsibility. Businesses wanting to attract and retain talent must act. Innovation and risk management: Nature-positive strategies often drive innovation, improve resilience, and ensure long-term regulatory compliance. Brand reputation and access to capital: Investors and consumers alike are rewarding businesses that take meaningful action on biodiversity. In short, what’s good for nature is good for business, and essential for long-term resilience. From Biodiversity Net Gain to Business Transformation Certain sectors are already leading the way. In construction, the concept of Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) ensures that new developments deliver measurable improvements in biodiversity compared to pre-development levels. Through features such as green roofs, community gardens, wildlife corridors, and sustainable drainage systems, developers are proving that commercial success and ecological restoration can go hand in hand. A great example is Coutts Bank in Central London, which has transformed its rooftop into a thriving urban garden. The space now produces an impressive variety of fruits and vegetables, including wasabi, Sichuan peppers, iceberg lettuce, guavas, berries, and even honey from on-site beehives. This initiative highlights how even the most densely built urban environments can integrate green infrastructure, enhancing biodiversity, improving air quality, and contributing to local food resilience and community wellbeing. The question now is: how do we extend this mindset across all industries? By embedding nature into corporate strategies, from supply chains to employee wellbeing, businesses can help regenerate ecosystems while building stronger, more sustainable organisations. A Call to Action Nature is not an externality or something that can remain as a nice-to-have; it is the foundation of our economy, our health, and our future. By embracing nature as a core component of sustainability strategy, UK businesses can play a pivotal role in restoring biodiversity, supporting the Nature Recovery Network, and building a more resilient future for all. Reflecting on World Mental Health Day last month, there’s no better time than now to take action, to integrate nature not only within our businesses but also into our daily lives. With autumn upon us, why not set aside a moment this week to step outside and truly reconnect with the natural world? Notice the vibrant colours of the turning leaves, listen to the gentle rustle as they fall, feel the cool breeze on your skin, and breathe in the rich, earthy scent of the damp ground. Be present in that moment, and you’ll soon feel the restorative power that nature so freely offers. If you’d like to help drive systemic change, write to your local MP to support the Climate and Nature Bill, and learn more at www.zerohour.uk. Parliament is next scheduled to discuss the CAN Bill on Friday 29th May 2026. It's Time for Businesses to Lead When developing or reviewing your ESG or sustainability strategy, supporting nature restoration and stewardship must be part of the plan. Nature underpins environmental performance, enhances social value through community engagement, and improves staff health and wellbeing, all of which are core pillars of a credible and future-proof ESG strategy. At edenseven, we support organisations in integrating nature into their strategy in meaningful, measurable ways, from nature-positive initiatives and biodiversity planning to partnering with local community groups and improving employee wellbeing through access to green spaces. Want to learn how to integrate nature into your business, be part of the change, and reap the benefits discussed above? Get in touch with edenseven today, and let’s build a future where business and nature thrive together. Contact edenseven: phone: +44 1223 750335 email: info@edenseven.co.uk

Scene Setting: A world on fire, a business community looking away In the wake of stark warnings from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the imperative for global nations and the businesses that operate within them to expedite climate action has never been more urgent. Yet, 2024 offered a sobering backdrop. More than 60 countries went to the polls, including major players like the US, UK, India, South Africa, Pakistan, and Russia, but climate concerns scarcely featured in manifestos. Global temperatures soared, making 2024 the hottest year on record, breaching the Paris Agreement’s critical 1.5°C threshold with an average global rise of 1.6°C. Instead of urgency, we saw political backtracking on commitments and rising public scepticism, as nationalist politics across the US, UK, and Europe reshaped climate discourse. The second Trump Administration has already reversed U.S. environmental policies put in place by the Biden Administration, Russia’s approach was deemed “critically insufficient” by the Climate Action Tracker, and developing nations like India and Pakistan are prioritising growth over emissions reduction. Against this political backdrop, businesses are increasingly echoing the same short-termism. Today in 2025, the focus has shifted toward low-value investments, short-term paybacks and high percentage RoIs, rather than the long-term investments required to align with net zero. The reality is clear: governments and businesses alike are kicking the climate can down the road at the very moment when decisive action is most needed. In our experience, this is a big mistake. Taking a long-term view on sustainability and particularly on decarbonisation offers significant long-term benefits for organisations, increases asset and company valuation and supports growth. The Rise of Short-Term Thinking in Business Business leaders have long understood that shareholder expectations and competitive pressures drive decision-making. However, what we are now seeing is a dangerous narrowing of focus. Instead of aligning investment and strategy with the multi-decade challenge of decarbonisation, many firms are prioritising projects with immediate financial returns, often within a 2-3 year window. This shift is particularly troubling because: The carbon reporting landscape is becoming more complex. Regulations such as the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), the UK’s Transition Plan Taskforce (TPT) framework, and the growing alignment with the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) are forcing businesses to measure and disclose with greater transparency. Yet, disclosure does not equal action. The window for effective transition is closing. Science shows that emissions must peak before 2030 and fall by nearly half by 2035 to stand a chance of limiting warming. A short-term financial focus is incompatible with this timeline. Competitive positioning is at risk. While some businesses see sustainability as an “extra cost,” those that fail to transition risk stranded assets, supply chain disruption and reputational decline as customers and investors demand evidence of resilience. The Shift Away from Net Zero: Sentiment vs. Reality Across boardrooms in 2025, there is a noticeable cooling of enthusiasm toward net zero. Where once CEOs boasted about ambitious targets, today there is a recalibration, or in some cases, a retreat. Several factors underpin this shift: Economic volatility. Inflationary pressures, higher interest rates, national insurance increases and supply chain disruptions have led many firms to re-evaluate capital deployment. Long-term sustainability projects are being deferred in favour of “business continuity”. Investor pressure for short-term returns. Despite growing ESG funds and sustainable finance frameworks, mainstream investors remain focused on quarterly earnings. Executives are rewarded for near-term profit, not 2040 climate goals. Perceived political cover. With governments themselves slowing climate ambition, businesses feel less exposed when reducing or delaying their own commitments. This sentiment shift is dangerous. Net zero is not a PR exercise but a structural economic transition. Those companies stepping back today risk not only missing climate targets but also creating vulnerabilities within their operations and missing out on significant financial benefits. The Inadequacies of Short-Term Planning 1. Misaligned Investment Horizons Sustainability, by its very nature, requires investments that yield benefits over decades. Renewable energy infrastructure, enhanced electrical supply infrastructure, electrification of fleets, electrification of heat, circular economy design, or large-scale efficiency retrofits often require 7–15 years to fully deliver ROI. A focus on 2-3 year payback periods screens out precisely the projects needed to build resilience and future profitability. 2. Greenwashing Over Governance Short-termism often leads to “optics over outcomes.” Companies spend on branding, marginal improvements, or low-cost offsets instead of transforming business models. This erodes trust among investors, employees, and consumers alike. 3. Regulatory Lag Becomes Risk Exposure The complexity of carbon reporting and disclosure requirements is accelerating, not slowing. Businesses that fail to prepare for robust compliance regimes will face mounting costs, penalties, and reputational damage. 4. Failure to Secure Financing Sustainable finance is evolving. Lenders and investors increasingly evaluate climate transition plans and exposure to transition risks as part of their risk models. Companies unable to demonstrate credible long-term planning will face higher financing costs or lose access to capital entirely. The Case for Long-Term Sustainable Investment Insight from investment research consistently shows that sustainability and profitability are not mutually exclusive. In fact: Firms with strong ESG performance often deliver higher risk-adjusted returns. Studies by MSCI and Morningstar suggest ESG-aligned portfolios have outperformed benchmarks over the past decade . Company Valuation. Investing in on-site technology and infrastructure that will support carbon reduction and energy efficiency will increase asset values which in turn will support valuation multiples. Resilience pays. Companies that invested early in renewable energy and efficiency are now benefiting from reduced exposure to volatile fossil fuel prices. Investor sentiment is shifting. Even though short-term profit dominates headlines, global frameworks such as the UN COP26 initiated Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero (GFANZ) are embedding climate criteria into long-term capital allocation. The lesson is clear: businesses that look beyond the immediate payback horizon will be better positioned to attract capital, manage risk, and capture growth opportunities. What Businesses Need to do to Reframe Their Approach To break away from short-termism, businesses need to embrace three core principles: 1. Transition Planning as Strategy Carbon disclosures should not be viewed as a box-ticking exercise. Instead, businesses should integrate them into strategic planning, aligning investment horizons, operational transformation and risk management around a clear net zero pathway. 2. Investment Criteria Must Evolve Payback periods need to be redefined. Businesses should apply broader lenses, incorporating avoided carbon costs, resilience benefits, brand equity, and future financing conditions. A total value return approach, not just a financial one. 3. Align Incentives with Long-Term Outcomes Boards and investors should tie executive compensation not just to annual returns but to delivery against long-term climate and sustainability targets.  The edenseven View: From Short-Term Gains to Lasting Value At its heart, the danger of short-termism is not just the failure to reduce emissions; it is the erosion of business competitiveness, resilience, and relevance. The narrative of “we cannot afford sustainability” is inverted. In reality, businesses cannot afford inaction. Our advice is clear: Set credible financial and environmental targets align ed with net zero. Reframe investment decisions with a long-term lens that includes financial, environmental, and reputational dimensions. Engage proactively with regulators and stakeholders to shape and anticipate compliance requirements. Embed sustainability into corporate culture, governance, an d reporting. Ensure that your data capture and reporting processes are robust, consistent, compliant and assured. By doing so, companies move beyond compliance and optics into a position of leadership, attracting capital, customers, and talent while securing long-term viability Conclusion: A Call to Leadership The world in 2025 is defined by contradiction. On one hand, the climate crisis accelerates, with record-breaking temperatures and increasingly complex carbon reporting frameworks. On the other hand, business sentiment retreats, focusing narrowly on short-term paybacks. This is unsustainable. Businesses that prioritise immediate returns over long-term resilience are missing an opportunity for long-term growth. By contrast, those that embrace sustainable investment as a core strategy will not only meet compliance requirements but also unlock profitable growth, resilience, and trust. Kicking the climate can down the road only makes the future more expensive and challenging for businesses, investors, and society alike. The choice is clear: chase shadows in pursuit of short-term gains, or invest in the foundations of lasting value . Whilst writing this insight article, I am reminded of a Greek Proverb: ‘A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in.’ If you are working in a sustainability role or hold a senior role within an organisation, and the topic of this insight article resonates with you, please come and talk to us at edenseven . We are a business of practical thinking individuals who have real life experience of working in and running businesses. We understand the pressures of hitting short-term targets, but also the huge benefits a well-structured decarbonisation strategy can have on a business. If you want to talk more, please give one of our team a call. Contact edenseven: phone: +44 1223 750335 email: info@edenseven.co.uk