WBCSD’s Vision 2050 for a world in which 9+ billion people live well and within planetary boundaries by 2050 is still within reach – but we have to act faster. Unprecedented global risks and crises continue to build: we are facing a perfect storm in the form of a climate emergency, nature in a state of crisis, and mounting inequality and social unrest. Key tipping points are being reached in all three of these “Imperative” areas, Climate, Nature and Equity; it is vital that we act upon them now.

While there is a lot to be done, there are also significant opportunities to take actions that deliver genuine positive impact across all three imperative areas, such as Nature-based Solutions (NbS).

This report focuses on Nature-based Solutions (NbS) in strategies for Net Zero, Nature Positive and addressing Inequality, and shares insights from the evolution of Natural Climate Solutions (NCS) as part of corporate action on climate. Specifically, it presents: 

• The role of companies’ action on Nature-based Solutions (NbS) and how this can be leveraged to deliver against the three imperatives areas: climate, nature and equity; 

• A deep dive into the role of NbS in Net Zero, with supporting issue briefs for companies engaging from a climate perspective, and 
• Conclusions and insights on the direction of travel for NbS in corporate sustainability action.

Building on this case, supporting information on the role of NCS as a part of business action on climate is available in the set of associated technical papers outlined below covering the role of NCS in Net Zero, insetting, carbon standards for NCS, and core benefits standards.