Climate change, biodiversity loss, water scarcity and floods are but a few of our ecological challenges. Our excessive depletion of earth’s resources leads to enormous damage, particularly in poorer countries. By May each year, Switzerland has used up its available resources . After that so called «Overshoot Day», we live at the expense of future generations and countries that lead a more sustainable lifestyle. The design of our economic and financial system stems from a time of resource abundance and despite some efforts, externalities are not reflected in our economic and financial models. Moving towards a more environmentally sustainable and socially fair economic model is a tremendous task. It takes the collaboration of us all: Corporations, Consumers, Politics, Science, NGOs – and last but not least – the Financial Industry, as this transformation needs funding. The Financial Industry is expected to play an important role for example by integrating Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) risks and factors into financial decision making, by acting as an intermediary between investors and companies seeking capital and by developing financial products that create positive ecological and social impact . This is a lot for the Financial Industry to shoulder, given the various challenges we are facing:  

Global Challenge “Climate Change”

Even though our planet’s climate has fluctuated over the course of earth’s history, the rise in temperature due to greenhouse gas emissions has accelerated incomparably over the last few decades. The effects are noticeable: Melting glaciers, rising sea levels and changes in ecosystems.  The pressure on drinking water and farmland further intensifies due to climate change. Emission reductions should be prioritized when developing a corporate climate strategy followed by compensation solutions and CO2 capture and storage methods if necessary. When resorting to compensation solutions, the important attributes of «real, measurable, additional, permanent and independently verified» need to be taken into consideration.

Global Challenge “Water Stress, Water Pollution and Floods”

Floods as well as water scarcity have become such common occurrences that water crises can be considered some of the largest planetary challenges for the years to come. Additionally, the threat of politically dangerous water conflicts is growing. Switzerland is often referred to as «Europe’s water castle». This is a comfortable position to be in in a world that is regionally plagued by water stress. 80% of Switzerland’s water footprint is imported though, often from water stressed regions[1]. The scientific topic water is a somewhat newer area for companies and investors to embark on but thanks to excellent water tools – for example the WWF Water Risk Filter[2] and WRI Water Risk Atlas[3] - this sustainability topic offers great opportunities for companies and investors to accelerate change and create positive impact.

Global Challenge “Biodiversity Loss”

The decrease of biological diversity has accelerated dramatically and can be considered a global crisis equal to climate change and water stress and floods. Ecosystem functions, such as pollination services are responsible for 70% of the food we consume. A rich biodiversity is hence essential for so many processes that support all life on earth like clean drinking water. While the honeybee has gained popularity over the last few years, other pollinators are not so lucky. Did you know that bats play an important role in humans’ lives as well? Over 500 plant species rely on bats for pollination, including mangos, bananas, guavas and agave (yes, that’s right, tequila). Furthermore, bats are instrumental in controlling insect populations and reducing the need for pesticides[4].

Global Challenge “Zoonotic Diseases and Antibiotic Resistances”

So, bats are a rather beneficial species, but they also carry the deadliest viruses of them all. Our need for resources is driving worldwide destruction of areas rich with bats. A Reuters analysis pinpoints areas, so called “jump zones”, where conditions are “ideal” for a bat-borne disease to spill over to humanity[5]. Unlike mosquitoes or other insects that can spread diseases by deliberately looking for warm-blooded humans to bite, bats don't seek us out. They generally avoid humans and if not for human intrusion, we would be unlikely to meet them. Zoonotic diseases cross barriers between species freely. The threat increases whenever we enter into intact ecosystems or when farmed animals are not kept in decent conditions. While zoonotic diseases have always been part of human history, they are now considered an emerging public health crisis. We have seen the tremendous cost of a relatively harmless virus like Covid-19. There are far more worrying bacteria and viruses found in animals, for example the Nipah Virus currently present in Southern Kerala, India. Over 60% of all emerging infectious diseases worldwide are of zoonotic origin and zoonoses are responsible for the most recent pandemics in modern history, including HIV, Ebola, SARS, MERS and, most recently, Covid-19[6]. Fur farming in particular presents a high risk, so do deforestation and illegal wildlife trade and trafficking.

A further serious threat to our human health is the way we farm animals. Widely spread intensive housing systems ask for a systematic use of antibiotics. While antibiotics may stave off infections in farmed animals, there is a heavy price to pay, namely the increase in antimicrobial resistances. The World Health Organization estimates that by 2050 drug-resistant diseases could cause 10 million deaths per year[7]. About 22 tons of antibiotics are used in Switzerland in animal farming each year. The federal “Strategy on Antibiotic Resistance Switzerland (StAR)”[8] aims to look into these topics focusing on collaboration between human and veterinary medicine, agriculture and natural sciences to find solutions. This is a central topic in Academia as well. The University of Zurich has just jointly founded a OneHealth Institute by the Vetsuisse Faculty and the Faculties of Medicine and Science[9].  Clearly, the health of humans, animals and our environment are tightly interrelated. If we wish to create positive environmental impact, we need to become more familiar with the various species we are sharing this beautiful planet with. Assessing and avoiding the risks the natural world and our farming methods pose and at the same time investing in accelerating positive change improves the health and welfare of all of us. OneHealth[10] and OneWelfare[11]concepts are interesting Impact Investing candidates. Let’s be creative!

Environmental Challenges are Interrelated

Despite scientific proof of interdependencies between climate, biodiversity and water, these systems are often still perceived and treated as independent phenomena and environmental efforts reduced to a focus on CO2 emissions. They can only be solved together and should not be played off against each other. The need for collaboration between the disciplines is also repeatedly stressed by the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) and the IPBES (Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services)[12]. Let’s apply a more holistic and interdisciplinary approach when developing sustainable solutions.

Global Challenges and the Financial Industry

A rapid increase in sustainable consumer and financial products is noticeable. But how can these products indeed help in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, revert biodiversity loss and ease water stress? How can the Financial Industry spot and support sustainable players that are pushing for real and measurable change? For financial products to create positive change, we need clear criteria and market signals, interdisciplinary collaboration und serious efforts to disclose greenwashing whenever possible[13], for example by avoiding vague claims such as «environmentally friendly» and «net zero» without providing further details. Sustainable investors and (venture) philanthropists have a myriad of possibilities to choose from. But only with open eyes, solid data, a focus on systemic interdependencies and common sense can the challenges of our times be tackled. Quick fixes and «too good to be true investment stories» will come at the cost of the weakest and future generations. When central interdependencies are neglected, Sustainable Finance as a supposed ray of hope will turn out to be a zero-sum game for all of us. It is undisputed that there are players that advance sustainable change in a brave and innovative way. Let’s spot and finance them!

Take Aways and Food for Thought:

• - An informed and respectful attitude towards our fellow species will benefit us all and make our planet a safer and healthier place
• - Invite the proverbial «skunk to the picnic» when developing sustainable (financial) products
• - Exchange thoughts with natural scientists. Learn about the natural world and animal welfare whenever possible
• - Sufficiency models, emission reductions and energy/water savings are shoes that always fit. While renewables are necessary on our decarbonization path, they have an ecological footprint as well and can compete with local biodiversity
• - Let's keep Jevons paradox in mind. The environmental benefits of the circular economy for example should not be taken for granted. Much like the energy efficiency rebound, circular economy rebound effects also have the potential to increase overall consumption
• - Let your children roam free in nature and model cross-species solidarity for them. This will benefit everybody’s health and wellbeing in the long run 

«In the end, we will conserve only what we love; we will love only what we understand; and we will understand only what we are taught.” (Baba Dioum, Senegalese Forestry Engineer)