Nature-related risks, dependencies, and impacts

Karen Ellis, Chief Economist at WWF-UK and speaker at Chapter Zero events, says that boards are looking for pathways to help them integrate nature into their transition plans.

When board conversations revolve largely around growth, how do non-executive directors get nature on the agenda? Chapter Zero Fellow Orna NiChionna talks about finding ways for nature to resonate with boards.

Read this Chapter Zero and Deloitte Academy webinar summary, which, given the context of COP16, focuses on how companies can utilise data and technology to measure, monitor, and manage their impact on nature. We also explore the critical role of data in evaluating your company's dependencies and influence on nature, as well as the cutting-edge technologies available for assessing your nature footprint.

On 2 October 2024, global non-executive directors participated in the Climate Scenario Game: Nature Risk in the Boardroom, a webinar organised by Chapter Zero, the Climate Governance Initiative and GARP Risk Institute. Attendees acted as the board of a fictional company, voting on critical decisions for four future dilemmas over the next six years. Expert panellists provided insights into the decision-making process and outcomes. This immersive exercise highlighted the urgency of addressing nature risks, equipping participants to tackle policy, legal, market, and reputational challenges within their own organisations.

Climate change and nature loss are altering business landscapes across supply chains, infrastructure, consumer behaviour, and regulation. They require the attention of boards not because of external pressure alone, but because they shape long-term resilience, competitiveness and corporate value.

In this briefing, the Commonwealth Climate and Law Initiative outline the key findings of the March 2024 legal opinion - ‘Nature-related risks and directors’ duties under the law of England and Wales’, and actions directors can take.

This guide, produced by the World Economic Forum and the Climate Governance Initiative in collaboration with Deloitte, explores risks and opportunities related to nature loss and outlines key steps Chairs, non-executive directors and board members can take to incorporate nature as core to business strategy.

On the 10 February 2026 Apparel Impact Institute published new research, The Cost of Inaction, a landmark analysis illustrates how climate risks are increasing costs for companies in the fashion industry.

This “Asking Better Questions on Nature” guide is designed to help non-executives and boards across business and finance surface critical insights about nature-related dependencies, impacts, risks and opportunities to inform their decision making.

Watch Deloitte’s Chair's Guide to Valuing Nature Panel from Deloitte's WEF Davos 2023 livestream series. Throughout the series, they feature leaders from around the globe as they explore Cooperation in a Fragmented World.