We collectively depend on soil, land, forests, and water, which provide resources and services critical to human existence. Moreover, a healthy natural ecosystem plays a vital role in tackling climate change, with land and oceans absorbing and storing carbon from the atmosphere. Yet biological richness and natural resources are being lost at an alarming rate. Global scientific studies indicate that one million plant and animal species face extinction, thousands of species are already extinct, and several million hectares of natural forest are lost each year despite international efforts to counter the trend.

The unsustainable use of natural resources can lead to soil loss and erosion, diminished landscape and recreational value, and a subsequent loss of economic value. Often, it is the world’s most impoverished communities that are most vulnerable to the negative impacts of changes in climate, biodiversity, and ecosystem function. Protecting forests and regenerating ecosystems can help prevent the worst impacts of extreme climate events, and improve livelihoods. 

Our business activities rely on healthy ecosystems. The degradation and loss of natural capital can cause disruptions and increase production costs. The raw materials used in our products rely on fertile soil, stable climate conditions, and access to water. In our agricultural supply chain especially, even small changes in the balance of ecosystems can lower crop productivity, increase production costs linked to remediation and adaptation measures, and negatively impact farmers’ livelihoods.

Promoting the efficient use of natural resources and taking steps to protect, preserve, and improve them help manage risks and prepare us to meet regulatory frameworks that may emerge in response to increased awareness of our limited environmental resources, ecosystem degradation, and biodiversity loss. Further, we understand that we all have a responsibility to halt the destruction of natural habitats and are committed to playing our part in helping address this global issue.