2024.11.21 Thu.
- 10:00 - 11:15
-
Nature on the Balance Sheet
- Organizer
- Institute for Future Initiatives, The University of Tokyo
- Details
-
Abstract
The collapse of natural systems poses the most significant threat to businesses, economies, and societies globally. Addressing and reversing this trend requires more than bans and voluntary actions; it necessitates the inclusion and valuation of natural capital in all decision-making processes. Valuing nature marks a monumental shift, akin to the adoption of modern financial accounting over a century ago, which established the trust infrastructure for modern economies and shaped our perception of value.
Currently, a global movement aims to restructure our economies around natural, human, and social capital. However, this movement is progressing slowly and in a fragmented manner, not yet influencing business and investment decisions sufficiently to halt nature loss by 2030. Although various initiatives are working towards valuing natural capital, there is an opportunity to significantly accelerate these efforts by COP30 and enhance the integration of existing initiatives.
To address this issue, we will hold a panel discussion on the actions required, featuring recommendations from prominent experts from each stakeholder group.Program
Opening Remarks
- ISHII Naoko | Director, Center for Global Commons, Institute for Future Initiatives, The University of Tokyo
Panel Discussion
- ISHII Naoko | Ditto
Panelist
- MATSUZAWA Yutaka | Vice-Minister for Global-Environmental Affairs, Ministry of Environment, Japan
- Carlos Nobre | Co-chair, Science Panel for the Amazon
- María Fernanda Espinosa | President, Cities Alliance Assembly
- NAKAMURA Shigeo | President, Ajinomoto Brazil
- Rocio Sanz Cortes | Managing Director, Supply, Emergent
- TSUCHIBUCHI Yuichi | PhD student, Graduate Program in Sustainability Science , Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo
Closing Remarks
- ISHII Naoko | Ditto
- Session Summary
-
This seminar highlighted the integration of natural capital into economic decision-making. With the Amazon nearing a tipping point and our economic system exceeding planetary limits, the panel stressed urgent need for systemic change. Key conclusions included recognizing the value of natural capital, creating financial mechanisms to support its preservation, and implementing comprehensive policies. The panel emphasized that international cooperation and public-private partnerships are crucial to preventing catastrophic environmental loss and achieving sustainable economic transformation.
Overview (Title and Speakers) 
Panel Discussion (Scene-Setting) 
Panel Discussion