It was a very engaging, energizing, and full London Climate Action Week. A key observation I took away was the increase in awareness AND willingness to talk about the role of nature in climate action. It was refreshing to be in conversations that recognized that solving in silos is not getting us the traction we need to address the urgency.
A few key highlights:
🐝 I had so much fun participating in the Ellen MacArthur Foundation Keystone to share Biomimicry 3.8 work, demonstrating that generous design is possible when we learn from nature. I shared 3 patterns of successful projects: 1) learn from nature, for nature (and yes, humans are part of nature!), 2) collaboration is key, and 3) storytelling is essential - including (and especially) the messy middle. The EMF team did a brilliant job of weaving nature into the overall narrative of the entire event.
🍊 We need to engage in conversations with all stakeholders to identify the obstacles to action. What will enable us to move beyond the low-hanging fruit? While the low-hanging fruit is important for building momentum, we must prepare for what’s next. A key component we discussed is insurance companies. Even if asset owners are willing to embrace innovation, insurance companies are not yet ready or able to support it. Leading to the next point…
👩🏽💻 The Nature Positive Hub hosted several fantastic conversations, and Nature Tech surfaced throughout the day - the progress is truly impressive. There is a lot of momentum around collecting biodiversity data - will this finally provide the data necessary to “prove” the business case? I kept thinking what action will the data drive? Are we measuring the right impacts? Who is interpreting the data? Will leaders/decision makers have the courage to avoid business as usual? Or will the data reinforce more “less bad” behavior? How can we avoid this being a distraction to do the right thing? More questions than answers, and I appreciated the space to navigate this with others.
🌳 I was encouraged and energized by the conversations that focused on outcomes that benefit all life and how policy and reporting are helping make this a priority. Thank you to the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD), EU Nature Restoration Law, #BNG, and #CSRD for helping businesses broaden their priorities.
🥒 I even made it to the top level of the Gherkin building—the view was stunning. Fun fact: the building is inspired by the structural integrity of a glass sea sponge (not an actual gherkin :-).
🌎 Most importantly, spending time with so many individuals who are focusing their work, careers, and lives on such important work of our time was so lovely and inspiring. Thank you for the progress, momentum, and action you are leading!!
Progress is happening. Nature has a voice, and the Nature Positive “tent” is getting bigger!
#LCAW #biomimicry #naturepositive #projectpositive