世界经济论坛-新自然经济报告三：在中国向自然经济转型中抓住商机（英）-2022.1-87页_35mb

Summary of Seizing Business Opportunities in China's Transition Towards a Nature-positive Economy

Core Content

This report, published by the World Economic Forum in January 2022, explores the opportunities for Chinese businesses to contribute to the transition towards a nature-positive economy. It highlights the urgent need for systemic changes in three key socio-economic systems—food, land- and ocean-use, infrastructure and built environment, and energy and extractives—to address environmental challenges and align with global sustainability goals.

Main Viewpoints

• Nature and Climate are Interconnected: The report emphasizes that climate change and biodiversity loss are two sides of the same coin. Addressing one without the other is insufficient.
• China's Economic Growth at a Cost: Over four decades of rapid economic growth and urbanization have significantly impacted China's natural ecosystems, leading to biodiversity loss, pollution, and degradation.
• Ecological Civilization as a Vision: China's "ecological civilization" concept, enshrined in its constitution and reflected in the 14th Five-Year Plan and Vision for 2035, provides a guiding framework for a sustainable, nature-positive economic model.
• Business as a Key Player: Chinese businesses are positioned to lead in the development of nature-positive technologies and can seize significant business opportunities through strategic transitions.
• 15 Nature-Positive Transitions: The report outlines 15 priority transitions across the three socio-economic systems that could generate $1.9 trillion in annual business value and 88 million jobs by 2030.

Key Information

Economic and Environmental Interdependence

• 65% of China's GDP is dependent on nature and its ecosystem services.
• Nature loss poses a direct risk to business operations and supply chains.
• The "dual carbon goals" (peak emissions by 2030, carbon neutrality by 2060) are central to China's strategy, but the report stresses the need to integrate these with biodiversity conservation efforts.

Socio-Economic Systems for Transition

1. Food, Land- and Ocean-use System

• Provides essential resources for daily life and livelihoods.

• Faces pressure from urbanization, population growth, and agricultural expansion.

• Key transitions:

  • Ecosystem restoration and avoided land-use expansion
  • Productive and regenerative agriculture
  • Healthy and productive oceans
  • Sustainable forest management
  • Planet-compatible consumption
  • Transparent and sustainable supply chains

• These transitions could generate $565 billion in revenue and 34 million jobs by 2030.

2. Infrastructure and Built Environment System

• Urbanization is expected to increase to 70% by 2035.

• Urban development has led to pollution, ecological destruction, and traffic congestion.

• Key transitions:

  • Compact built environment
  • Nature-positive built-environment design
  • Planet-compatible urban utilities
  • Nature as infrastructure
  • Nature-positive connecting infrastructure

• These transitions could generate $590 billion in revenue and 30 million jobs by 2030.

3. Energy and Extractives System

• China is the world's largest energy producer and consumer.

• Energy transition must balance renewable energy development with minimizing ecological impact.

• Key transitions:

  • Circular and resource-efficient models for materials
  • Nature-positive metals and minerals extraction
  • Sustainable materials supply chains
  • Nature-positive energy transition

• These transitions could generate $740 billion in revenue and 23 million jobs by 2030.

Business Opportunities and Value

• The 15 nature-positive transitions across the three systems are projected to create $1.9 trillion in annual business value and 88 million jobs by 2030.
• This represents over 20% of the global nature-positive business opportunities and employment potential.

Call for Collaboration

• The report underscores the need for collaboration between government, businesses, investors, and citizens.
• Global consensus and collective action are essential to address the intertwined crises of biodiversity loss and climate change.
• The Kunming Biodiversity Fund ($233 million) is a key initiative to support developing nations in nature protection.

Conclusion

• China is uniquely positioned to lead the global transition to a nature-positive, net-zero, and equitable economy.
• Businesses that adopt proactive environmental strategies can build resilience, create jobs, and generate long-term value.
• The integration of climate and biodiversity goals is vital for China's sustainable development and global leadership in the New Nature Economy.

Recommendations

1. Promote Global Consensus and Collaboration

• Deepen engagement in global biodiversity governance.
• Strengthen cooperation between developed and developing nations.
• Encourage voluntary commitments from Chinese businesses and transparent supply chains.

2. Drive Policy and Regulatory Change

• Mainstream nature-based solutions in climate policies.
• Promote the concept of Gross Ecosystem Product (GEP).
• Implement conducive financial policies and ESG incentives.

3. Leverage Fourth Industrial Revolution Technologies

• Use innovative technologies (IoT, big data, drones, 5G, blockchain, 3D printing) to accelerate the nature-positive transition.
• Improve agricultural efficiency, infrastructure sustainability, and resource extraction practices.

4. Foster a Culture of Sustainability

• Shift from quarterly returns and GDP growth to sustainable development.
• Encourage responsible production and consumption.
• Support long-term business prosperity through nature protection and restoration.

Key Figures

• $9 trillion of China's annual economic output is dependent on nature and its services (65% of total GDP).
• 700 million people lifted out of poverty since 1978.
• 63.9% of the population is urbanized as of 2020.
• 27% of China's land area is affected by desertification.
• 21.4% of vertebrates are threatened.
• $1.9 trillion in annual business value and 88 million jobs could be created by 2030 through the 15 nature-positive transitions.

Final Note

By embracing a nature-positive transition, China can lead the global movement towards sustainability and generate significant economic and social benefits. This report serves as a roadmap for businesses and policymakers to align with the vision of an ecological civilization and a net-zero future.