Nature's wake-up call: The Science Based Targets Network (SBTN)
Nature is in crisis. Biodiversity loss, water scarcity, and climate change are just a few of the challenges that our planet is facing. But there is hope. The Science Based Targets Network (SBTN) is a new initiative that is helping companies and cities to set ambitious targets to protect and restore nature. In this blog, I've presented the information in a question-and-answer format to assist readers in getting started with the topic.
What is the SBTN?
The SBTN was launched in
2020 by a coalition of leading businesses, environmental organizations, and scientific
experts. The SBTN is developing a framework for companies and cities to set
science-based targets for nature. This framework is still under development,
but it is expected to be launched in 2023.
Why is the SBTN
important?
The SBTN is important because
it provides a clear pathway for companies and cities to make a real difference
for nature. By setting science-based targets, companies and cities can ensure
that their activities are aligned with the latest scientific knowledge and that
they are making a meaningful contribution to addressing the nature crisis.
Benefits of setting
science-based targets for nature
There are many benefits
to setting science-based targets for nature, including:
- Reduced risk: Companies and cities that set science-based targets
are better equipped to manage the risks posed by nature loss, such as
climate change, water scarcity, and supply chain disruptions.
- Improved resilience: Companies and cities that set science-based
targets are more resilient to shocks and stresses, such as extreme weather
events and pandemics.
- Enhanced reputation: Companies and cities that set science-based
targets are seen as leaders in sustainability and corporate social
responsibility.
- Increased innovation: Companies and cities that set science-based
targets are more likely to innovate and develop new products and services
that are good for nature and good for business.
Differences between the
SBTi and the SBTN
The SBTi focuses on
science-based targets for climate, while the SBTN focuses on science-based
targets for nature. The SBTi has a well-established target setting framework,
while the SBTN's target setting framework is still under development. The SBTi
is for companies, while the SBTN is for companies and cities.
The
main difference between the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) and the
Science Based Targets Network (SBTN) is that the SBTi focuses on science-based
targets for climate, while the SBTN focuses on science-based targets for
nature.
The
SBTi was launched in 2015 by a coalition of leading businesses, environmental
organizations, and scientific experts. The SBTi provides a framework for
companies to set ambitious emissions reduction targets that are aligned with
the latest climate science.
The
SBTN was launched in 2020 by a number of the same organizations that are
involved in the SBTi. The SBTN is developing a framework for companies and
cities to set science-based targets for nature. This framework is still under
development, but it is expected to be launched in 2023.
Here
is a table that summarizes the key differences between the SBTi and the SBTN:
|
Characteristic |
SBTi |
SBTN |
|
Focus |
Climate |
Nature |
|
Target
setting framework |
Launched
in 2015 |
Still
under development, expected to be launched in 2023 |
|
Types
of targets |
Emissions
reduction targets |
Targets
to reduce negative impacts on nature and increase positive impacts on nature |
|
Types
of organizations that can set targets |
Companies |
Companies
and cities |
Key performance indicators (KPIs) or topics considered under the SBTN
The SBTN is still under
development, but it is expected to consider the following KPIs or topics:
- Land use
- Freshwater use
- Climate change
- Ecosystem integrity
Here are some examples
of SBTN targets that companies have set:
- Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030 and achieve net zero
emissions by 2050.
- Halve the company's water consumption by 2030.
- Protect and restore 200,000 hectares of land by 2030.
- Source 100% of agricultural raw materials sustainably by 2030.
- Source 100% of wood and other forest-based materials sustainably by
2020.
- Source 100% of cotton sustainably by 2030.
Conclusion
The SBTN is a new and
exciting initiative that is helping to lead the way in the transition to a more
sustainable future. By setting science-based targets for nature, companies and
cities can play a vital role in protecting and restoring our planet for future
generations.
Here
are a few SBTN goals set by companies for Nature:
- Nestlé:
- Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030 and
achieve net zero emissions by 2050.
- Halve the company's water consumption by 2030.
- Protect and restore 200,000 hectares of land by 2030.
- Unilever:
- Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030 and
achieve net zero emissions by 2050.
- Halve the company's water consumption by 2030.
- Source 100% of agricultural raw materials sustainably
by 2030.
- IKEA:
- Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030 and
achieve net zero emissions by 2050.
- Source 100% of wood and other forest-based materials
sustainably by 2020.
- Source 100% of cotton sustainably by 2030.
- Google:
- Operate on 100% carbon-free energy by 2030.
- Restore 2 million hectares of land by 2030.
- Protect 500 million hectares of forests by 2030.
These are just a few
examples, and there are many other companies that are setting SBTN goals for
Nature. I encourage you to read more about the SBTN and happy to discuss on the
topic 😊
Here
are some links related to the SBTN and science-based targets for nature to read:
- The Science Based Targets Network (SBTN): https://sciencebasedtargetsnetwork.org/
- Science Based Targets (SBTi): https://sciencebasedtargets.org/
- World Resources
Institute (WRI): https://www.wri.org/initiatives/science-based-targets
- World Business
Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD): https://docs.wbcsd.org/2020/12/WBCSD-Accelerating-Business-Solutions-for-Climate-and-Nature.pdf
- United Nations
Environment Programme (UNEP): https://sciencebasedtargetsnetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Science-Based-Targets-for-Nature-Initial-Guidance-for-Business.pdf
Hi Samridhi, Thankyou for this interesting article. You have already shared examples on companies, I want to understand some examples on how SBTN will set goals for cities and government will be responsible for achieving the city targets?
ReplyDeleteHi Tanya, yes so the Science Based Targets Network (SBTN) helps cities in a number of ways, including:
ReplyDeleteSetting ambitious targets for nature: The SBTN provides cities with a framework for setting science-based targets for nature. This helps cities to ensure that their targets are aligned with the latest scientific knowledge and that they are ambitious enough to make a real difference for nature.
Identifying and prioritizing impacts: The SBTN helps cities to identify and prioritize their impacts on nature. This is an important step in setting effective targets, as it allows cities to focus their efforts on the areas where they can have the biggest impact.
Developing action plans: The SBTN helps cities to develop action plans to achieve their science-based targets for nature. This includes identifying specific actions that the city can take, as well as the resources and partnerships that will be needed.
Tracking progress and reporting results: The SBTN helps cities to track their progress towards achieving their science-based targets for nature. This is important for ensuring that cities are on track to achieve their targets and for communicating their progress to stakeholders.
Here are some examples of how cities are using the SBTN to set and achieve science-based targets for nature:
Barcelona: Barcelona has set a target to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2030 and to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. The city is also working to protect and restore its green spaces, and to reduce its consumption of water and other resources.
London: London has set a target to become a net zero city by 2030. The city is also working to increase its tree cover, to improve air quality, and to protect its biodiversity.
New York City: New York City has set a target to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by 2050. The city is also working to improve its water quality, to reduce air pollution, and to protect its green spaces.
These are just a few examples of how the SBTN is helping cities to set and achieve science-based targets for nature. By setting ambitious targets and taking action to achieve them, cities can play a vital role in protecting and restoring nature for future generations.