The complexity of life on earth, with its variety of animals, plants, fungi and bacteria, known as biodiversity, is fundamental to life on this planet and the prosperity of species. Although many species on land and in water are already known to us, millions are yet to be discovered. Scientists are also finding that an increasing number of species are at risk of extinction or have already gone extinct due to human activity. Since many of Earths ecosystems rely on their complexity to survive and thrive, the extinction of a few species can have a vaster effect on the entire ecosystem.
Why is it so important for managers and policymakers to understand what constitutes biodiversity and why it should be regarded with upmost importance? Firstly, the loss of species is irreversible and since society ultimately depends on all ecosystem services the loss of biodiversity could have a devastating and far-reaching effects. Secondly, biodiversity is necessary for climate change resilience, mitigation, and adaptation. Additionally, it generates an astonishing U$44 trillion of economic value generation – representing over half of the world’s total GDP and is therefore a vital component for the global economy.
CDP Questionnaire 2022
The Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) questionnaire collects information on measures and management of climate change, water security and deforestation. It is filled out by companies, cities or regions and helps them disclose their environmental impacts. It can help its high scorers to gain competitive advantages over their competitors. Only a few changes have been made to its guidance and scoring methodologies between 2018 and 2021, but in line with the new 2025 strategy some new additions will be included. There will be questions on the corporate approach to biodiversity, aiming to render global investment decision-making more transparent by including biodiversity data. The new questionnaire will include broad questions around governance, commitments, monitoring and reporting on biodiversity issues.
EU Taxonomy
The EU Taxonomy is a classification system for sustainable economic activities, providing companies, investors, and policymakers with appropriate definitions for which economic activities can be considered environmentally sustainable. The aim here is to create long-term trust and security for investors and to protect them from greenwashing. Ultimately, it’s meant to encourage companies to become more climate-friendly, mitigate potential market fragmentation and shift investments to where they are most urgently needed. One of the main objectives of the Taxonomy Regulation is the protection and restoration of biodiversity and ecosystems.
How DFGE can help?
Now that not only legal regulatory bodies, but also the IPCC supports the protection of biodiversity within the corporate environment, CDP has taken the step on mandatory reporting on biodiversity in the 2022 climate change questionnaire.
At the DFGE with our over 20 years of experience in the field, we can support you to find your way through these complex topics. For more information on biodiversity, EU taxonomy and CDP take a look at the DFGE solutions. If you have further questions, please contact us via or by phone at +49 8192-99733-20.
