Why the finance sector has a crucial role in driving decisions that protect nature
Published date: 22 April 2026
Article by GRI’s CEO Robin Hodess and UNEP FI’s Head Eric Usher
Nature and biodiversity are pillars that support global economies. Today, as we mark Earth Day, seven of the nine planetary boundaries are already breached, and this foundation is rapidly eroding.
For financial institutions, this is no longer a distant environmental concern: factors such as water stress, soil degradation and reduced flood regulation are disrupting supply chains, reducing asset values, and increasing credit and insurance risks.
In this article, GRI CEO Robin Hodess and Eric Usher, head of the UN Environment Program Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) explore how the evolving nature reporting landscape is giving financial institutions the tools to better understand, disclose and respond to nature-related risks:
As they explore, with the GRI 101 Biodiversity Standard and TNFD guidance available, plus new GRI Financial Services Sector Standards due to be released later this year, there is increasing support available for institutions to understand their key role.
A clear shift is underway. Nature is moving from a voluntary sustainability topic to a core element of financial regulation, risk management and corporate accountability. For banks and insurers, the direction of travel is set. The question now is how quickly they can move from awareness to action to remain competitive and aligned with regulatory change.