Published on 29 April 2026
A recent webinar launching RENEW’s C-Suite Guide on Nature and Biodiversity brought together academics, business networks and sustainability leaders to discuss how companies can move from awareness to action.
Chaired by Professor Gail Whiteman of the University of Exeter, the discussion focused on a central challenge: nature and biodiversity are becoming material business issues, but many companies still lack the confidence, incentives or structures to act.
Professor Whiteman noted that biodiversity pressures are intensifying globally, while material risks for companies continue to escalate:
Dr Ryan Nolan explained that the guide was developed through literature review, interviews with senior business leaders, focus groups and co-production with business networks.
The aim was to understand the barriers preventing companies from taking action on nature. Ryan identified six recurring challenges:
On data, Ryan warned against waiting for perfection:
He also argued that companies withdrawing from public communication about their nature work may be creating new problems:
Professor in Practice Noel Morrin focused on what businesses can do now. He stressed that this agenda is not new, pointing to the Sustainable Development Goals, science-based targets for nature and the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures.
Noel highlighted five enablers of success: regulation and markets, leadership, integration into strategy and systems, culture and incentives, and collaboration.
His message to business was practical . He also emphasised that nature cannot sit in a sustainability silo:
For companies wondering where to begin, Noel proposed a four-step approach: map externalities, define the company response, operationalise action, and build evidence.
Dr Mark Johnston, Chair and Director of the UK Business and Biodiversity Forum, welcomed the guide as timely and practical. He argued that biodiversity must be elevated to board level:
He also cautioned that companies should focus on material issues and be transparent about difficulties rather than overpromising.
Emma Weaver from Business in the Community said the guide’s categorisation of business types was especially useful, from agenda setters to unengaged firms. She noted that many businesses are “pressured beginners” that could become emerging leaders with C-suite backing.
She also stressed the need to communicate in business language:
Graham Sprigg, CEO and founder of IMS Consulting Europe, said the guide arrives at the right moment for companies struggling with ownership, data complexity and reporting expectations.
He argued that the guide helps companies see the benefits of acting early:
The closing discussion explored what could unlock faster action. Speakers agreed that personal experience with nature can influence leaders, but structural incentives and regulation matter too.
Emma Weaver called for “mandating the The Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD)”, while Noel Morrin argued that responsible businesses do not fear regulation itself:
Graham Sprigg agreed, saying rule-makers need to understand business realities:
Dr Ryan Nolan called for stronger collaboration across academia, business and policy, while Professor Gail Whiteman closed with a call for courage:
The webinar made clear that nature and biodiversity are no longer peripheral sustainability issues. They are strategic business concerns linked to risk, resilience, regulation and long-term value.
The C-Suite Guide offers a pragmatic route forward: start with what matters, embed nature into decision-making, build evidence over time, and act before perfect data or regulation arrives.
