A UN study reveals that for every dollar invested in protecting nature, the world spends 30 on destroying it. The report highlights massive negative financial flows in 2023 and calls for redirecting investments toward nature-based solutions. Experts urge an urgent transition to halt environmental degradation.
A United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) report, titled State of Finance for Nature 2026 and based on 2023 data, uncovers stark imbalances in global finances tied to nature. Negative financial flows totaled $7.3 trillion, with $4.9 trillion from private sources in sectors like utilities, industry, energy, and basic materials. Harmful public subsidies for fossil fuels, agriculture, water, transport, and construction added $2.4 trillion.
By comparison, investments in nature-based solutions (NbS) reached just $220 billion, 90% from public sources. Private NbS investment stood at only $23.4 billion, or 10% of the total. UNEP notes that despite rising awareness of nature-related dependencies and risks, companies and private finance have not scaled up commitments.
By 2030, NbS investments must increase 2.5-fold to $571 billion annually, equivalent to 0.5% of 2024 global GDP. UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen stated: “If you follow the money, you see the magnitude of the challenge ahead. We can invest in the destruction of nature, or we can drive its recovery; there is no middle ground”.
The study introduces the “Nature Transition Curve”, a framework to guide policymakers and businesses in reforming capital flows, phasing out harmful subsidies, and expanding NbS. Germany’s Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development, Reem Alabali-Radovan, said: “Global financial flows urgently need to transition from environmental degradation to investment in nature-based solutions”. The framework provides options for private sector supply chains and examples such as greening urban areas or construction materials with negative emissions.
In conclusion, the report stresses that nature-positive investments must be rooted in local ecological, cultural, and social contexts, ensuring inclusion and equity.