The world is spending nearly 30 times more money on activities that destroy nature than on efforts to protect it.
A new report published by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has revealed this alarming picture, according to UN News.
The report titled State of Finance for Nature 2026 states that global finance flowing into nature-negative sectors has now reached $7.3 trillion.
Of this, $4.9 trillion comes from the private sector, mainly concentrated in electricity and utilities, industry, energy and raw material-based sectors.
In contrast, harmful public subsidies amounted to $2.4 trillion in 2023. These subsidies were directed towards fossil fuels, agriculture, water management, transport and construction sectors.
The UNEP published the report last Thursday (22 January), calling for a shift in global financial flows to protect nature. It stressed the need to scale up investment in nature-based solutions (NbS).
At the same time, the report recommended gradually phasing out investments that damage the environment. Such a shift would lead to higher long-term returns, reduced risks and improved environmental stability, the report noted.
According to the findings, current investment in NbS totals $220 billion, with nearly 90 percent coming from public sources. This reflects a gradual increase in public support at both local and international levels.
However, the overall global financial landscape remains heavily tilted towards activities harmful to nature. As a result, ecosystems, economies and human livelihoods are facing severe risks.
The report points out that almost half of the world’s economy is directly or indirectly dependent on nature, yet governments, businesses and the financial sector continue to deplete natural resources.
In 2023, nature-harming investments amounted to $7.3 trillion, while spending on NbS stood at only $220 billion.
To meet the targets of the UN Rio Conventions, NbS investment needs to rise to $571 billion by 2030. Simultaneously, harmful financial flows must be halted and restructured, the report emphasised.
The report warned that although financing for nature-based solutions is increasing, it remains insufficient to safeguard global biodiversity, address climate change and achieve land restoration goals.
