Assessing the implications of a ‘Net Zero’ strategy for biodiversity

Climate change and biodiversity loss are closely linked crises. ‘Net Zero’ and ‘Nature Positive’ have emerged as frameworks for organisations to contribute towards societal climate and biodiversity goals. Identifying synergies between Net Zero and Nature Positive approaches is vital if we are to achieve either, but to date climate and biodiversity strategies are often implemented separately. For a case study organisation (Wadham College, Oxford), we apply footprinting methods to provide the first detailed assessment of how an ambitious Net Zero strategy could also contribute to positive net biodiversity outcomes. Following their 2035 Net Zero strategy, the college could reduce biodiversity impacts from their utilities, built environment and direct land use by an estimated 70%. However, delivering ambitious Net Zero and Nature Positive outcomes would require compensating for residual impacts), and assessing wider impacts from procurement and investments . Our work implies pathways exist towards achieving both ambitious objectives in tandem.