The study analysed 300 policies worldwide and discovered that around half of projected global emissions reductions by 2035 are likely to result from efforts targeting deforestation, food waste, ecosystem restorations, agricultural emissions and nature-based climate solutions. 

The rate of credible national and policy announcements targeting emissions from land use have also doubled within the last 12 months. Land use emissions make up about 13 per cent of global carbon emissions, with deforestation being the largest single driver.  

“A land transition as significant as the energy transition is now underway,” says the study by Inevitable Policy Response (IPR), a forecasting group set up by the UN-backed Principles for Responsible Investment. 

While more than 90 per cent of the newly introduced nature policies align with the goal of limiting global warming to 2 degrees Celsius, few are in line with the Paris Agreement target of keeping warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. This means governments may be urged to further strengthen nature policies in the next few years. 

 The study warned of the possibility of increasing climate risk with potential costs for farmers, companies and the entire economy if businesses fail to adapt to these evolving policies. Investors unprepared for these changes could also face serious risks.  

One notable policy example is the European Union's efforts to enact stringent laws banning products associated with deforestation. From December 2024, importers and exporters trading with the EU must demonstrate that their products are not linked to recent deforestation or forest degradation. Non-compliance could result in hefty fines, product confiscation, or even market bans.   

Overall, this surge of nature-related policies presents significant opportunities for companies embracing deforestation reduction and nature-based solutions. 

Planet Ark does not take responsibility for the accuracy of the original information and encourages readers to check the references before using this information for their own purposes.