Revitalizing Our Economy: The Essential Role of Chief Nature Officers in Embracing Nature-Centric Strategies

The environmental crisis is urgent. We need to shift our focus and see nature for what it truly is: the core of our economy. Nature isn’t just a backdrop; it’s the foundation of everything we rely on—our climate, water, food, and air. To tackle this crisis, we must rethink our economy with nature at the center.

Rethinking Economic Strategies

A chief nature officer (CNO) could lead this change, guiding decision-makers to understand our planet’s limits. The financial sector needs to grasp the natural laws that govern our world; this understanding will shape economic practices.

Historically, industrial growth came at a high cost to nature, leading us to a critical juncture today. We’ve crossed several important environmental limits, such as climate change and biodiversity loss. Insured losses from climate-related disasters have doubled in just a decade, highlighting the high price of neglecting our environment.

Recent data shows that extreme weather has led to agricultural losses of about €28 billion, affecting our food systems. If things don’t change, these losses could escalate to €90 billion by 2050.

The Role of Nature-Based Solutions

CNOs can frame this grim scenario and suggest solutions. It’s vital to articulate why a nature-centered economy matters—not just for mitigating risks, but for fostering resilience and adapting our practices. Effective CNOs must persuade financial institutions to transform their structures and rethink their approaches to sustainability.

Protecting Our Oceans

At the 2025 United Nations Ocean Conference, experts underscored the importance of safeguarding our oceans. Practices like bottom trawling harm ecosystems and threaten economic stability. There’s a pressing need for both public and private sectors to adopt sustainable fishing methods and support small-scale fishers.

With a staggering global financing gap of over $737 billion for biodiversity by 2050, CNOs can design investment initiatives that genuinely support these shifts. By focusing on nature-based solutions—like restoring marine habitats or promoting eco-friendly tourism—we can move toward a thriving, sustainable economy.

Understanding Nature’s Value

We’re not just experiencing change; we’re entering a new era. Nature isn’t just a commodity; it’s our lifeblood. For CNOs, the challenge is clear. We must educate the financial sector to see nature as essential infrastructure rather than a mere resource to exploit.

Investing in nature is not just beneficial; it’s imperative for the future of our economy and our planet. Embracing this change could lead to a more sustainable and resilient world, ensuring we thrive in harmony with the environment we depend on.

Marc Palahi serves as the chief nature officer of Lombard Odier Group. For a deeper understanding of these issues, consider exploring the United Nations Environment Programme.

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