The world economy depends on a base of natural resources -- our "natural capital" -- that is showing signs of severe degradation. Without improved environmental performance, future business operations will be exposed to risks of rising prices for water, materials, and for waste disposal.

Those businesses that reduce the environmental impacts of their operations, goods, and services will win competitive advantages. Protecting the long-term license-to-operate in existing and new markets depends on business strategies that preserve and renew natural habitats and critical environmental resources.

Listed here are facts and related implications for business in this area. For more data and analysis on these issues, please download the PDF file for this section.