Corporate biodiversity pledges rise sharply, S&P Global data shows
S&P Global found that 35% of assessed companies had public biodiversity commitments in 2025, up from 14% in 2022. Latin America had the highest regional share at 63%, while Asia-Pacific saw the largest increase. Deforestation pledges also grew, though from a low base, as EU rules approach enforcement.
The S&P Global review tracked 7,425 firms that took part in both the 2022 and 2025 assessment cycles. It follows the 2022 Kunming-Montreal framework, under which 196 nations agreed 23 nature-related targets.
Regional patterns varied: Latin America reached 63%, Asia-Pacific posted the biggest gain, and North America doubled while remaining below Europe. Utilities and energy led sector uptake, with materials and consumer staples close behind. Of 1,801 firms that reviewed nature risks, 96% examined their direct activities, 37% looked at supplier tiers, and 24% considered later-stage activities. Deforestation pledges rose from 6% to 12%, with Latin America at 32%; EU enforcement begins December 2026.
The shift may affect how companies assess suppliers, disclose nature risks, and certify supply chains, especially as European deforestation rules approach. Consumers could see more traceability claims, while producers and communities in biodiversity-rich regions may face new documentation demands and potential market access changes. Investors and regulators may gain clearer signals, but gaps beyond direct operations could leave some environmental and social risks unaddressed.