Science Based Targets Network Launches First Guidance for a Net-Zero, Nature-Positive Future
by Cheryl Baldwin, PH.D.
01 October 2020
Science Based Targets Network (SBTN) has launched the Initial Guidance for Business: Corporate Action for a Net-Zero, Nature-Positive Future. Pure Strategies is proud to have been among the team of experts from 65+ global environmental organizations, companies, and consultancies from 22 countries to have reviewed the guidance prior to launch and to have an opportunity to contribute to such an important project that will help companies set science-based targets for nature.
This is the first guidance to show companies how to protect and restore nature in line with science by preparing to set science-based targets for nature. Science-based targets for nature expands the concept of the Science Based Targets initiative’s work which has seen around 1000 companies commit to cut their emissions in line with the best available science. The targets provided in the guidance give companies direction they can align with now, to set science-based sustainability targets for nature, including freshwater, biodiversity, land, and oceans for climate impact and ecosystem integrity.
Nature-focused science-based targets will allow companies to take action that aligns with a subset of the goals set out in the UN conventions on biodiversity (UNCBD), climate change (UNFCCC), land degradation (UNCCD), and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (SDGs).
“We urgently need to restore to health our life support systems – the Earth’s biodiversity, land, ocean and water. Without this we cannot halve greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. Business has a key role to play. This guidance will ensure they are acting in line with science and ensure that any nature-based solutions they are considering alongside their emissions reduction efforts are implemented in a way that maximizes the benefits for nature, communities, and climate,” notes Johan Rockstrӧm, Global Commons Alliance Leadership Council member and Earth Commission co-chair.
Download the Interim Guidance here: https://sciencebasedtargetsnet...
Written by Cheryl Baldwin, PH.D.
Cheryl Baldwin, Ph.D., is a Vice President of Sustainability Consulting for Pure Strategies where she partners with corporate clients to develop and execute sustainability strategies to improve performance across retail, food and agriculture, home and personal care, and cosmetics industries. She also leads the firms’ global market research to generate new insights to accelerate business transformation.
Cheryl’s recent projects include helping develop sustainability goals for TAZO, create a sustainable packaging strategy and implementation tools for Walmart, and facilitate the development and implementation of a sustainable chemistry program for Ahold Delhaize USA.
Cheryl authored Pure Strategies’ market research reports, Connecting to the Farm, Reaching the New Corporate Frontier, Advancing on the Path to Product Sustainability, and other reports. She wrote the book, The 10 Principles of Food Industry Sustainability and is the lead author/editor for two additional books on sustainability, Greening Food and Beverage Services and Sustainability in the Food Industry and holds U.S. and international patents.
Prior to Pure Strategies, Cheryl led the life cycle research and sustainability standard program for the non-profit ecolabel organization Green Seal. Cheryl also worked in Research and Development for Kraft Foods, Inc. where she was involved in all phases of R&D from novel ingredient development to global product commercialization. Cheryl holds a Ph.D. and M.S. from Cornell University and a B.S. from the University of Illinois, all in Food Science.
Cheryl has been named one of the Top 50 Women Leaders of DC for the second consecutive year, based on a methodical review of women executives and leaders across the area. She was identified for her career track record, including her leadership position at Pure Strategies. The recognition came from Women We Admire (WWA), a membership organization of over 1,200 of the most accomplished women leaders in business, law, consulting, education, non-profit and other sectors. based on a methodical review of women executives and leaders across the area. She was identified for her career track record, including her leadership position at Pure Strategies. The recognition came from Women We Admire (WWA), a membership organization of over 1,200 of the most accomplished women leaders in business, law, consulting, education, non-profit and other sectors.
