Introducing the Natural Next Step for Science Based Targets
by Tim Greiner
16 February 2021
With over 1,100 companies committing to setting science-based targets (SBTs) for climate, including many of the world’s largest corporations, SBTs have become the gold standard for setting corporate climate goals. However, the climate crisis is not the only global threat to our planet. We live today in the Anthropocene – a period of human-caused mass extinction of animals and plants. As the World Business Council for Sustainable Development has observed, “The twin crises of nature loss and climate change are inextricably linked.” It is clear that we will not achieve the Paris climate goals nor preserve the world’s ecosystems without similar science-based targets to protect oceans, land, water, and biodiversity.
In September 2020, the Science Based Targets Network (SBTN) issued interim guidance showing companies how to protect and restore nature in line with science. SBTN aims to clearly define a way to ensure companies what the science says is required to protecting the Earth’s land, oceans, water, and biodiversity.
Climate SBTs can help with setting similar targets for nature
Firms that have set SBTs for climate and investigated their value chains will likely find they have some of the groundwork and data needed for setting nature targets. Seventh Generation, a leading home and personal care brand that made an ambitious 2018 climate commitment, is an example.
To learn more, read the full article in Sustainable Brands.
This article originally appeared in Sustainable Brands on February 4, 2021.
Written by Tim Greiner
Tim Greiner, a Pure Strategies Co-founder and Managing Director, has pioneered approaches to building environmental and social integrity into products, brands, and businesses. His experience spans the spectrum from developing sustainability strategy, drafting sustainability goals, designing product sustainability programs, creating approaches to transform sustainable supply chains and fostering collaborative mechanisms to lift the sustainability performance of entire industries. He is currently working with several progressive businesses on developing science-based targets and comprehensive climate strategies. He is a co-founder of the Chemical Footprint Project and has guided sustainable chemicals management strategies for companies across diverse industries. He has also led regenerative agriculture projects with food brands and retailers. Current and former clients include Annie’s, Walmart, Seventh Generation, Ben & Jerry’s, The North Face, Stonyfield Farm, MilliporeSigma and U.S. EPA.
Tim holds Masters’ degrees in Environmental Policy and Business from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a Bachelor's degree in Materials Science Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. He is a founding member of the Massachusetts Toxics Use Reduction Planners Association and a former Board member and President. He is also founder of the Cape Ann Climate Change Network and is a Research Associate at the Lowell Center for Sustainable Production. Tim has experience in industry as a Process Engineer for Fairchild Semiconductor. He also worked for the Massachusetts Office of Technical Assistance as Project Director and Chief Engineer.
