For executives grappling with climate change, recycling and energy costs, here comes another issue – biodiversity.

 

A McKinsey global survey has made the surprise finding that most businesses see biodiversity - the diversity of species and the survival of ecosystems - as an opportunity.

 

The management consultancy observes that biodiversity occupies a similar position as climate change did in 2007, but whereas business saw global warming as a threat – only 29% viewed it as an opportunity - attitudes to biodiversity are much more positive.

 

Some 59% say it has potential for improving corporate reputations with environmentally conscious stakeholders, or using renewable resources for new products or ideas, McKinsey says.

 

However, while nearly two-thirds said biodiversity was important or somewhat important, it ranks only tenth on a list of 12 issues, behind climate change, pollution and water quality.

 

Many say they face no risks at all: 39% expect to face no operational risk from biodiversity issues over next three years, McKinsey said.

 

Those who regard it as an important opportunity are mostly from the food and beverage, pharmaceutical, energy and hospital sectors.

 

Says McKinsey: “The food and beverage industry relies on water for agricultural production and is reasonably concerned with future access to food; pharmaceutical companies and hospitals have a vested stake in the development of treatments for infectious diseases; and for energy companies, the production process involves water use as well as a host of other biodiversity issues, such as soil degradation, deforestation, and flooding.

 

A quarter of these believe their companies could lose “a crucial input” if biodiversity is reduced.