Several frameworks exist to guide companies in locating their interface with nature and evaluating their impacts and dependencies, using their own specific operational and supply chain information (see Box 4). For more details and data points on tech impacts and dependencies presented in this chapter, visit Appendix A – Nature-related impacts and dependencies. Frameworks to guide companies in assessing their nature impacts and dependencies BOX 4 The following frameworks can help guide companies through their own assessments. Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) – LEAP approach:50 –Locate your interface with nature. –Evaluate your dependencies and impacts on nature. –Assess your nature-related risks and opportunities. –Prepare to respond to nature-related risks and opportunities and to report on your material nature-related issues.Science Based Targets for Nature (SBTN): –Step 1 (Assess)51 –Step 2 (Prioritize)52 2.1 Semiconductors Semiconductor chip manufacturing is a complex multi-step process requiring extensive natural inputs – over one trillion litres of water globally each year, for example.53 Core impacts and dependencies, as summarized in Figure 10, include the following: –Water use: Process requires high amounts of water to rinse and clean wafers, as well as for cooling. –Pollution and waste: Process produces solid waste and wastewater, both with the potential to contain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), also known as “forever chemicals” given their persistence in the natural environment. –Greenhouse gas emissions and electricity use: Directly – several high-global warming potential (GWP) gases and compounds are required and currently have few alternatives. Indirectly – energy generation to support manufacturing releases additional GHG emissions. –Impacts from mining for critical inputs: Minerals and metals used in manufacturing have high impacts across nature-loss drivers due to the methods used for extraction and refinement. An average semiconductor manufacturing plant may use 18-38 million litres of water daily. Nature Positive: Role of the Technology Sector 21

Nature Positive Role of the Technology Sector 2025