Nature Positive Role of the Technology Sector 2025

7.1 Proactively engage policy-makers –Proactively engage in policy development to help shape balanced, science-based policies around areas concerning nature impacts and dependencies that are feasible for implementation. –Early engagement builds trust and credibility, both with regulators and with the public. Examples: In the US, a joint board between the Department of Homeland Security and industry executives from companies including OpenAI, Anthropic, Nvidia, IBM, Microsoft, Alphabet, Adobe, AWS, AMD and more was established to advise on various AI topics, including discussions on critical infrastructure for its development and advancement.122 Another type of policy becoming more common is Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) programmes. These programmes typically mandate some recycling and reuse of materials for certain products, with producers holding responsibility for the infrastructure. The EU for example has EPR legislation for packaging, e-waste and batteries.123 7.2 Report nature impacts –Report using science-based frameworks across key nature-loss drivers and consider setting external commitments. –In tandem with comprehensive regulation, voluntary reporting allows companies to lead the conversation on nature positive. Frameworks such as TNFD and SBTN provide structured approaches for assessing, disclosing and reducing nature-related risks and impacts. –By aligning with them ahead of potential mandates, companies highlight their accountability and establish themselves as leaders in responsible governance. Examples: NEC registered as a TNFD Adopter in late 2023, in alignment with TNFD’s corporate reporting guidance.124 Companies can take these frameworks further by creating business units to analyse proposed measures for feasibility and benefit, and developing action plans for implementation. Taiwan Mobile has a dedicated business unit responsible for determining how to achieve its net-zero emissions target that reviews all proposals for benefit before bringing the plan to the board of directors for implementation. 7.3 Sector-level nature benchmarks –Collaborate with regulators to track and publish nature impact metrics to develop reliable sector data and benchmarks. –Current company nature data is often incomplete, either due to a lack of reporting or inconsistent reporting standards. By working with public agencies, industry groups and research bodies, companies can contribute to the development of standardized metrics and sector benchmarks. –This will enable stronger policy-making and allow companies to better compare performance and identify gaps in their current operations. Example: The European Green Digital Coalition, founded in 2021 by 26 members of the tech sector and supported by the European Commission and the European Parliament, developed science- based methods for their pilot phase to estimate the reduction and avoidance of GHG emissions for solutions targeting transport, agriculture, smart cities, energy and manufacturing.125 Joining sector-wide efforts on these topics, whether some of those previously listed or others such as the Circular Electronics Partnership, brings a benefit to individual companies, the sector and society. Early engagement builds trust and credibility, both with regulators and with the public. Nature Positive: Role of the Technology Sector 43