Nature Positive Role of the Technology Sector 2025

5.3 Financial institutions 5.4 Non-governmental organizationsThese questions are not exhaustive, but they provide a starting point for tech customers to begin discussions with suppliers and vendors. Additionally, tech customers may seek out partners aligned with recognized frameworks and standards, such as those highlighted under Action 6. Encouraging or requiring compliance with these standards in procurement contracts helps accelerate adoption across the sector. Companies can also magnify their impact through collective action, such as joining industry alliances, sharing best practices and aligning on common criteria for what constitutes nature- positive technology. As more organizations take this approach, sustainability becomes not just a differentiator but a foundational expectation in tech procurement. Financial institutions play a key enabling role in the tech sector’s transition to nature positive. As stewards of global capital, banks, insurers and investors have the capacity to channel significant capital to nature-positive transformation across value chains. By embedding nature metrics into assessment frameworks and client engagement, they can support credible transition plans. However, less than 3% of the $1.2 trillion needed annually for nature-positive business is being met, with major barriers including limited data, disclosure and incentives. The Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership has identified further barriers in its Scaling Finance for Nature report.147 Regulatory changes such as the EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and improved corporate disclosures are accelerating progress, but further sector alignment is essential.Despite these challenges, leading financial institutions are shifting from a compliance focus to viewing nature as an opportunity for value creation. Many are now linking financing to nature- positive outcomes, supporting technology sector projects such as sustainable data centres and digital infrastructure. With the rising adoption of frameworks such as TNFD and growing client engagement, the financial sector’s power to shift tech towards nature-positive outcomes continues to build. Additional details on the role of financial institutions in the nature-positive transition can be found in the World Economic Forum’s Nature Positive: Corporate Assessment Guide for Financial Institutions. Less than 3% of the $1.2 trillion needed annually for nature-positive business is being met, with major barriers including limited data, disclosure and incentives. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and multilateral initiatives play an essential role in enabling tech’s transition to nature positive. By developing shared frameworks, convening cross-sector stakeholders and supporting regulatory alignment, these organizations help translate global nature goals into actionable guidance for companies. Frameworks such as TNFD provide a standardized approach for identifying and disclosing nature-related risks and dependencies. While voluntary, TNFD is quickly becoming a reference point for companies and regulators alike. Similarly, SBTN offers guidance for setting credible, science-aligned nature targets, while disclosure frameworks such as CDP and the Global Reporting Initiative support transparency and comparability across industries. Institutions such as the World Economic Forum, the UN Environment Programme and Business for Nature play a critical role in bringing together leaders across sectors to align on shared priorities and accelerate the adoption of nature-positive solutions. These organizations build collaboration, support the development of emerging tools and inform future policy design. As nature standards continue to evolve, active engagement with these efforts will be critical for tech companies seeking to lead and shape the transition. Nature Positive: Role of the Technology Sector 54