1: How does Business affect Biodiversity?

Biological diversity (also known as Biodiversity) can be defined as the variety of life on the earth, from genes and species to ecosystems; from microbes to the largest blue whale (including humans and plants) and it encompasses all the evolutionary and ecological processes that support life. In simpler words, it is the variety and variability of living organisms and their interactions on the planet. The human evolution has also led to industrial evolution and the concept of businesses was introduced. Businesses refers to the activity of making a living or earning money by manufacturing, purchasing, and selling goods.
Human activities create pressure on the landscape through rapid urbanization, depletion of resources, and increased consumption of resources and create a direct impact on biodiveristy.

Most of the human activities are either a cause or a consequence of a booming business and entrepreneurship ecosystems. It includes rigorous agrifarming, mining, industrialisation, land use and others. Setting up any type of business often threatens the local biodiversity. The areas where the threat to biodiversity is high are called biodiversity hotspots and here the restrictions and regulations are very severe.
Examples: Himalayas, Western Ghats Mexico, South Africa, Brazil, the Southwestern United state, and Madagascar.^[1].

The current rate at which species are disappearing is unprecedented and extensive that scientists are referring to it as the sixth mass extinction event on record, and the first since humans first appeared on Earth.

The Role of Biodiversity in a Business

Biodiversity is a fundamental component of not just the ecosystems but is a necessity for long-term business survival as well. All businesses, irrespective of their type, depend on nature for deriving the necessary raw materials.
Let’s consider agriculture. It is much more than just planting crop and is influenced by several key factors:

• It relies on the diversity of wild varieties of major food crops as a crucial resource to build resilience against diseases and pests.
• It also depends on the various microorganisms to enhance the fertility of the soil.
• Diverse animals and birds play a vital role in the pollination process, contributing to crop growth and food production.

Impact of Business on Biodiversity

It's now well-established that nature is pivotal for the smooth operation of businesses. Throughout different stages of businesses such as production, transportation, and distribution, businesses can negatively impact biodiversity. While the impact might not always be direct, it eventually leads to a loss of biodiversity.
For instance, the real estate sector is a booming industry driven by the needs of an expanding population. However, it poses significant risks to biodiversity through actions such as:

• Conversion of forest and agricultural land into buildings
• Dependency on natural resources like fresh water and soil often resulting in pollution
• Leads to rise in temperatures, accelerating climate change
  While the direct impact of individual actions may seem minor, their cumulative effect can significantly threaten biodiversity.