Climate change is one of the biggest drivers of biodiversity loss, but not all climate-positive actions are necessarily nature-positive, notes an environmental consulting specialist.
Text: Jasmine Jussila
Biodiversity is the foundation of life. Thanks to diverse ecosystems, organisms, and vegetation, we have clean air, fresh water, food, and society. Kari & Pantsar Co., specializing in environmental consulting, has defined planet Earth as its first client. The company is a startup founded by renowned environmental professionals Mari Pantsar and Emma Kari in 2023. Their services include conducting circular economy assessments, providing roadmaps and strategic guidance on nature risks and opportunities.
“Climate impacts have already been integrated into the logic of many organizations in the business world, and now the same is being done for nature. Lately, we have been collaborating particularly with companies working in renewable energy. Many are aware of the positive actions for the climate but also want to consider nature impacts,” states Sara Yrjönmäki, who works as a Specialist at Kari & Pantsar Co.
Yrjönmäki emphasizes that climate and nature go hand in hand.
“Biodiversity work is not just about conservation. The state of the climate enables the current state of nature, and climate change is among the biggest factors affecting biodiversity loss. That’s why it feels important right now to bring nature into the conversation wherever climate discussions are taking place,” states Yrjönmäki.
Urban biodiversity has well-being effects
As a humanist, Sara Yrjönmäki is particularly interested in how climate change and biodiversity affect societies, business operations, and global justice. For example, urban biodiversity provides well-being benefits to residents. A thriving nature helps with everyday matters such as urban cooling.
From the biodiversity perspective, Yrjönmäki believes urbanization and efficient utilization of infrastructure are more meaningful than continuous sprawl over large areas, although she emphasizes that there is no one right solution. Much depends on how urbanization is implemented.
At Kari & Pantsar Co., it is believed that businesses play a key role in halting biodiversity loss. Those who understand the topic through their own roles can also accelerate organizational understanding. Additionally, everyone can contribute by examining their own consumption habits. The five main drivers of biodiversity loss – climate change, land use change, resource use, emissions, and the spread of invasive species – provide concreteness to the areas where it is worth making an impact in everyday life.
Diverse influence through a dual role
In addition to her day job, Yrjönmäki serves as a Youth Nature Delegate. In October, she will participate in the UN Nature Conference (COP16) in Colombia as part of the official delegation of the Finnish Ministry of the Environment. The conference is a continuation of the COP15 meeting, where a global biodiversity framework was defined. It set global goals for 2050 and targets for 2030 to halt biodiversity loss. The current discussions include implementation, financing, and support models.
Yrjönmäki feels privileged to be able to make an impact in different arenas through both her work and delegate roles. Creating a better future requires collaboration at both the company level and across geographical boundaries.
“Nothing is ever perfect, and I often engage in internal reflection on what is most impactful. But to me, the most meaningful thing is to do things for the sake of this planet. That’s what I strive for in my work, utilizing all available channels.”
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Solwers Plc is one of the main owners of Kari & Pantsar Co. Solwers’ vision is to be the preferred partner for its clients in the visionary and sustainable design and engineering of new living environments.
Also read: Accelerating the Green transition – Solwers becomes a shareholder in an environmental startup
