Why Nature Credits Matter – With Brian MacSharry, European Environment Agency

Unpacking how nature credits could reshape the way we value biodiversity and fund its restoration with Dr. Brian MacSharry of the European Environment Agency

In this episode of Constructive Voices, Jackie De Burca interviews Dr. Brian MacSharry from the European Environment Agency to discuss the concept of nature credits, their significance in the context of biodiversity, and how they differ from carbon credits.

Brian shares insights from his extensive career in environmental policy, emphasising the importance of recognising the role of biodiversity in our economy and society.

The conversation explores the challenges of measuring biodiversity, the roadmap for implementing nature credits, and the potential for incentivising private sector involvement in conservation efforts. Brian concludes with actionable steps for individuals and businesses to support biodiversity.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode With Dr. Brian MacSharry:

• The difference between carbon credits and nature credits, and why biodiversity is harder to measure.

• How businesses and economies are far more dependent on nature than most people realise.

• Why the European Union’s roadmap for nature credits is both ambitious and full of open questions.

• How pilot projects across Europe are already testing new models of valuing biodiversity.

• Practical ways individuals, businesses, and policymakers can support biodiversity today.