LCAW: How Nature-Based Solutions Can Power Climate Action

Sustainability LIVE: The Leadership Summit, in association with Philip Morris International, brought together senior sustainability leaders to discuss the role that nature-based solutions can play in supporting climate mitigation, adaptation and biodiversity goals. 

Among the highlights was The Nature-Based Solutions Summit panel, sponsored by Shell, that examined how carbon credits can support companies' broader decarbonisation strategies. The panel featured Janneke Abels, VP Nature-based Solutions at Shell; Derrick Emsley, CEO and Co-Founder of veritree; and Henning Huenteler, Partner and EMEA Carbon Markets Lead at Bain & Company.

The discussion centred on the growing role of nature-based solutions in corporate climate action and the different approaches organisations can take to integrate them into business strategy.

“Companies need to start by understanding why they are using carbon credits and what role they are intended to play in their decarbonisation strategy,” Janneke said, also emphasising that nature-based solutions credits must be credible, trusted and supported by robust standards. She noted that the value of nature-based solutions extends beyond carbon benefits alone, with biodiversity protection and ecosystem restoration increasingly becoming important drivers for many organisations.

Building on this, Derrick highlighted that nature-based solutions are entering a new phase of maturity, describing a growing "flight to trust" across the market as buyers increasingly prioritise quality, transparency, monitoring and verification.

Henning added that while the climate and nature benefits of nature-based projects are widely understood, organisations often struggle to quantify the corporate value they deliver, making investment decisions harder to secure. He argued that successful participation depends on embedding nature-based solutions into corporate strategy, securing long-term budget commitments and developing clear communications approaches that help manage greenwashing concerns.

The panel also discussed the collaboration required to scale nature-based solutions effectively. Whether working with corporates, NGOs or local communities, Henning noted that success depends on stakeholders being able to "understand the risk, identify the risk and share the risk."

Using nature-based solutions

Technology was also identified as another critical enabler. Discussing Veritree's approach, Derrick explained: "We have built the technology to keep an eye on the pulse of the project and make sure the project delivers," highlighting the role of data and digital tools in monitoring outcomes and building confidence in project performance.

Janneke also highlighted carbon markets as an accessible entry point for companies looking to engage with nature-based solutions. Organisations can begin with relatively small investments, build experience and deepen their involvement over time. She noted that, as the market matures, carbon credits are increasingly being viewed as part of a broader investment landscape, helping channel long-term finance into projects that protect and restore nature.

This was a key point throughout the discussion, and the speakers all emphasised that nature-based solutions should increasingly be viewed as a strategic, long-term investment rather than a philanthropic or marketing exercise. Despite ongoing challenges, the panel agreed that high-quality projects represent one of the most scalable and cost-effective ways of delivering climate and nature benefits at the same time.

Asked to share one action that could help accelerate corporate participation in nature-based solutions over the coming years, the panellists closed with a simple message.

"Just start somewhere; take that first step," said Janneke.

Derrick added, "Don't focus on perfection, it's not a straight line."

"Focus on the long term," Henning concluded.