The investment case for the blue economy
Ocean health is vital to human life on earth. Marine ecosystems also play a critical role in the global economy. We believe that a sustainable blue economy also makes good business sense. As a bank, we are committed to supporting the world’s oceans through finding new ways to finance the UN SDG 14 ‘Life Below Water’.
Did you know?
Globally, the market value of marine and coastal resources and industries, is estimated at USD 3 trillion per year or about 5% of global GDP.
The world’s oceans are precious resources, because they support so many industries and coastal communities. Climate change and the unsustainable use of marine resources are harming the health of the oceans. This puts ocean-related businesses at risk as well as those whose livelihoods depend on them. However, marine ecosystems can also offer investment opportunities.
Why protecting and investing in ocean makes sense
One mature whale sequesters more carbon than 30,000 trees.
Oceans absorb 93% of climate heat.
Oceans generate 50% of our oxygen.
Oceans absorb 25% of carbon emissions.
Why it’s time for investor action on ocean health
Marisa Drew, Chief Sustainability Officer, explains why protecting and investing in the ocean is good business sense.
Engaging for a blue economy
Oceans present a significant investment opportunity
Thanks to innovative companies, lots of new products and services will help address the challenges of the world’s oceans. By capturing these opportunities in a portfolio, investors can contribute to building more sustainable marine ecosystems while pursuing financial returns.
Game changing innovations for sustainable oceans
Aquaculture
Sustainable fish farming practices that do not harm the health of the planet, while also creating a positive social impact
Plastic alternatives
Made from seaweed and other plants, Notpla is a plastic alternative that naturally decomposes in 4-6 weeks, much faster than bioplastics that can take up to 80 years to decompose
Alternative seafoods
Plant and stem-cell solutions for human consumption to eliminate the need for commercial fishing and provide a product free from mercury, microplastics and antibiotics
Case study
Meet Footprint, the material science start-up that’s on a mission to stop plastic ending up in the world’s oceans.
The challenge of financing UN SDG 14 – Life under water
Every year, ocean pollution and exploitation add up to many billions of dollars of economic loss and harm to the natural world.
The UN Sustainable Development Goal 14 ‘Life under water’ aims to reform marine industries and achieve some recovery of the marine ecosystems.
Its main targets are:
- Reduce ocean acidification and pollution of all kinds
- Restore ocean ecosystems
- Support sustainable fisheries
- End overfishing
How investors can make a difference to ocean health
Investors have a key role to play in making capital available to finance this goal, and push for change through focusing on impact. Our latest research looks into the different ways that investors can engage to make a difference to sustainable ocean health.
Learn more about impact investing
Impact investing is where an investor seeks to make a financial return alongside a social or environmental goal. Learn more about what impact investing is and how it works.
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