The Sustainable Markets Initiative (SMI) and AECOM have unveiled a revolutionary AI tool designed to protect natural habitats during infrastructure development. Named the Nature Risk Tool, this innovative technology provides comprehensive analyses of land worldwide, delivering critical insights into local habitats and biomes to aid planners and policymakers in creating environmentally sustainable infrastructure.

As infrastructure development is anticipated to surge in response to population growth and economic expansion, the Nature Risk Tool addresses the pressing issue of environmental degradation often associated with such projects. Over the past five decades, wildlife populations have seen an alarming decline of approximately 60%, with infrastructure expansion identified as a key contributing factor.

Utilising datasets from the Taskforce for Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD), the SMI Nature Risk Tool enables infrastructure investors and developers to assess any piece of land at a detailed scale. This allows for expert-reviewed descriptions of habitats and biomes to be incorporated early in the site selection process.

Once a site has been evaluated, the tool assesses potential environmental impacts of proposed projects and suggests mitigation strategies. By offering actionable insights and protective measures, the tool aims to inform planners and policymakers on how to pursue sustainable development while safeguarding the natural environment. The Nature Risk Tool aligns with the TNFD framework, facilitating users in leveraging the data for the TNFD LEAP process.

For instance, if the tool identifies a protected species on a proposed development site, this early warning can lead to alternative site selection or the integration of protective measures, ensuring the species remains safeguarded. This proactive approach could significantly minimise adverse impacts on local ecosystems.

Jennifer Jordan Saifi, CEO of the Sustainable Markets Initiative, emphasised the importance of this tool in the context of economic growth and environmental sustainability. “Nature is the engine of our economy, which is why it lies at the heart of our mandate, the Terra Carta. It is central to providing us with solutions for a sustainable future,” she stated. Saifi expressed pride in launching the SMI Nature Risk Tool, highlighting its potential to serve as a valuable resource for developers and policymakers globally as they strive to protect and restore the balance with nature.

Troy Rudd, CEO of AECOM and Head of the Measurement and Transparency Task Force, echoed these sentiments, noting the excitement surrounding the partnership with the Sustainable Markets Initiative. “By combining our expertise in infrastructure consulting with SMI’s commitment to sustainability, we are setting a new standard for how projects can be planned and executed with nature and biodiversity at the forefront,” Rudd explained.

The Nature Risk Tool will be utilised from the initiation phase of projects to enhance decision-making and efficiency, significantly reducing impacts on nature and biodiversity. By integrating this tool early in the process, project leaders and planners will gain essential insights into risks, enabling them to make informed decisions and mitigate potential threats before any construction begins.

This innovative approach represents a significant step towards ensuring that infrastructure development proceeds hand in hand with environmental preservation, aiming to create a more sustainable and resilient future for all.

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