Reuters: Why nature risk for companies is far bigger than deforestation

AFi Lead Scientist Leah Samberg and World Resources Institute (WRI) Head of Responsible Supply Chains Caroline Winchester have published an op-ed on the urgent need to protect non-forest ecosystems like grasslands and savannahs. The article, titled Why nature risk for companies is far bigger than deforestation, was published on 21 April 2026 via Reuters, Ethical Corporation Magazine.

Non-forest natural ecosystems are vital for carbon storage, climate resilience, biodiversity, and food security, yet remain widely overlooked. The article outlines three key actions companies should take to address ecosystem conversion in their agricultural and forestry commodity supply chains: 

1. Integrate ecosystem conversion into risk assessments to identify high-risk areas and prioritise action
2. Use interconnected standards and frameworks to strengthen policies, like the Accountability Framework
3. Collaborate with farmers, governments, and local stakeholders to build resilient landscapes 

Read the full article here