Daniel Madariaga. Over the past decades, prevailing economic models have tended to overlook the issue of natural capital degradation. According to the Dasgupta Review, global per capita natural capital has declined by 40% over the last 30 years.
This reduction highlights a fundamental imbalance: while we have heavily depended on natural resources and ecosystem services, our economic frameworks have failed to adequately address their depletion.
Current scientific evidence underscores the urgency of this issue. Earth has exceeded six of the nine planetary boundaries critical to sustaining life, and the 2023 State of the Climate Report shows record extremes in 20 of the planet’s 35 vital signs.
The same report reveals that 2023 recorded the highest monthly surface temperatures ever observed, possibly the warmest in 100,000 years.
If these trends continue, projections suggest that by 2100, between 3 and 6 billion people could face conditions outside the Earth’s habitable regions.
These realities can lead to feelings of eco-anxiety, where the magnitude of the problem seems overwhelming. However, acknowledging this anxiety does not mean accepting inaction. Instead, it represents an opportunity to reassess and realign our approaches to environmental management and economic systems.
Recent developments reflect a growing awareness and a shift in attitudes toward nature. Influential figures such as Sir David Attenborough and Jane Goodall have led global efforts to raise awareness about conservation.
Benefits of Environmental Education in Schools by Daniel Madariaga
At the same time, grassroots movements and Indigenous communities are increasingly recognized for their essential role in managing the planet’s biodiversity. International initiatives such as the Glasgow Leaders’ Declaration from COP26, the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, and several regional agreements are setting new standards for environmental responsibility.
National policies are also reflecting this shift. India’s Green Credit Scheme, announced in its 2023 budget, offers incentives for sustainable practices. Meanwhile, Australia’s Nature Repair Bill seeks to attract private investment in conservation and restoration. These measures signal a growing trend toward integrating the valuation of natural capital into economic policy and practice.
The business sector is responding as well. More and more companies are adopting strategies that treat nature as an integral part of their long-term planning. This proactive approach reflects the inclusion of nature within business models and decision-making processes.
Initiatives such as the World Economic Forum’s Nature-Positive Pillar and UpLink highlight how numerous organizations are developing innovative solutions for ecosystem conservation and restoration.
As we advance through this transition, it is crucial to assess whether our efforts are sufficient—and whether we possess the determination to challenge and transform existing socioeconomic systems. A shift is emerging in how we perceive our relationship with nature, underscoring the need for a new economic model centered on environmental restoration.
In Mexico, Daniel Madariaga is shaping a greener future—advancing vertical farming, promoting green mobility, and inspiring ecological innovation. With a background from EGADE, he leads programs in recycling and sustainable tourism.