5 Actions The Auto Sector Can Take To Be Nature-Positive
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The automotive sector plays a critical role in the transition to a nature-positive world. In 2023, global vehicle production reached 94 million, contributing 3% of global gross domestic product (GDP), and the sector is projected to grow rapidly at a rate of 6% to 7% annually until 2030.

This growth is fueled by a growing global middle class, an expansion of emerging markets, and a shift in consumer preferences toward sustainable mobility. The shift can be seen in the surge of electric vehicle (EV) sales from one million to 14 million per year between 2017 and 2023. This progress is supported by governments worldwide, with 43 countries collectively committed to scaling up zero-emissions vehicles and circularity. These goals have also been integrated into national policies in key markets, including the European Union, the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States.

Despite these efforts, the automotive sector contributes to biodiversity loss through pollution, water use, land-use change, and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across its entire value chain — from material sourcing to vehicle manufacturing and end-of-life management. 

Key actions for a nature-positive automotive sector

Avoid and reduce impacts from operations

Improve water stewardship; avoid and reduce pollution; strengthen biodiversity assessment, planning, and management; and accelerate GHG emissions abatement.  

Avoid and reduce impacts from materials

Expand circularity, innovate to avoid and reduce material waste across the value chain, engage with suppliers, and source responsibly.

Transform product offering

The transition from internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles to battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and other alternative solutions expand into new business models like mobility- or component-as-a-service models and influence customer behavior.

Conserve and restore nature

Support nature conservation and restoration with Indigenous peoples and local communities, and invest in innovative biodiversity financing mechanisms.  

Drive cross-sector collaboration

Embrace standards and transparency, educate customers, support downstream networks, scale up transition infrastructure, and call on governments to strengthen nature-related policy.

Navigating nature-related risks across industries 

We partnered with the World Economic Forum to release a series of reports detailing the material impacts and dependencies on nature of 12 global industries, including the automotive industry, mining and metals, chemicals, household and personal care products, and concrete and cement. Developed in collaboration with Business For Nature and the World Business Council For Sustainable Development, these reports outline priority actions within sectors to avoid and reduce negative impacts, mitigate nature-related risks, and unlock opportunities across value chains.