Economic case for nature

Built infrastructure is responsible for over 60% of global emissions and is driving species and habitat loss. The International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) asked di:ga to help them make the case for natural alternatives - for example, using reefs or mangroves instead of concrete defences to protect the coastline storms and erosion, which can be cheaper and more effective as well as better for the planet.

In the run up to COP26, di:ga worked with IISD to launch new research showing that 11% of new infrastructure needed worldwide could be met with plants, trees and other natural alternatives, which would save governments and investors US$248bn per year. We helped IISD frame the issue in a way that would cut through, and pitched the story to the media, securing coverage in the Guardian and Reuters.