September 2025 Newsletter

Leading companies are stepping up for nature

At Climate Week NYC, companies showed why investing in nature is essential for long-term business resilience. During our session Stepping Up for Nature: Business Leadership on Science-Based Targets, SBTN announced the latest corporate progress on target-setting and launched new accelerated pathways to help companies act faster, while previewing a campaign to broaden corporate participation. Key announcements are shared below with an event recording available soon.

Companies announce new validation milestones and targets

Arla, the world’s fifth-largest dairy company and one of Europe’s largest cooperatives, has validated its materiality assessment and prioritization work using SBTN’s methods, through independent review by the Accountability Accelerator. This marks the first disclosure of an earlier validation milestone in the target-setting process; giving companies flexibility to be recognized where they are, while generating critical insights to guide strategy.

GSK, the global biopharma company, has validated its land science-based targets through the Accountability Accelerator, building on its freshwater target approved last year and reinforcing its commitment to taking action on nature. 

The details of these new disclosures are now available in the SBTN target tracker.

First-mover companies pilot new ocean targets

Danish Pelagic Producers Organization, Musholm, Orkla Foods Sweden, Seatopia and Waitrose have joined a pilot to set and validate the first ocean science-based targets for the seafood sector, using SBTN’s recently released guidance. 

These milestones reflect a broader surge of progress. Ten companies already have validated freshwater and land targets – with three, Kering, Holcim, and GSK, having made theirs public. Twelve multinational companies are currently validating their science-based assessments and targets. In all, 150 companies are preparing to set science-based targets for nature, with at least $5.5 trillion in market capitalization already represented – underscoring the scale of ambition now underway.

Helping companies move faster: accelerated pathways

To support more companies to move faster, SBTN has launched accelerated pathways – a flexible approach enabling earlier action where companies have the most traction and where nature needs it most. 

We’ve heard from companies that they want to move forward, but need practical ways to begin. Accelerated Pathways provide that flexibility – helping businesses start where they have the most traction while ensuring their actions remain rooted in science. Learn how they work here.

Looking ahead: Step Up for Nature

SBTN will soon be launching a new campaign inviting companies to Step Up for Nature – wherever they are on their journey. Companies will be able to publicly signal their next step towards science-based targets for nature (e.g., submitting their materiality assessment for validation or setting freshwater targets), contributing to a transparent picture of collective progress.

Companies can register their interest via this landing page.

By the time of the 2026 Global Biodiversity Stocktake, this movement aims to demonstrate the scale of corporate ambition and progress – showing how the private sector can lead the way in delivering measurable nature-positive outcomes through science-based action.

Together, we can turn complexity into clarity, and clarity into action at the scale this moment demands. 

All my best, 

Erin Billman
Executive Director
Science Based Targets Network 

Other Opportunities from the Network

Applications open for companies to pilot version 2 land targets

We are now inviting companies to apply for our Land pilot, where companies will test the new Version 2 land targets ahead of finalizing the methods for roll-out by mid 2026. Version 2 expands the scope to a broader range of land-related impacts, reflects the latest science, and introduces additional flexibility and feasibility options. The piloting companies’ work will be independently validated through the Accountability Accelerator. 

SBTN is Hiring: Market Development Director

Are you an experienced leader in stakeholder engagement, passionate about advancing credible corporate action for nature? SBTN is hiring a Market Development director to help drive corporate adoption by growing SBTN’s market presence and strengthening corporate & partner relationships. Find out more in the job description – applications will be accepted on a rolling basis, and submissions by October 10 will be prioritized.