The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) South Africa has identified eight sustainability trends that will provide an opportunity for businesses to “rebuild” with more socially and environmentally sustainable models as the global economy recovers from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

WWF South Africa is encouraging public- and private-sector stakeholders to “build back better” from the pandemic and embrace an approach to development that promotes the wellbeing of people and the planet.

“We have a real opportunity to respond to the broader impact of the Covid-19 crisis in a manner that delivers systemic change for healthier, more sustainable and resilient societies [and] economies,” says WWF South Africa business development head Justin Smith.

The WWF believes that global leadership discussions about the environment, climate change and sustainable development in both the private and public sectors will be a critical component of recovery.

The World Economic Forum Global Risk Report, the Paris Agreement, the Convention on Biological Diversity, the United Nations’ (UNs’) 17 Sustainable Development Goals, the UN’s Climate Change Conference 26, to be held in November 2021, will be some of the key platforms and agreements that will continue to drive these global discussions with world leaders.

Another trend shaping business recovery is ‘youth voices, transparency and trust’, wherein the WWF expects to see a stronger focus and pressure on human rights and environmental sensitivity in supply chains, with more consumers asking for greater transparency from brands and businesses and an increase in youth activism driven by the ‘Greta Thunberg effect’.

Alongside this will be a focus on energy and climate.

“Renewables are now the cheapest form of energy generation – a clear incentive to rapidly move away from burning fossil fuels, to a far more sustainable approach for the global energy sector. This cannot happen soon enough, as our window to deal with climate change is shortening all the time,” Smith says.

Disruptive new technology in mobility, transport, communications and the way of working will bring much-needed efficiencies to old and outdated systems and processes.

The firm cites the increased use of remote-working tools, such as Zoom, which was necessitated by the global closures, owing to the pandemic, as an example of an opportunity to reduce carbon footprints while enabling the information technology sector to manage its energy use responsibly.

Investors will also exert pressure in 2021, as more lenders start to shift towards more environmentally and socially responsible investment that is critical for dealing with climate and biodiversity challenges.

The circular economy is another trend expected by the WWF, as opportunities to reduce dependence on single-use plastics with its environmental consequences, along with legislative shifts in South Africa around extended producer responsibility, pushes more companies to develop new models to ensure sustainability.

Concerns regarding water scarcity and quality will continue well into the future and are driving the next predicted trend of being water smart.

“Companies will need to prioritise awareness around water scarcity and water security in their operations and supply chains,” the WWF states.

The global food and biodiversity crisis also made the sustainability list for business focus this year.

“Much of the global biodiversity loss is being driven by the current food system, which is driving deforestation and land-use change. We need to produce food more sustainably, shift our diets and reduce food waste. Covid-19 continues to highlight food security issues in South Africa and around the world.”