February 13, 2025.5 minutes

Urgency, momentum, and the path forward: Reflections from Davos 2025

Kanika Chandaria

Each year, the World Economic Forum brings together leaders across business, politics, and civil society to shape global agendas. To some, it’s an essential platform for collaboration on critical challenges. To others, it’s an echo chamber where rhetoric outpaces action. Regardless of perspective, WEF remains a focal point for understanding systemic global shifts; this year’s event was no exception.

Representing Agreena, I had the privilege of contributing to discussions on climate and nature solutions. Each offered tangible hope against a bleak backdrop: the Earth's temperature surpassed the 1.5°C above pre-industrial level threshold in 2024, political headwinds are mounting against climate action, many businesses are retreating from ambitious climate pledges, and devastating wildfires have raged through Los Angeles. Yet despite these challenges, I left Davos with renewed conviction. While the challenges are formidable, the momentum to address them is real.

'The audacity of hope' public art installation at Davos World Economic Forum 2025

5 key takeaways that reinforce why we must maintain this momentum

1. The interconnected risks are undeniable

The WEF Global Risks Report 2025 painted a stark picture of our interconnected challenges. Climate change isn't just an environmental threat. It's a force multiplier that intensifies everything from extreme weather to forced migration, natural resource scarcity, and economic instability. While misinformation emerges as our most severe near-term threat, its intersection with climate change is particularly concerning, fracturing our collective ability to respond effectively.

For those of us working in regenerative agriculture, these aren't abstract risks. The cascading effects of biodiversity loss and ecosystem collapse directly impact food production, supply chain resilience, and economic stability across the agricultural sector. Our farmers are already experiencing these impacts firsthand with significant consequences on the businesses they supply to.

2. There is no net zero without nature

The climate-nature nexus was impossible to ignore at Davos this year. Climate change accelerates biodiversity loss, while biodiversity loss weakens natural carbon sinks, creating a dangerous feedback loop. What's encouraging is seeing these previously siloed conversations finally converging.

Food systems exemplify this interconnection perfectly. We face the complex challenge of feeding a growing population while safeguarding natural resources. While food systems currently account for one-third of global greenhouse gas emissions, 70% of freshwater use, and 80% of deforestation, they also hold the key to solutions. Through regenerative agriculture, we can revitalise soil health, replenish water resources, sequester carbon, and enhance biodiversity; all while ensuring long-term food security.

3. Private sector momentum builds despite headwinds

Political cycles may create uncertainty, but businesses are still forging ahead. Companies are integrating climate and nature considerations into their core strategies, driven by frameworks like CSRD and TNFD. While anti-ESG rhetoric makes headlines, it hasn't stopped the evolution of corporate sustainability. Instead, we're seeing a shift from hype to substance, where sustainability will continue to exist by driving measurable business value.

Nature-based solutions, including high-integrity soil carbon projects, are gaining traction in carbon markets. However, their success depends on robust verification standards that ensure credibility and market confidence. The AgreenaCarbon Project recently achieved a major milestone as the first large-scale arable agriculture project to receive Verra registration, marking an important step in scaling soil carbon solutions with integrity. Financial institutions increasingly recognise both the risks and opportunities in funding the transition to regenerative agriculture. Food companies are securing their future by implementing long-term supplier contracts with sustainability conditions. Given that fully transitioning to regenerative agriculture takes five or more years, accelerating funding and implementation is crucial.

4. Regenerative approaches are gaining momentum

As a first-time Davos attendee, I was struck by the emerging prominence of regenerative models in discussions. Seasoned participants confirmed this represents a shift. Unlike sustainability's focus on maintaining the status quo, regeneration aims to restore and improve natural systems.

The agricultural sector perfectly illustrates both the challenge and opportunity. With our current trajectory, more than 90% of soils are at risk of degradation by 2050, reducing world food production by 10% on average. However, regenerative agriculture offers hope. The potential to sequester 120 billion tonnes of CO2 by 2050 while restoring degraded lands has captured the attention of major players like Nestlé and PepsiCo. The challenge now lies in scaling these practices beyond pilot projects.

5. Nature is no longer a 'nice-to-have': it's a business imperative

While the Financial Times reports that more than half of the world’s economic output is dependent on nature, the reality is that all businesses rely on stable ecosystems. Every sector depends on nature's services. Agriculture provides the most obvious example; we simply cannot produce food without healthy soils. But consider a less obvious case: semiconductor manufacturing, which entirely depends on clean water and stable energy supplies. From pharmaceuticals to technology, nature underpins every business operation. Nature risk isn't separate from business risk; it is business risk.

With 40% of global land already degraded, the impacts reverberate across industries. Forward-thinking businesses recognise that investing in nature isn't philanthropy; it's strategic risk management. The era of sustainability theatre is over. What remains are strategies driving measurable business value.

Looking ahead: From rhetoric to action

We stand at a critical juncture. The science is clear, and the solutions exist. The transition to a regenerative, nature-positive economy is not only essential for our collective future but also long-term business profitability.

At Agreena, we're doubling down on accelerating this transition. Our mission is to empower farmers to profitably adopt regenerative practices and to help companies meet their sustainability goals with verified climate and environmental outcomes. Healthy soils, resilient supply chains, and productive food systems are within reach, but only if we act boldly and decisively.

Want to be part of this transformation? Let's talk about how your organisation can drive the transition to regenerative agriculture while delivering measurable impact. Reach out to our team to get started.