Planetary Solvency: Tipping into the wild unknown
On 30th April, 2026, the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries and Anglia Ruskin University publish a report that warn that the convergence of biodiversity loss, climate shocks and geopolitical instability is fracturing the global food system with profound consequences for financial stability and society. Chronic stresses including soil degradation and water scarcity are already suppressing crop yields and driving up food prices, while acute shocks risk tipping these pressures into systemic crisis. The report calls on policymakers, regulators and the financial sector to treat food system fragility as a material systemic risk and to integrate nature into decision-making before the cost of inaction becomes irreversible.
I was delighted to be able to support the launch of the report and have drawn on the research, particularly the company case studies, in trustee training sessions.
Nature underpins 100% of investor portfolios, whether directly; through supply chains; or simply to ensure the thriving of the human capital powering productivity. Its degradation represents an economic risk; a national security risk; and is currently a materially mis-priced financial risk that undermines financial stability and expected return on investments. The IFoA has highlighted the financial implications of these risks, and it is incumbent upon investors and policymakers to respond decisively. Integrating nature into financial models-both quantitatively and qualitatively-is an essential step to fully capture the risks and opportunities it presents.
Faith Ward - CRIO Brunel Pension Partnership and Chair, IIGC Institutional Investors Group on Climate Change (lIGCC)
This is part of a series of research reports that make for essential reading for all asset owners, policy makers and others in the investment industry.
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© 2026 Institute and Faculty of Actuaries and Anglia Ruskin University
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