Preventing the Next Pandemic: How Can Investors Manage Deforestation Risks?

During this webinar, we will discuss the link between deforestation and viruses such as Covid-19. We will also provide insights into which assessment tools are currently available to investors to better manage deforestation risk in their portfolios. The exploitation of wildlife by humans through hunting, trade, habitat degradation and urbanization has been found to facilitate close contact between wildlife and humans, which increases the risk of virus spillover. During the first part of the webinar, we will present some of the scientific evidence on the role of deforestation, as well as lessons learned during the Covid-19 crisis so far. In the second part of the webinar, we will discuss the findings of a report authored by KLP, Storebrand and Rainforest Foundation Norway. Investors will learn about deforestation-related assessment tools and data gaps and their options for integrating deforestation data into existing systems for ESG and risk analysis. Speakers: • Christine Kreuder Johnson, Professor of Epidemiology and Ecosystem Health and Associate Director of the One Health Institute in the School of Veterinary Medicine at UC Davis • James Hulse, Managing Director, Hindsight Consultancy • Moderated by Maria De Filippo, Senior Specialist, Environmental Issues, PRI