Global Forest Watch (GFW) is an online platform developed by the World Resources Institute (WRI) that provides real-time data and tools for monitoring forests worldwide. Its primary purpose is to offer transparent and accessible forest data to support decisions that aim to conserve and restore global forests. The platform combines satellite technology, machine learning, and crowd-sourced data to deliver accurate and timely information on forest cover, deforestation, and other key environmental indicators.
The tool is designed for a diverse audience, including governments, NGOs, businesses, researchers, and finance professionals. GFW helps these groups monitor and assess the impact of deforestation and forest degradation, which are critical to achieving climate and sustainability goals. For finance professionals, the platform provides valuable insights into the environmental impact of companies’ operations, especially those involved in sectors such as agriculture, forestry, and mining, where land-use changes significantly affect business performance and supply chains.
The tool offers various features, including interactive maps and data visualisations, that allow users to track deforestation, forest fires, land-use changes, and forest restoration efforts. Finance professionals can leverage these features to assess environmental risks and opportunities, measure a company’s alignment with environmental sustainability targets, and better understand the potential impacts of supply chain activities on forests.
By integrating forest data into their decision-making processes, finance professionals can enhance their risk management strategies and improve environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance assessments. The platform is particularly useful for investors, as it helps identify areas of high risk related to forest-related issues, such as commodity-driven deforestation. It also supports companies in complying with increasing regulations around environmental reporting and sustainability.
GFW’s data and tools are relevant for conducting due diligence on investments, assessing sustainability claims, and ensuring companies’ adherence to climate commitments. It also aids in the development of sustainability-focused financial products like green bonds, as it provides verifiable environmental data that can be used to support the claims of green investments.
Overall, Global Forest Watch serves as a vital resource for finance professionals seeking to integrate environmental considerations into their investment strategies and risk management practices. By utilising this tool, they can gain a deeper understanding of forest-related issues and their broader implications for sustainability and financial performance.
