Towards the Integration of "Net Zero" and "Nature Positive" – The Essence of Future Sustainability Management as Seen in the Opening Speech of the Global Nature Positive Summit

Zeroboard Research Institute
Senior Fellow, Natural Capital Team
Masako Ishimori

Her Imperial Highness Princess Takamado's opening speech at the Global Nature Positive Summit, held in Kumamoto on July 14, 2026, delivered a fundamental and powerful message regarding the common Issue facing humanity: the climate crisis and the loss of biodiversity. This article will quote and introduce some of the particularly impressive messages (summarized/translated by the author).

Her Imperial Highness expressed gratitude for Japan's rich natural environment, where forests cover 67% of the land, and for the blessings that nature provides, and touched upon the traditional Japanese attitude of being closely connected to the natural world.
"Humans are a part of nature, not separate from it, much less superior to it. We are the ones who wish to remain a part of this Earth's ecosystem. Frankly speaking, nature can survive without humans. It is we ourselves who must correct our own behavior."This served as a sharp warning against human arrogance.

What particularly caught my attention in the speech was the part about the company's stance.

"The polar ice is melting, and the Earth's climate control system is failing. We should prioritize slowing down climate change above all else."After expressing a strong sense of crisis regarding the "boiling of the Earth,""When signing the agreement, I hope you will take a step back and seriously consider priorities, rather than focusing solely on details, economic benefits, and business investments."He said so.

From our perspective as Zeroboard Research Institute, which studies and supports corporate decarbonization and sustainability management, this observation hits on a fundamental Issue currently facing the business world.Many companies are working to visualize and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emission amount across their entire supply chain.They are working together. However, as Her Imperial Highness stated, calculating and reducing emission amount should not be limited to merely "complying with regulations" or "appealing to investors."

"If humanity can send people to the moon, then we should be able to come up with a solution."Her Imperial Highness's powerful words express her hopes for the intelligence of humankind. Her Imperial Highness further stated,"Above all, it is important to adhere to the scientific and political path that has been shown to be the best course of action through decades of research."This was emphasized.

What is required of us as companies today is to utilize our superior intelligence in truly valuable ways and use it to restore the global environment. We must prioritize "concrete actions" aimed at repairing the dysfunctional system of the Earth, rather than getting bogged down in details such as rule-making or economic returns.

Also,"The Japanese people have always lived in harmony with nature by cultivating crops, utilizing forests, and going out to sea. We pay due respect to the power of nature, and when we stand before ancient trees, giant rocks, the rising sun, and the endlessly stretching sea, we naturally feel a sense of solemnity, give thanks for the blessings nature bestows upon us, and offer heartfelt prayers. That is the attitude that we have cherished and passed down through generations."I was able to experience the view of nature that the Japanese people have cultivated.

Implementing Japan's ancient view of nature into modern corporate management and leading the world in this regard—isn't that the next mission for Japanese companies at the forefront of sustainability?

"No matter how small the action, doing something is far better than doing nothing."These words, which conclude the speech, are an encouragement that will motivate all of us.

If each of us moderates our excessive pursuit of convenience, comfort, and material gain, and shows respect for the blessings of nature, and if companies accelerate transparent action armed with scientific data, then the solution to maintaining the delicate balance of the Earth's ecosystem will be found."It's definitely within reach ."I am convinced of that.

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Global Nature Positive Summit 2026 Kumamoto