Frank Elderson stated at COP17's "Finance and Biodiversity Day" that nature degradation poses significant risks to the economy. When ecosystems deteriorate, businesses face higher costs, decreased productivity, and supply chain disruptions. He pointed out that 72% of companies in the Eurozone rely on at least one ecosystem service, and 75% of corporate loans go to companies highly dependent on ecosystem services. Research involving the European Central Bank (ECB) found that a once-in-a-century drought could put up to 24% of Eurozone economic output at risk, while insufficient flood protection also jeopardizes nearly 12% of economic output. Elderson emphasized that protecting and restoring nature is an economic and financial imperative, an investment in natural capital rather than a mere expense, because future prosperity directly depends on it.