Earth Day 2026: Nature, risk and the role of finance

Within the financial sector, nature is increasingly recognised as a material risk. As ecosystems continue to degrade, economies become more vulnerable to disruptions in ecosystem services — affecting production processes and, ultimately, financial stability. Investing in halting and reversing nature loss enables issuers and investors to mitigate these risks while contributing to global environmental goals.

But how well do we really understand nature, and the role we play in protecting our planet? More specifically, what responsibility — and opportunity — does the banking and finance industry have in addressing nature-related risks and solutions?

Join us for a panel discussion exploring the latest developments in nature and finance, from deforestation regulation to the benefits of investing in marine protection. Hear from Natixis IM about their approach to nature-related initiatives, alongside other experts from across the industry, as we deepen our understanding and consider the role each of us can play.

Our Panel

Moderated by Lamia Yous-Chouiten, Chief Sustainability Officer at Natixis IM

Lamia Yous-Chouiten is the Global Chief Sustainability Officer for Asset & Wealth Management at Natixis Investment Managers, where she leads the firm’s global sustainability strategy across 15+ investment management affiliates, spanning all asset classes in Europe, the US, and a growing footprint in Asia.

She brings extensive senior leadership experience from her previous roles at Natixis Corporate Investment Banking in the EMEA region, where she held executive responsibilities across complex, regulated environments. In that capacity, she contributed to strengthening governance and risk oversight across major international entities, while actively supporting executive decision‑making as a member of the Executive Committee and serving as an FCA‑approved Senior Manager.

A committed advocate for inclusion, she also played a leading role in advancing diversity and inclusion initiatives, having championed the London branch’s Inclusion & Diversity Program and chaired the Women’s Network for more than three years.

Louise Schreiber, Head of Sustainability Research, Mirova

Louise Schreiber is head of Sustainability Research at Mirova, in charge of listed assets. She is responsible for coordinating ESG and thematic research activities for Mirova and its clients. Having participated in the creation of the company, she has worked on the development of the internal methodologies and contributed to the implementation of innovative impact indicators. She began her career in 2009 as analyst at the French market regulator, in the Regulation and International Affairs Department. In 2010, she joined the group as Corporate Governance Analyst, then became a Responsible Investment Analyst at Mirova in 2013. Over the years, Louise has covered multiple industries among which Financials and Building & cities, before turning to Information and Communication Technologies in 2016. She also covered various asset classes including equity, bonds and non-listed assets, and coordinated transverse tasks such as proxy voting and publications. Louise holds a Master’s degree in Economics & Finance from Sciences Po Bordeaux.

Robert White, Global Head of ESG for Financial Sponsors and EMEA ESG Market Solutions, Natixis CIB

Robert White is the Global Head of ESG for Financial Sponsors and EMEA ESG Market Solutions at Natixis CIB, based in London. In this influential role, Robert leads initiatives within the Green & Sustainable Hub, focusing on the development of sustainable and thematic investment solutions in collaboration with global markets teams. He champions and coordinates ESG and sustainability insights for financial sponsor clients while steering the bank's sustainable finance activities for UK and Nordic clients. With over 20 years of experience in financial advisory, banking, and project finance, Robert is deeply committed to advancing environmental and sustainable finance. He previously served as the Managing Director and Head of the Green & Sustainable Hub Americas, where he played a pivotal role in navigating the evolving landscape of green finance and significantly enhancing Natixis' reputation as a leader in sustainable financing in the region.

Simon Connell. Lead Nature Practice, Baringa

Simon leads Baringa’s nature practice, working with financial institutions and companies across a range of sectors to help them understand and create value from their interactions with the natural world. He draws on two decades’ experience leading climate and sustainability teams and advising organisations such as the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures and as inaugural Chair of the Net Zero Banking Alliance. Simon is a Senior Associate and nature finance advisor at the University of Cambridge’s Institute for Sustainability Leadership.