Risk Filters Suite v 3.0: World Wildlife Fund Updates Tools to Assess Water and Biodiversity Risks

The World Wildlife Fund (“WWF”) has updated its WWF Risk Filter Suite to version 3.0.

The Suite contains two free online tools denominated the Water Risk Filter (“WRF”) and Biodiversity Risk Filter (“BRF”).

The WWF designed the WRF as a tool to be used by companies and financial institutions to assess and act on their water risks.

The organization states in describing the Risk Filter Suite:

… By aggregating over 80+ global scientific datasets and adjusting them based on industry characteristics, these tools enable users to screen and prioritize risk hotspots at a high level across their direct operations, value chains and investment portfolios worldwide. These risk assessment results allow users to identify where they should focus their efforts for deeper engagement, more localized analysis with more granular data, and implementation of risk reduction measures. 

The results from the Suite’s tools are stated to assist in:

• Informing business strategies.
• Target setting.
• Investment decisions.

This is further stated to strengthen business resilience as well as contributing to a more sustainable future.

WWF has posted a number of user case studies illustrating how companies and investors have used the WRF to assess and respond to nature-related risks.

Examples of additional information provided includes:

• Scenarios.
• Maps.
• Country profiles.
• Data and methods.

WWF also has what it describes as a “Risk Filter Team” that is available to provide support, ranging from advice in the use of the tools to more tailored expert support for partners.

Michele Vachon, who serves as the Sustainability Manager at Big River Steel, LLC in Osceola, Arkansas, brought the WRF to my attention and noted that in her experience:

… Using WWF’s Water Risk Filter allows us to translate water and biodiversity risks into meaningful business insights. It’s a key tool in our ResponsibleSteel journey, enabling more informed decisions, stronger risk management, and a proactive approach to long-term water stewardship.

She further notes:

… I’d encourage other businesses to take advantage of it as well—it’s an easy way to start connecting environmental risk with real business decisions and aligns well with the kind of insights investors and financial institutions are increasingly looking for.

A link to the WRF Risk Filter Suite can be found here.