Impact Alpha: Conservation investment reaches $8.2 billion

A couple years ago, environmentalists were excited that $5.1 billion had been invested in conservation efforts since 2004. The latest number: $8.2 billion, a 62 percent jump. A new report from Forest Trends also found that $3.1 billion committed for sustainable food and agriculture, habitat protection, clean water initiatives and other conservation projects is still on the sidelines. Respondents cited a shortage of attractive deals. Meanwhile, the World Economic Forum reports that public and private sector leaders alike say environmental risks are more worrisome than economic crises.