shark in the ocean

How can I help?

I have experience helping some of the largest companies and financial institutions organise and analyse their data to navigate complex environmental challenges. I have also developed novel methods and contributed to global guidance to facilitate best practice. My work has enabled clients to identify and manage biodiversity risks, set science-based targets, and disclose their impacts and dependencies on nature in line with global frameworks and standards including:

  • TNFD: Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures
  • SBTN: Science Based Targets Network
  • GRI: Global Reporting Initiative
  • CSRD / ESRS: European sustainability reporting standards
  • IFC PS6: International Finance Corporation Performance Standard 6
Nature and biodiversity can appear complex and overwhelming. There are a multitude of metrics, frameworks, and data sources to navigate. In some areas data is lacking while in others there is an overabundance. It can then be difficult to know how to interpret results and spreadsheets, where you can feel like you're alone in a vast ocean of data and numbers.

My role is to turn data into information and identify the clear stories and how they relate to your company. I have a proven ability to translate complex technical analyses into clear insights for technical and non-technical audiences, including senior stakeholders.

I can help you navigate the complexity and turn insights into action. If you are looking for a bit of help on how to understand and manage nature-related risks, please get in touch.

Images of Joe Turner conducting fieldwork in nature and running for Great Britain

Who am I?

My name is Joe Turner. I am a nature and biodiversity expert with extensive experience building analytical products and workflows that integrate multiple datasets. I have over a decade of experience in data analysis and visualisation (R and Python), including geospatial analysis and mapping. I have applied these skills to create innovative, best-in-class methods to address private-sector challenges, produce new service offerings, and create peer-reviewed publications, guidance, and geospatial layers. I am based in Cambridge, UK, but I work with clients globally.

My career spans governmental, academic, and consultancy roles where I have a detailed understanding of ecological principles, having worked on projects that span a variety of ecosystems including mapping and modelling coral reefs during my PhD, assessing sensitive habitats that have compliance risks in the Arctic circle, and identifying areas of higher biodiversity risk in coffee-growing forests in Africa.

I am an experienced researcher and able to synthesise the literate into a clear evidence base to inform decisions. Outside of academia I have continued to improve the wider scientific landscape, with a particular highlight being the development of the marine version of IUCN's Species Threat Abatement and Restoration (STAR) metric.

Outside of work, you will probably find me running. I represented Great Britain at the World 100 km Championships in 2024 and I apply the same level of dedication, perseverance, and attention to detail to my work as I do to my training.

What can I do?

Selected areas of expertise.

Data Science and Analytics

I use R and Python to clean data and build scalable workflows and products for portfolio-scale analysis.

Geospatial Analysis

PhD in spatial ecology and published peer-reviewed geospatial products.

Data Storytelling

Automated biodiversity risk tools aligned with framework requirements and standards.

Biodiversity Metrics & Footprinting

Expert in biodiversity datasets (e.g., ENCORE, IBAT) and state-of-nature metrics (e.g., STAR, MSA, EII) to facilitate biodiversity assessments.

Science-based Targets for Nature

Led companies through the SBTN pilot and methods to enable alignment and target-setting.

Nature Frameworks

Detailed technical understanding of TNFD, SBTN, GRI, CSRD/ESRS, and ISSB requirements.

What have I done?

Example peer-reviewed publications and technical contributions.

Coral Reef Threatened Species that contribute to the Marine STAR metric

Marine STAR Metric

A recognised state-of-nature metric to measure marine species extinction risk.

IBAT Disclosure Preparation Report Methods

IBAT Report Methods

Developed the underlying methodology for the IBAT Disclosure Preparation Report.

Portfolio Risk Screening Methods Biodiversity Risk Screening Kit example

Portfolio Risk Screening

Developed methods to enable companies to assess biodiversity risks across supply chains.

IUCN RHINO Technical Methods

IUCN RHINO

Technical contributer to the IUCN Rapid High-Integrity Nature-positive Outcomes approach.

Global Critical Habitat Screening Layer IFC PS6

Critical Habitat Screening

Contributed to the global screening layer and have a detailed understanding of the application of IFC PS6.

TNFD Marine Shelf Biome Guidance

TNFD Biome Guidance

Technical contributor to the TNFD marine shelf biome guidance.

Contact

If you'd like to collaborate, please get in touch: