And the threat is growing, as shown by the latest WEF Global Risk Report. For the first time, its 2020 report found that the top five risks facing the world in the coming year were all linked to the environment. They included biodiversity loss, climate change and extreme weather events.
If the world carries on with business as usual rather than protecting our natural assets, the impact on the key services provided by nature – from carbon storage to crop pollination - will cost $10 trillion cumulatively by 2050.
In contrast, we would see substantial economic gains ($US 230 billion by 2050) if we focused instead on sustainable development that helped to protect and restore nature.
Three out of four crops producing fruit or seeds for human food depend on pollinators. Unfortunately, they are in decline in some regions of the world due to climate change, habitat loss, and the spread of disease and pests.
Humanity’s increasing destruction of nature is having catastrophic impacts not only on wildlife populations but also on human health and all aspects of our lives.
Do something about itAlmost all aspects of human health depend on a thriving natural world. But if biodiversity loss continues at the current rate, the health and well-being of many will only get worse.
Learn moreThousands of species of plants, animals, fungi and microorganisms are used for food. A vast range of others are essential to food production – ranging from pollinators that enable crop reproduction to microorganisms that enrich soils.
Learn moreA wide variety of thinkers and practitioners from around the world to share their unique views on how, as a global community, we could build a resilient and healthy planet for people and nature in a post COVID-19 world.
Learn more