Nature is declining globally says the Global Assessment Report on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services
Nature is declining globally at rates unprecedented in human history — and the rate of species extinctions is accelerating, with grave impacts on people around the world now likely, warns a landmark new report from the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES).
The health of ecosystems on which we and all other species depend is deteriorating more rapidly than ever. We are eroding the very foundations of our economies, livelihoods, food security, health and quality of life worldwide, said IPBES Chair, Sir Robert Watson.
- Nature is in decline because of human activity.
- This decline is severely damaging the natural support systems of human life.
- Current trajectories of biodiversity loss will lead to severe consequences for human life and undermine efforts to achieve the SDGs.
- Immediate action to transform the relationship between humans and nature can avert the most severe consequences and put humanity back on track towards conserving nature while achieving other societal goals.
The IPBES Global Assessment Report on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services is the most comprehensive ever completed. It is the first intergovernmental Report of its kind and builds on the landmark Millennium Ecosystem Assessment of 2005, introducing innovative ways of evaluating evidence.
Download Summary Report for Policy Makers IPBES Glocal Assessment
About IPBES, the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services
Often described as the "IPCC for biodiversity", IPBES is an independent intergovernmental body comprising more than 130 member Governments. Established by Governments in 2012, it provides policymakers with objective scientific assessments about the state of knowledge regarding the planet's biodiversity, ecosystems and the contributions they make to people, as well as the tools and methods to protect and sustainably use these vital natural assets. For more information about IPBES and its assessments visit <link typo3 www.ipbes.net internal link in current>www.ipbes.net
Sources
IISD and IPBES