Global Assessment on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services

The Global Assessment Report on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services is an extensive evaluation conducted by the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES). Released in 2019, it serves as a critical document assessing the state of the planet's biodiversity and the ecosystem services that support life on Earth.

Purpose and Scope

The report was designed to address the declining trends in global biodiversity and ecosystem services, which are vital for sustaining life. It builds upon previous assessments, including the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment and the Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity, providing a comprehensive analysis of the interactions between human activities and natural systems.

Key Findings

1. Biodiversity Loss: The assessment highlights that human activity is causing unprecedented rates of biodiversity loss, with about 1 million species at risk of extinction. This decline in global biodiversity presents a threat not only to the natural world but also to human societies that rely on these ecosystems.

2. Ecosystem Services: Ecosystem services, which include pollination, clean water, and air purification, are deteriorating due to factors such as habitat loss, pollution, climate change, and invasive species.

3. Impact on Human Life: The degradation of biodiversity and ecosystem services has profound impacts on human life, affecting food security, health, and economic development. The report emphasizes the need for transformative changes in how societies interact with nature.

Policy Implications

The Summary for Policymakers (SPM) of the report was approved at the IPBES-7 meeting in Paris, France, in May 2019. It provides a strategic framework for policymakers to address the challenges identified in the report. Emphasizing the importance of integrating biodiversity considerations into all sectors of policy and decision-making, the report calls for immediate action to reverse the trends of biodiversity loss.

Contributors

The report was edited by renowned experts in the field, including E. S. Brondizio, J. Settele, S. Díaz, and H. T. Ngo. These contributions reflect the collaborative effort of scientists and policymakers to synthesize knowledge and provide a robust foundation for action.

Related Topics

• Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES)
• Millennium Ecosystem Assessment
• Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity
• Climate Change
• Biodiversity Loss
• Global Biodiversity
• Summary for Policymakers

This report serves as a pivotal resource for understanding the current state of biodiversity and ecosystem services and guides global efforts to protect and sustain the natural foundations of human life.