The IPBES Global Assessment: Pathways to Action

Area of Science:

• Biodiversity science
• Ecosystem services
• Environmental policy

Background:

• The Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) Global Assessment reveals accelerating biodiversity declines.
• These declines impact ecosystem services essential for human well-being.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the need for science-based policy to mitigate biodiversity loss.
• To emphasize the challenge of scaling science-policy efforts from global to local levels.
• To underscore the necessity of scientists engaging with policy and practice communities.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of findings from the first IPBES Global Assessment.
• Synthesis of trends in biodiversity and ecosystem services.
• Identification of challenges in science-policy interface effectiveness.

Main Results:

• Widespread and accelerating declines in global biodiversity are confirmed.
• Nature's benefits to people are diminishing significantly.
• Translating assessment findings into actionable policy at national and local scales is a major hurdle.

Conclusions:

• Urgent, science-based policy interventions are required to curb biodiversity loss.
• Enhanced engagement between scientists and policymakers is essential for effective action.
• Institutional support is vital for scientists participating in policy-relevant activities beyond traditional research.