Biodiversity and climate An essential symbiosis

More than 30 percent - that is how many plant species are globally endangered today. These include the dandelion (Taraxacum germanicum), the water pygmyweed, and true mangroves. The main drivers of plant extinction are our human land use, soil pollution, and climate change. The most dramatic aspect here is the fact that even the most inconspicuous species never dies out on its own since its function is in the overall system of nature and hence influences the entire ecosystem. Slowly but surely, the situation will become extremely critical according to experts. The Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) fears that one million animal and plant species could become extinct within the coming decades. If that were to happen, people are putting their own existence at risk because biodiversity is tremendously important for several reasons:

• Ecosystem services: Biodiverse ecosystems are high performers. They clean air and water, are essential for plant pollination, and store carbon, to name only a few of their benefits. In doing so, they provide the resources we need to survive.
• Economic value: According to figures from the World Economic Forum, half of the global GDP is to a lesser or greater extent dependent on nature.
• Cultural and spiritual significance: Many cultures derive their identity, values, and practices from their natural environment. Biological diversity has always been significant for the preservation of the Earth’s cultural heritage.
• Resilience: Ecosystems with high biological diversity are more resilient and can adapt better to change, which ensures the long-term stability and health of our planet.

Global warming and the loss of biodiversity are mutually reinforcing

In recent years, climate change has become an omnipresent issue that preoccupies politics, society, and the economy. However, the loss of biodiversity has so far played a minor role in their discussions. Yet the issues are inextricably linked. By destroying biological ecosystems, the stored carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere. Greenhouse gas emissions rise and add to global warming. Healthy, diverse ecosystems, however, can achieve the opposite by absorbing large amounts of carbon dioxide. For that reason, climate change has a direct impact on biodiversity. Rising temperatures, altered precipitation, and extreme weather events change or destroy entire ecosystems, leading to a decline in biodiversity. One vicious circle.

Mere damage limitation is not enough

It is therefore all the more important not only to actively approach climate change but to advocate for the protection of biodiversity. We are still at the beginning, but there is a shift in people’s mindsets. More and more companies not only strive for net zero today (in terms of their greenhouse gas emissions) but in parallel also commit to the concept of Nature Positive. The main goal of Nature Positive is to actively improve the state of nature through human activities. This means not only causing less damage but actively contributing to the preservation and protection of nature. Such an approach enhances biological diversity, stores carbon, purifies water, and, additionally, even reduces the risk of a pandemic.

Commitment to the protection of land and marine areas

The fact that the issue is finally gaining momentum owes much to the United Nations Biodiversity Conference (COP15) in December 2022. The participating countries signed an agreement to stop the destruction of global ecosystems. The governments agreed to put at least 30 percent of the global land and marine areas under protection and conservation by 2030. In addition, they are planning to spend more money on the preservation of species. A particular challenge lies in the fact that the impact of human interaction with nature varies across locations. One issue that is devastating in one region can be unproblematic in another. Each ecosystem is absolutely unique, making it challenging to develop general applicable measurements and options for action.

The goal to stop the destruction of nature is even more urgent than climate protection to a certain extent. While the global warming we are causing is at least theoretically reversible by removing greenhouse gases from the atmosphere, extinct plants and animal species will be lost forever. Nature Positive is not a vision to be implemented in the future by the next generations. Rather, it is a tangible goal for the next decade. We must act now.

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