ipbes (Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services) | Source | Download |
The IPBES Nexus Assessment addresses biodiversity loss, water scarcity, food insecurity, health risks, and climate change. Compiled by 165 scientists from 57 countries over three years, with 6,500 references, it examines trends and highlights nature’s contributions to people. The report proposes synergetic solutions to mitigate trade-offs and drive transformative change toward sustainable futures, aligning with global goals like the SDGs, Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), and the Paris Agreement, while providing actionable insights for integrated governance and decision-making across nexus elements.
Key Messages
- Past and current nexus interactions: Biodiversity supports food, water, and health systems while stabilizing the climate but has declined by 2–6% per decade, disrupting ecosystems and worsening inequalities. Over 50% of people face severe impacts from biodiversity loss, water scarcity, and climate change. Economic activities relying on nature generate ~$58 trillion annually, but unsustainable practices impose external costs of $25 trillion, disproportionately harming vulnerable populations.
- Future nexus interactions: Continuing trends will worsen biodiversity loss, food and water insecurity, and climate impacts. Food systems contribute 21–37% of greenhouse gas emissions, intensifying food insecurity for 800 million people. Integrated strategies, such as agroforestry in Niger that increased cereal yields by 30%, can enhance biodiversity, soil health, and align with global goals like the SDGs.
- Response options: Cost-effective solutions, including sustainable agriculture, urban greening, and ecosystem service payments (~$42 billion annually), yield cross-sector benefits. Coordinated actions supporting frameworks like the SDGs and GBF amplify synergies. Measures such as reducing plastics improve water quality, and equitable approaches, like Brazil’s Unified Health System, showcase effective integration across biodiversity, food, and health.
- Governing for just and sustainable futures: Transformative governance integrating policies and finance is vital for nexus management. Addressing biodiversity’s $1 trillion annual financing gap requires systemic reforms. Examples include transboundary water cooperation and urban infrastructure to mitigate floods and enhance food production, aligning with frameworks to protect 30% of global land and waters by 2030.
