Biodiversity loss is a significant existential threat, comparable to the impact of climate change. In the last 50 years, we have already lost 69% of species, and an additional million are at risk of extinction. The rate at which we replace forests we cut down is concerning, with only half being replaced each year. Additionally, over a third of fish stocks are being over-fished, leading to an unsustainable depletion of marine resources. If current trends continue, by 2050 there will be more plastic than fish in the ocean.
The services provided by ecosystems, known as ecosystem services, are crucial to the global economy, contributing over half of the global GDP, amounting to $44tn annually. These services are directly tied to nature and play a vital role in sustaining our economy. The potential consequences of disruptions to these services highlight the importance of protecting biodiversity and ecosystem health. Without these services, our economy would face significant challenges and threats.