Major report on state of nature published
06 May 2019
NatureScot responds to Intergovernmental Platform for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) report
Experts from across the globe have published a report on the state of biodiversity which describes the transformative changes that need to be considered when the 2030 global biodiversity targets are agreed in China next year.
Three years in preparation, the IPBES report brings together evidence from nearly 15,000 references, including scientific papers and government information. The report finds that around 1 million animal and plant species are now threatened with extinction.
Scotland’s nature agency NatureScot has welcomed the report and the challenge it sets for nature based solutions to climate change.
Chief Executive Francesca Osowska said:
“This is a major step forward in understanding the state of nature globally, clearly showing how nature and climate change are inseparable. A greater collective endeavour to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045 is vital.
“The IPBES report shows that the pressures on nature are increasing. We know that the loss of species and ecosystems is a global and generational threat to human well-being. The Report also highlights that it is not too late, and that decisive action now to protect and restore nature can help to reverse the loss of biodiversity. It is also clear that enhancing and protecting our nature is part of the solution to the climate emergency.
Francesca goes on to state:
“The report shows that nature can be conserved and provide for people now and in the future but that we need transformative change.
“We recognise the urgency of the task before us and, building on the sustained work over many years with our partners to deliver the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy including the Aichi targets, we will work closely with the Scottish Government, our partners and the people of Scotland to help set the agenda.
“We are already working to protect our landscapes, animals and plants. But we have to move to a low carbon economy - which will have major implications for how we manage our land and seas. A nature rich environment brings opportunities and challenges for us all.
“With the expertise and partnerships we have in place Scotland can secure world-leading nature based solutions.”
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