The world’s critical environmental, social, and economic challenges—biodiversity loss, climate change, health issues, and the availability of food and water—are deeply interconnected. Addressing these issues in isolation can exacerbate other problems, according to a comprehensive report from 165 researchers across 57 nations, endorsed by representatives from 147 countries.
Current UN conventions tend to tackle these challenges one by one. Paula Harrison from the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology emphasizes, “Our report synthesizes these issues, demonstrating that addressing them separately is not only inefficient but poses significant risks.” Urgent action is necessary, but solutions must consider these interdependencies to avoid creating new challenges or worsening existing ones.
The report presents compelling evidence that numerous actions can create positive outcomes across all five critical areas simultaneously. Strategies identified include conserving and restoring mangrove forests, enhancing soil health, establishing early warning systems for various hazards, minimizing zoonotic disease transmission, promoting universal healthcare, and fostering international collaboration on relevant technologies.
However, there are trade-offs; actions that yield extensive benefits may not be the most effective solution for addressing any single issue. Harrison notes the importance of a balanced approach: “One cannot maximize benefits across all areas at once.”
For instance, while tree planting can significantly reduce atmospheric carbon, focusing only on carbon sequestration might lead to the choice of fast-growing non-native species that can harm water supplies and local wildlife. By opting for native species that are more water-efficient and support biodiversity, projects achieve broader ecological advantages, albeit at slightly reduced carbon capture efficiency.
The economic implications of adopting an integrated approach are equally compelling. The Nexus report reveals that over half of the global GDP—approximately $50 trillion—is dependent on healthy ecosystems. Pamela McElwee, co-chair of the assessment, remarked, “Unaccounted costs from damaging biodiversity and climate are estimated to be between $10 trillion and $25 trillion annually.”
Harrison warns of significant risks to economic prosperity and financial stability if current practices continue unchecked. The Nexus report, developed by an intergovernmental science-policy platform focusing on biodiversity and ecosystem services, was officially endorsed on December 16 during a meeting of member states in Namibia.
According to Anne Larigauderie, executive secretary of the platform, this ambitious report aims to deliver essential scientific insights to support global agreements, including the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement on climate change.
