The IPBES launched the Nexus Report, an ambitious scientific assessment of the interconnections among biodiversity, water, food, health, and climate change. It reveals how these environmental, social, and economic crises are interconnected, compounding each other in ways that traditional separate approaches fail to address effectively. The report, based on three years of work by 165 experts globally, emphasizes the need for integrated decision-making that moves beyond single-issue silos.
Key insights include the alarming decline in biodiversity, driven by direct drivers like land-use changes and pollution, alongside indirect socioeconomic factors that worsen these pressures. The report indicates that over half of the global GDP relies heavily on nature, yet current decision-making priorities often overlook environmental costs, exacerbating ecological destruction and impacting health and food security.
The report highlights the unequal burdens posed by these crises, particularly on vulnerable populations and developing countries. It stresses the importance of inclusive decision-making processes.
Future scenarios indicate that if current unsustainable trends persist, the outcomes for biodiversity, water quality, and human health will worsen significantly. However, positive outcomes are possible through sustainable practices that enhance co-benefits across all nexus elements.
The report concludes with over 70 response options aimed at managing these nexus elements synergistically, proposing integrated governance approaches. The insights can guide policymakers in addressing global challenges and achieving Sustainable Development Goals, emphasizing the essential interlinkages between the climate crisis, health, food security, and biodiversity conservation.
