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== <big>What is Biodiversity?</big> ==
== What is Biodiversity? ==
Biodiversity refers to the variation of living organisms across ecosystems, populations, or geographic scales. The term can be measured using a variety of metrics including species richness/diversity, genetic diversity within or between species, or population demographics.
'''Biodiversity''' refers to the variety of living organisms across ecosystems, populations, or geographic scales. The term can be measured using a variety of metrics including species richness, species diversity, population demographics, and genetic diversity within or between species. These metrics can be adapted to fit a specific use case, such as the emerging use of [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3983925/#RSTB20130190C2 satellite imagery to monitor ecosystem and population health].


'''Species Richness/Diversity:''' Species richness is the total number of species present within a certain region, while species diversity expands to include the relative abundance of these populations.
* '''Species Richness''' refers to the total number of different species present within a specific region.<ref>Pyron, M. (2010). ''Characterizing Communities | Learn Science at Scitable''. Www.nature.com. <nowiki>https://www.nature.com/scitable/knowledge/library/characterizing-communities-13241173/#:~:text=Species%20richness%20is%20simply%20the</nowiki></ref>


'''Genetic Diversity:''' The measured variety of genes within or between populations. This metric can be used to contrast diversity within populations of the same species, or the gene pool of differing species relative to the other.  
* '''Species Diversity''' encompasses both the number of species (richness) and the relative abundance of each species within the population, providing a more comprehensive measure of biodiversity within that region but often requiring additional labor.<ref>Pyron, M. (2010). ''Characterizing Communities | Learn Science at Scitable''. Www.nature.com. <nowiki>https://www.nature.com/scitable/knowledge/library/characterizing-communities-13241173/#:~:text=Species%20richness%20is%20simply%20the</nowiki></ref>


'''Population Demographics:''' The measured variation of physical or demographic traits such as age, size, sex, reproductive status, etc, within or between biological populations.
* '''Population Demographics''' refer to the variation in physical or demographic traits such as age, size, sex, reproductive status, etc, within or between biological populations.


=== <big>Biodiversity as a Physical Risk:</big> ===
* '''Genetic Diversity''' refers to the variety of genes within a population or between populations of the same species. This metric can be used to compare the genetic variability within a single species across different populations or to contrast the gene pools of different species, offering insights into evolutionary processes and the overall health of ecosystems.[[File:Biodiversity foliage.jpg|thumb|487x487px|Fall foliage in the North Cascades National Park, WA.]]
Ecosystem health is inherently linked to biodiversity. Greater species diversity not only facilitates increased productivity and complexity, but also builds ecosystem resilience. Compared to their more homogenous counterparts, biodiverse populations are better equipped to preserver through disease and disaster. As our climate and landscape continue to evolve, the preservation of biodiversity is crucial in order to maintain the functionality of ecosystems and the services they provide. In the event of critical biodiversity decline, many industries that rely on ecosystem services will face significant hardship. Some examples include fisheries, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and ecotourism.


==== <big>Ecosystem Services</big>: ====
=== Role of biodiversity ===
Ecosystem services are the benefits an ecosystem's functions provide humanity. These benefits fall into four main categories: provisioning, regulating, supporting, and cultural services.
Biodiversity is intrinsically connected to ecosystem health, acting as a the foundation for many natural systems and processes. Greater species diversity not only facilitates increased productivity, but also builds ecosystem resilience. According to the diversity-stability theory, biodiverse populations are better equipped to preserver against disturbances such as natural disasters, extreme weather events, and pressures from human related activity then their more homogeneous counterparts<ref>''Biodiversity and Ecosystem Stability | Learn Science at Scitable''. (2014). Nature.com. <nowiki>https://www.nature.com/scitable/knowledge/library/biodiversity-and-ecosystem-stability-17059965/#:~:text=Summary</nowiki></ref>. The preservation of biodiversity has become even more crucial as our climate and landscape change at unprecedented rates. Healthy ecosystems provide a variety of [https://www.climatehubs.usda.gov/ecosystem-services#:~:text=Ecosystem%20services%20are%20the%20direct,support%20and%20sustain%20human%20livelihoods. ecosystem services] which are necessary for the well being of the global economy, environmental health, and life on earth. In 1998, economist Robert Costanza and colleagues estimated such services to generate $33 Trillion USD annually (approximately $64 T USD in 2024)<ref>Costanza, R., d'Arge, R., de Groot, R. ''et al.'' The value of the world's ecosystem services and natural capital. ''Nature'' 387, 253–260 (1997). <nowiki>https://doi.org/10.1038/387253a0</nowiki></ref>. Declining biodiversity threatens the integrity of systems that perform such services and by extension the industries, communities, and nations that rely on these services for their livelihood. Biodiversity at face value is an ecological metric, but also functions as a critical indicator for the well being of species, ecosystems, and many aspects of human life.


'''Provisioning Services:''' The material benefits of an ecosystem including, water, lumber, food, natural fibers, and a variety of medicines.
== Biodiversity Loss ==


'''Regulating Services:''' Functions which maintain the health of an ecosystem, including water filtration, waste decomposition, pollination, erosion control, pollution mitigation, nutrient runoff, and climate regulation.
=== Observed trends ===
Biodiversity loss refers to the reduction or disappearance of biological diversity, including the loss of species, habitats, and genetic diversity within ecosystems. This phenomenon is a significant environmental concern, as biodiversity plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance and health of ecosystems.  


'''Supporting Services:''' Functions which are fundamental to ecosystem health, including soil formation, the nutrient and water cycles, photosynthesis, and biomass production.
While biodiversity naturally fluctuates over time as ecosystems change and species adapt like many aspects of ecology, recent trends indicate a worrying acceleration in biodiversity loss. Historically, species extinction occurs at a rate of approximately ten percent every million years<ref><code>Hannah Ritchie (2022) - “There have been five mass extinctions in Earth's history” Published online at OurWorldInData.org. Retrieved from: '<nowiki>https://ourworldindata.org/mass-extinctions'</nowiki> [Online Resource]</code></ref>. However, recent data suggests that the current rate of extinction and biodiversity decline far exceeds historical averages<ref>Ceballos, G., Ehrlich, P. R., Barnosky, A. D., García, A., Pringle, R. M., & Palmer, T. M. (2015). Accelerated Modern Human–induced Species losses: Entering the Sixth Mass Extinction. ''Science Advances'', ''1''(5).</ref>. Some scientists argue that this rapid decline could be the early stages of a mass extinction event, potentially the sixth in the history of life on Earth.


'''Cultural Services''': The benefits derived from ecosystems which posses cultural importance, including ecotourism, outdoor recreation, as well as many places, species, phenomena, and practices which have cultural/religious value.  
As a result of climate change and human development, the biodiversity of ecosystems throughout the world has been declining. In 2022, the World Wildlife Fund’s Living Planet Report found that populations of measured vertebrate species have declined by an average of 69&nbsp;% since 1970 <ref>Living Planet Report 2020 | Official Site | WWF. (2020). WWF; World Wide Fund For Nature. https://livingplanet.panda.org/en-us/</ref>. This is in large part due to the repurposing of native habitats for human needs, like crop and livestock production. Poaching of already endangered species, deforestation, and overfishing are direct human activities that contribute to the loss of organismal populations. Climate change has only exacerbated these problems, resulting in habitat loss after climate disasters, water pollution, and rising temperatures that increasingly make lands and waters uninhabitable to native species. These factors combine to cause population decline or extinction of biological life.


=== <big>Biodiversity Loss</big> ===
The primary '''causes''' of biodiversity loss include<ref>Jaureguiberry, P., Titeux, N., Wiemers, M., Bowler, D. E., Coscieme, L., Golden, A. S., Guerra, C. A., Jacob, U., Takahashi, Y., Settele, J., Díaz, S., Molnár, Z., & Purvis, A. (2022). The direct drivers of recent global anthropogenic biodiversity loss. ''Science Advances'', ''8''(45).</ref>:
Like many aspects of ecology, levels of biodiversity naturally fluctuate over time as ecosystems change and life adapts. Species naturally go extinct at a rate of approximately ten percent every million years<ref><code>Hannah Ritchie (2022) - “There have been five mass extinctions in Earth's history” Published online at OurWorldInData.org. Retrieved from: '<nowiki>https://ourworldindata.org/mass-extinctions'</nowiki> [Online Resource]</code></ref>. However, recent data has shown global trends in extinction and biodiversity to be declining at a rate above historic averages.
 
Biodiversity loss refers to the degradation of an ecosystem's or population's biodiversity, often resulting in a negative impact on the corresponding impact on the ecosystem. Biodiversity is threatened by a variety of sources including climate change, land use, consumption patterns, and natural disasters.
 
As a result of climate change and human development, the biodiversity of ecosystems throughout the world has been declining. In 2022, the World Wildlife Fund’s Living Planet Report found that populations of measured vertebrate species have declined by an average of 69% since 1970 <ref>Living Planet Report 2020 | Official Site | WWF. (2020). WWF; World Wide Fund For Nature. https://livingplanet.panda.org/en-us/</ref>. This is in large part due to the repurposing of native habitats for human needs, like crop and livestock production. Poaching of already endangered species, deforestation, and overfishing are direct human activities that contribute to the loss of organismal populations. Climate change has only exacerbated these problems, resulting in habitat loss after climate disasters, water pollution, and rising temperatures that increasingly make lands and waters uninhabitable to native species. These factors combine to cause population decline or extinction of biological life.
 
Biodiversity loss refers to the reduction or disappearance of biological diversity, including the loss of species, habitats, and genetic diversity within ecosystems. This phenomenon is a significant environmental concern, as biodiversity plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance and health of ecosystems.
 
===== Causes =====
The primary causes of biodiversity loss include:


* '''Habitat Destruction:''' The alteration or destruction of natural habitats due to human activities such as deforestation, urbanization, and agriculture.
* '''Habitat Destruction:''' The alteration or destruction of natural habitats due to human activities such as deforestation, urbanization, and agriculture.
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* '''Overexploitation:''' Excessive hunting, fishing, and harvesting of species can lead to their decline or extinction.
* '''Overexploitation:''' Excessive hunting, fishing, and harvesting of species can lead to their decline or extinction.
* '''Invasive Species:''' Non-native species introduced to an ecosystem can outcompete native species for resources.
* '''Invasive Species:''' Non-native species introduced to an ecosystem can outcompete native species for resources.
 
The loss of biodiversity can have far-reaching '''consequences''', including<ref>Isbell, F., Tilman, D., Polasky, S., & Loreau, M. (2014). The biodiversity-dependent ecosystem service debt. ''Ecology Letters'', ''18''(2), 119–134. <nowiki>https://doi.org/10.1111/ele.12393</nowiki></ref>:
===== Consequences =====
The loss of biodiversity can have far-reaching consequences, including:


* '''Ecosystem Instability:''' Reduced biodiversity can lead to weakened ecosystem resilience and functionality.
* '''Ecosystem Instability:''' Reduced biodiversity can lead to weakened ecosystem resilience and functionality.
* '''Loss of Services:''' Ecosystems provide essential services like pollination, water purification, and climate regulation. Biodiversity loss can impair these services.
* '''Loss of Services:''' Ecosystems provide essential services like pollination, water purification, and climate regulation. Biodiversity loss can impair these services.
* '''Economic Impact:''' Many industries, such as agriculture and pharmaceuticals, rely on biodiversity. Its loss can have economic repercussions.
* '''Economic Impact:''' Many industries, such as agriculture and pharmaceuticals, rely on biodiversity. Its loss can have economic repercussions.
 
Efforts to '''mitigate''' biodiversity loss include:
===== Mitigation and Conservation =====
Efforts to mitigate biodiversity loss include:


* '''Protected Areas:''' Establishing and managing protected regions to conserve habitats and species.
* '''Protected Areas:''' Establishing and managing protected regions to conserve habitats and species.
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* '''Policy and Legislation:''' Enacting laws and policies to protect biodiversity and regulate activities that contribute to its loss.
* '''Policy and Legislation:''' Enacting laws and policies to protect biodiversity and regulate activities that contribute to its loss.


== Projected Biodiversity Loss ==
=== Projected Biodiversity Loss ===
 
Increasing efforts to measure and preserve biodiversity have aided in the understanding of how this valuable resource will change in the future, however, concrete estimates on future biodiversity decline are limited. Current estimates from an expert panel indicate that if trends continue, an estimated 37% of species could be under threat or extinct by the year 2100<ref>Isbell, F., Balvanera, P., Mori, A. S., He, J., Bullock, J. M., Regmi, G. R., Seabloom, E. W., Ferrier, S., Sala, O. E., Guerrero‐Ramírez, N. R., Tavella, J., Larkin, D. J., Schmid, B., Outhwaite, C. L., Pramual, P., Borer, E. T., Loreau, M., Omotoriogun, T. C., Obura, D. O., & Anderson, M. (2022). Expert perspectives on global biodiversity loss and its drivers and impacts on people. ''Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment'', ''21''(2). <nowiki>https://doi.org/10.1002/fee.2536</nowiki></ref>. Over the coming decades, climate change is expected to play a larger role in biodiversity loss. As carbon emissions increase, temperature and habitat change will decrease nature's ability to sequester carbon and perform ecosystem services, thus feeding back into the cycle. The largest influence over this change is how countries and organizations across the world respond to the crisis. At current rates, biodiversity is predicted to continue falling at catastrophic rates. In their 2022 Living Planet Report, the World Wildlife Fund outlined their hope for a net positive impact on biodiversity by 2050 relative to a 2010 baseline. This pathway included an aggressive change in conservation measures alongside new sustainable consumption and development practices.<ref>Warren, R., Price, J., VanDerWal, J., Cornelius, S., & Sohl, H. (2018). The implications of the United Nations Paris Agreement on climate change for globally significant biodiversity areas. ''Climatic Change'', ''147''(3-4), 395–409. <nowiki>https://doi.org/10.1007/s10584-018-2158-6</nowiki></ref>
== Data ==


=== Global Biodiversity Information Facility<ref>https://www.gbif.org/</ref> ===
== Biodiversity-related Financial Risks ==
The Global Biodiversity Information Facility, or GBIF, is a software that logs and maps species occurrences
Calculating the financial risk from biodiversity loss involves analysing how the degradation of biodiversity and ecosystem services could affect the economy, assets, and livelihood of communities or businesses on a local, national, or global scale. In order to calculate the current and potential impact, biodiversity trends need to be leveraged with corresponding financial models, quantifying a community or industry's reliance on biodiversity and ecosystem services. Sectors like fisheries, agriculture, ecotourism, forestry, and pharmaceuticals are all heavily dependent on the consumption of ecosystem services. The decline of such resources can result in commodity, supply chain, and business continuity risks. Report by the World Economic Forum suggested that these risks can be assessed using categories that are broadly consistent with the climate risk categories defined in the TCFD<ref>WEF, P., 2020. Nature risk rising: Why the crisis engulfing nature matters for business and the economy. ''WEF, Geneva, Switzerland''.</ref>, that is:


=== Living Planet Index <ref>Living Planet Index. (2021). Livingplanetindex.org; WWF. https://www.livingplanetindex.org/data_portal</ref> ===
'''Physical Risks:''' Physical risk from biodiversity loss can impact any aspect of an industry supply chain. '''Commodity risks''' such as fishery or crop decline impact businesses at the core of their production process. Decreasing commodity supply can also result in '''supply chain risks''' as products have to be sourced from different locations. '''Damage risks''' from a degrading natural environment is also a possibility, a common example in coastal and riparian zones where biomass is a key buffer protecting property from storms and flooding. '''Value Risks''' can affect businesses or properties directly, as a changing ecosystem can decrease the value of real estate or lower revenue from ecotourism services.
The Living Planet Index is a measure designed to assess the state of the world's biological diversity and ecosystem health. It is a key component of the Living Planet Report, which is produced by the World Wildlife Fund in collaboration with the Zoological Society of London and other partners. The Index provides insights into trends in global biodiversity by tracking changes in populations of vertebrate species over time. It is a valuable tool for understanding the impact of human activities on wildlife. The index tracks population trends of thousands of vertebrate species, normalizing the data to account for variations in population size. The data spans from the year 1970 to the present, and describes vertebrate populations from locations across the globe.


=== Population and Existence of species ===
'''Regulatory and Legal Risk:''' Many industries have to follow regulations set by local/governmental bodies. As the decline of biodiversity and key species worsens, these restrictions and the consequences for violating such rules are likely to become more severe. These regulations, laws, and certifications act as a driving force toward more sustainable behavior and often include incentives once completed but not without an added cost until that change is made.


The pie chart visually represents the distribution of endangered species across various classes. Each segment of the pie chart represents the proportion or percentage of existing species within different classes as categorized by the LPI (Living Planet Index).<div style="margin-left: 275px;">
'''Market Risk:''' A loss of biodiversity accompanied by awareness of physical and regulatory risk, or increased cost on consumers has the potential to shift entire markets. Recent data indicates that products indicating environmentally sustainable practices grew up to 17.5-24.5% over a period of three years<ref>https://nielseniq.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2022/10/2022-10_ESG_eBook_NIQ_FNL.pdf</ref>.
[[Index.php?title=File:Abby pie chart.png|500x500px|Shows class of species in different parts of the US subcontinent]]
</div>Below are the maps displaying the United States and the world, marked with scattered points representing the presence of these species. The color-coded points indicate their distribution across these geographical regions.<div style="margin-left: 75px;">
[[Index.php?title=File:Abby USA class plot.png|1000x1000px|Shows class of species in different parts of the US subcontinent]]
</div><div style="margin-left: 75px;">
[[Index.php?title=File:Abby world class plot.png|1000x1000px|Shows class of species in different parts of the World]]
</div>


=== The Living Planet Dataset 2022 ===
=== Natural Capital Accounting (NCA) ===
The dataset encompasses various pieces of information, including:
Natural capital accounting is the process of quantifying the value derived from ecosystem services, and integrating this information into corporate or governmental accounting framework. The value ecosystems provide such as fresh air, filtered water, and bioremediation is often excluded from traditional financial analysis. NCA allows for the inclusion of such values, and enables businesses or governments to visualize the economic benefits associated with conserving ecosystems as well as the potential cost of losing valuable biodiversity. This approach can inform policy and investment practices to promote biodiversity and build a sustainable economy.


* ID
== Global Biodiversity Data ==
* Binomial
{| class="wikitable"
* Replicate
!Indicies
* Excluded_LPR_2022
!Description
* Citation
!Data Access
* Class
|-
* Order
|Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF)
* Family
|GBIF is an international data network that collects biodiversity related occurrence data from thousands of different sources including governments, museums, studies, journals, and popular consumer tools such as eBird and iNaturalist. The site contains vast amounts of data that can be refined to singular regions or species.
* Genus
|[https://www.gbif.org/ GBIF Homepage]
* Species
[https://techdocs.gbif.org/en/openapi/ GBIF API Selection]
* Subspecies
* Authority
* Common_name
* Location
* Country All_countries
* Region
* IPBES_region
* IPBES_subregion
* Latitude
* Longitude
* Specific_location
* System
* T_realm
* T_biome
* FW_realm
* FW_biome
* M_realm
* M_ocean
* M_biome
* Migratory_fw_fish
* Units
* Method


Additionally, the dataset includes population data of these species spanning from 1950 to 2020.<div style="border: 4px solid #aaa; padding: 15px;">
[https://www.gbif.org/dataset/search GBIF Data Sources]
'''The dataset is explained in detailed here:''' https://drive.google.com/file/d/1i4CIAIjVFjjlgLpPodS0thA2IBsjXXhB/view?usp=drive_link
|-
</div><div style="border: 4px solid #aaa; padding: 15px;">
|Living Planet Index (LPI)
'''Access the complete dataset here:''' https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SDuX9mH3Qd4pLqbTW0zLIhnvF8hwgLe4/view?usp=drive_link
|The LPI is a large scale biodiversity database that collects information on documented vertebrate populations. It is a key component of the [https://livingplanet.panda.org/en-US/ WWF Living Planet Report], which is produced by the World Wildlife Fund in collaboration with the Zoological Society of London and other partners. The Index provides insights into trends in global biodiversity by tracking changes in populations of vertebrate species over time. It is a valuable tool for understanding the impact of human activities on wildlife. The index tracks population trends of thousands of vertebrate species, normalizing the data to account for variations in population size. The data spans from the year 1970 to the present, and describes vertebrate populations from locations across the globe.  
</div>
|[https://www.livingplanetindex.org/ LPI Homepage]
[https://www.livingplanetindex.org/stats Summary Statistics]
[https://www.livingplanetindex.org/data_portal LPI Data Download Request]
|-
|IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
|The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species describes the global extinction risk status of plant, animal, and fungus species. It is managed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, a global organization that works on environmental conservation and sustainable use of natural resources. The IUCN Red List assesses the conservation status of species based on criteria such as population size, distribution, and trends, placing them into one of seven threat categories: Least Concerned, Near Threatened, Vulnerable, Endangered, Critically Endangered, Extinct in the Wild, or Extinct.
|[https://www.iucnredlist.org/ IUCN Homepage]
[https://www.iucnredlist.org/assessment/process Selection Process]


=== IUCN Red List <ref>Pauly, Daniel et al. (2019). Data from: Climate change impacts on marine biodiversity, fisheries and society in the Arabian Gulf [Dataset]. Dryad. https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.mt588k1</ref> ===
[https://www.iucnredlist.org/resources/summary-statistics Summary Statistics]
The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species describes the global extinction risk status of plant, animal, and fungus species. It is managed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), a global organization that works on environmental conservation and sustainable use of natural resources. The IUCN Red List assesses the conservation status of species based on criteria such as population size, distribution, and trends, placing them into one of seven threat categories: Least Concerned, Near Threatened, Vulnerable, Endangered, Critically Endangered, Extinct in the Wild, or Extinct. This dataset is widely used by scientists, conservationists, policymakers, and the general public to understand the status of biodiversity and direct conservation efforts.


=== Perimeter of presence of species categorized by IUCN ===
[https://drive.google.com/file/d/14eseGYDiRcC5vmV3gFRR_zb0QlIH0bJz/view Mammal Dataset]
|-
|Biodiversity Heritage Library (BHL)
|The BHL is a publically available online repository of biodiversity related literature with entries dating back to 1469 CE. The library includes a wide range of scientific media such as studies, journals, and catalogues that provide data on biodiversity related topics ranging in scale. In addition to data, these resources can inform specific aspects of biodiversity on a case by case basis.
|[https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/ BHL Homepage]
|-
|United States Geographical Survey (USGS)
Data Tools
|The USGS builds and contributes to a variety of biodiversity related tools and indices. These include the Tagged Animal Movement Explorer, GBIF, Amphibian and Reptile Species Distribution Explorer, Integrated Taxonomic Information Systems, the US Protected Areas Database, the World Terrestrial Ecosystems Explorer, and the US Introduced and Invasive Species Map.
|[https://www.usgs.gov/educational-resources/data-tools-biodiversity USGS Biodiversity Tool Selection]
|-
|Earth Science Data Systems (ESDS) Program
|Earth Data, by NASA, is a satellite based remote monitoring tool which collects data into four main categories: vegetation characteristics, spectroscopy, human impacts, and species distribution. Data from these categories can be fine tuned to assist in the analysis of many sustainability challenges including air quality, agriculture and water management, biological diversity and ecological conservation, water quality, and many more.
|[https://www.earthdata.nasa.gov/learn/pathfinders/biological-diversity-and-ecological-forecasting-data-pathfinder Biological Diversity and Ecological Conservation Data Pathfinder]
|-
|UN Biodiversity Lab
|The UN Biodiversity Lab is an open source spatial data tool that combines data from a variety of sources including satellites, scientists, and indigenous communities to construct a global modeling tool. Layers can be applied to filter data interests toward almost any conservation goal, ranging from water scarcity to above ground woody carbon density to chlorophyll concentration in sea water and many more.
|[https://map.unbiodiversitylab.org/?_ga=2.240003267.1988077715.1724539856-983873235.1724539856&_gl=1*1qfryvo*_ga*OTgzODczMjM1LjE3MjQ1Mzk4NTY.*_ga_T8QXM1978W*MTcyNDUzOTg1NS4xLjEuMTcyNDUzOTg2Mi4wLjAuMA..*_ga_130H0S8SES*MTcyNDUzOTg1NS4xLjEuMTcyNDUzOTg2Mi4wLjAuMA.. UN Biodiversity Lab Map]
|}


The bar chart illustrates the distribution of species categorized by the IUCN based on their presence perimeter. Each section of the bar chart corresponds to the perimeter of species presence within different classifications according to the IUCN.<div style="margin-left: 275px;">
== Finance Related Biodiversity Data ==
[[Index.php?title=File:Iucn bar chart.png|500x500px|Shows perimeter each category of species have occupied in the World]]
{| class="wikitable"
</div>
|+
!Indicies
!Description
!Data Access
|-
|ENCORE
(Exploring Natural Capital Opportunities, Risks and Exposure)
|ENCORE is a free to access financial analysis tool designed to evaluate and present the dependency of various industries on biodiversity and ecosystem services, as well as potential impact in the face of biodiversity loss. A standout feature of ENCORE is the ability to analyze an industry's reliance on a specific ecosystem service, which is then ranked from VH (very high), to L (low). Additionally, ENCORE leverages spatial data to create a global mapping interface customized toward several key ecosystem services. Each layer within this mapping tool provides a link to the source data.  
|[https://encorenature.org/en ENCORE Homepage]
[https://encorenature.org/en/data-and-methodology/methodology Methodology and Data Download]
|-
|InVEST
(Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Tradeoffs)
|The InVEST tool is an open-source software suite developed by the Natural Capital Project that helps users assess the value of ecosystems and their services. It models how changes in land use, climate, and management decisions affect ecosystem services, such as carbon sequestration, water quality, biodiversity, and coastal protection. InVEST enables users to visualize trade-offs between environmental and economic outcomes, providing valuable insights for sustainable development planning, conservation strategies, and natural resource management. The tool is widely used by governments, businesses, and researchers for ecosystem service valuation and decision-making. The software is aimed at providing spatial financial dependence data on a variety of ecosystem services, including sustainable development challenges such as urban cooling and wave power generation. InVEST has also provided the methodology behind the analytical process for each tool, allowing users to ensure accurate results.
|[https://naturalcapitalproject.stanford.edu/software/invest InVEST Homepage]
[https://naturalcapitalproject.stanford.edu/software/invest/invest-models Model Selection Page]
[https://naturalcapitalproject.stanford.edu/software/invest/invest-downloads-data Data Download]


=== The IUCN Dataset ===
[https://purl.stanford.edu/bb284rg5424 InVEST Publications Download]
The IUCN dataset offers a comprehensive insight into the conservation status and distribution of various species assessed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. It contains valuable information on taxonomic classifications, conservation categories, habitat types, and geographic presence or absence of species.
|-
 
|SEEA (System of Environmental Economic Accounting)
This dataset serves as a critical resource for understanding the threats to biodiversity, highlighting species at risk of extinction, and guiding conservation efforts worldwide. It enables researchers, conservationists, policymakers, and the general public to access and analyze data crucial for prioritizing conservation actions, identifying regions of high biodiversity significance, and tracking changes in species' statuses over time.<div style="margin-left: 120px;">
|Founded by the United Nations, the System of Environmental-Economic Accounting is an internationally recognized framework that integrates environmental and economic data to provide a comprehensive view of the relationship between the economy and the environment. It enables countries to assess and account for natural capital, including ecosystems, biodiversity, and the services they provide, in monetary and physical terms. The SEEA framework helps policymakers and businesses understand the economic value of natural resources, manage them sustainably, and evaluate the impacts of economic activities on ecosystems. It supports the development of environmental policies and sustainable development goals.
[[Index.php?title=File:Echiothrix leucura.jpg|200x200px|White-tailed Spiny Tree-rat]] [[Index.php?title=File:Tuco tuco.jpg|200x200px|Pundi's Tuco Tuco]] [[Index.php?title=File:Fruit bat.jpg|200x200px|Palau Fruit Bat]]
|[https://seea.un.org/ SEEA Homepage]
</div><div style="margin-left: 425px;">
[https://seea.un.org/content/biodiversity SEEA for Biodiversity Monitoring]
[[Index.php?title=File:Oryx.jpg|300x300px|Scimitar-horned Oryx]]
[https://seea.un.org/content/seea-central-framework Central Framework]
</div>By leveraging this dataset, one can explore trends in species conservation status, identify patterns in threatened species distribution across different habitats, and strategize conservation initiatives targeted towards safeguarding vulnerable ecosystems and species.
|}
 
The dataset's rich information on taxonomic classifications, conservation categories, and geographic distributions provides a foundation for informed decision-making, advocacy, and initiatives aimed at preserving and restoring global biodiversity.<div style="border: 4px solid #aaa; padding: 15px;">
'''The dataset is explained in detailed here:''' https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jhCuZr-1bdh3AafpuxNPIMKIbEQKCH-z/view?usp=drive_link
</div><div style="border: 4px solid #aaa; padding: 15px;">
'''Access the complete dataset here:''' https://drive.google.com/file/d/14eseGYDiRcC5vmV3gFRR_zb0QlIH0bJz/view?usp=drive_link
</div>
 
=== Habitat Suitability Index (HSI) change database for Marine Animals <ref>Resources. (n.d.). IUCN. https://www.iucn.org/resources</ref> ===
Marine biodiversity loss refers to the decline or reduction in the variety and abundance of life forms within marine ecosystems. It encompasses the diminishing diversity of species, populations, and habitats in oceans, seas, and other saltwater environments. This loss can occur due to various factors, including human activities, climate change, pollution, habitat destruction, overfishing, and invasive species.
 
=== Habitat Suitability Index ===
It's a measure used in ecological and environmental studies to assess the suitability of a particular habitat for a species or a group of species. The HSI considers various environmental factors, such as temperature, humidity, food availability, and other habitat characteristics, to determine how suitable an area is for the survival, growth, and reproduction of a specific species.<div style="border: 4px solid #aaa; padding: 15px;">
'''Access the complete dataset here:''' https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KPMP6N2j-tZvqbSbnugVMPt6NJWjLzWT/view?usp=drive_link
</div>
 
=== HSI Index plots for Gulf Area ===
These geo-plots display the distribution of five endangered marine animals in the Gulf area. The intensity of the plot colors indicates the degree of change in the Marine Habitat (Habitat Suitability Index).
 
[[Index.php?title=File:White Dolphin.png|frameless|500x500px|White Dolphin distribution in the Gulf area]]        [[Index.php?title=File:Sea Cow.png|500x500px|Sea Cow distribution in the Gulf area]]
 
[[Index.php?title=File:Sea Turtle.png|500x500px|Sea Turtle distribution in the Gulf area]]              [[Index.php?title=File:Hawksbill sea turtle.png|500x500px|Hawksbill Sea Turtle distribution in the Gulf area]]<div style="margin-left: 250px;">
[[Index.php?title=File:Bottleneck Dolphin.png|500x500px|Bottleneck Dolphin distribution in the Gulf area]]
</div>


== Risk Assessment Use Cases ==
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Press
!Description
!Link
|-
|"The hidden value of trees: Quantifying the ecosystem services of tree lineages and their major threats across the contiguous US"
|Tools used: GBIF
This study evaluates how U.S. trees contribute to human well-being by using data from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) to estimate the value of key ecosystem services. The study finds that U.S. trees provide approximately $114 billion in benefits each year, with services like carbon storage and air filtration being much more valuable than the commercial uses of wood and food. Pines and oaks make up 42% of these benefits, but many tree species are increasingly at risk due to climate change, fires, pests, and diseases. About 40% of the country’s tree biomass is threatened by pests, and trees that store large amounts of carbon are especially vulnerable to fires. The study also points out that the wide variety of tree species in U.S. forests helps protect against major losses in ecosystem services if key species are harmed. By using GBIF data, this research highlights the importance of biodiversity databases for Natural Capital Accounting, helping to measure the value of nature’s services and inform policies that protect vital resources.
|[https://journals.plos.org/sustainabilitytransformation/article?id=10.1371/journal.pstr.0000010 Access]
|-
|"Ethiopia - Developing an Investment Prioritization Tool to Combat Land Degradation"
|Tools used: InVEST
This study, utilizing Stanford’s InVEST tool, addresses Ethiopia’s pressing environmental challenge of land degradation, which severely impacts agricultural productivity. Despite significant economic growth and poverty reduction, Ethiopia’s rural population—80% of its 120 million people—remains highly vulnerable to climate change and unsustainable land practices, such as deforestation, free grazing, and poor tillage. To combat these issues, the Ethiopian government, with support from the World Bank, is shifting toward sustainable land management (SLM) practices that reward communities for improving ecosystem services rather than just providing inputs. To support this shift, the study developed an Investment Prioritization Tool (IPT), in collaboration with the Ethiopian Ministry of Agriculture, to assess ecosystem services and identify priority watersheds for investment. By combining ecosystem service data with climate and policy scenarios, the tool highlights areas where targeted investments can enhance sustainability, agricultural productivity, and climate resilience. This initiative, part of the broader Natural Capital Accounting effort, aims to link ecosystem improvements to economic outcomes, offering a strategic approach for Ethiopia’s sustainable development.
|[https://documents1.worldbank.org/curated/en/099800105272417463/pdf/IDU1b7a98b9c1856f145f6199211d17617ad2fbf.pdf?_gl=1*15z7wbt*_gcl_au*ODcxMjYzNTY5LjE3MjU1NTc1OTc. Access]
|-
|"Experimental Environmental-Economic Accounts for the Great Barrier Reef"
|Tools used: SEEA Framework
This experimental publication focuses on the Great Barrier Reef, a globally significant coral reef system off Australia’s northeastern coast. Spanning over 2,300 kilometers, the GBR is the world’s largest coral reef and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The study utilizes the System of Environmental-Economic Accounting: Experimental Ecosystem Accounting (SEEA-EEA) framework to integrate and track both biophysical and economic data related to the GBR’s ecosystems. This framework helps measure the value of ecosystem services provided by the GBR’s terrestrial and marine environments. One key finding is the estimation of ecosystem service inputs and tourism rent, using a resource rent methodology. This approach calculates the value contributed by the ecosystem to production after accounting for human inputs like labor and capital. The study provides insights into the economic benefits of the GBR’s ecosystems, including those related to agriculture, forestry, fishing, aquaculture, and tourism, while also highlighting the publication’s experimental nature and the need for stakeholder feedback to refine methods and data sources in future updates.
|[https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/environment/environmental-management/experimental-environmental-economic-accounts-great-barrier-reef/latest-release Access]
|-
|"The economic value of the Brazilian Amazon rainforest ecosystem services: A meta-analysis of the Brazilian literature"
|Tools used: TEEB, WAVES
This study aims to assess the economic value of the Brazilian Amazon’s ecosystem services for the Brazilian population, using a meta-analysis of nearly 30 years of Brazilian valuation literature. By focusing on locally derived values, the study highlights the importance of preserving the Amazon rainforest. The research examines key ecosystem services such as habitat provision, carbon sequestration, water regulation, recreation, and ecotourism, estimating an average value of approximately $410 USD per hectare per year. However, the data reveals significant variability, as reflected in a large standard deviation, and between 50% and 70% of this variation can be explained through meta-regression models. The findings underscore the need for a more standardized framework for ecosystem service valuation to ensure accurate scaling and aggregation across the entire Amazon region.
|[https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9119521/ Access]
|}
== References ==
== References ==
<references />
<references />{{DEFAULTSORT:Biodiversity Loss}}
5. [https://www.unep.org/explore-topics/biodiversity United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) - Biodiversity]
 
[[index.php?title=Category:Environmental Issues]]

Latest revision as of 06:49, 16 October 2024

What is Biodiversity?

Biodiversity refers to the variety of living organisms across ecosystems, populations, or geographic scales. The term can be measured using a variety of metrics including species richness, species diversity, population demographics, and genetic diversity within or between species. These metrics can be adapted to fit a specific use case, such as the emerging use of satellite imagery to monitor ecosystem and population health.

  • Species Richness refers to the total number of different species present within a specific region.[1]
  • Species Diversity encompasses both the number of species (richness) and the relative abundance of each species within the population, providing a more comprehensive measure of biodiversity within that region but often requiring additional labor.[2]
  • Population Demographics refer to the variation in physical or demographic traits such as age, size, sex, reproductive status, etc, within or between biological populations.
  • Genetic Diversity refers to the variety of genes within a population or between populations of the same species. This metric can be used to compare the genetic variability within a single species across different populations or to contrast the gene pools of different species, offering insights into evolutionary processes and the overall health of ecosystems.
    Fall foliage in the North Cascades National Park, WA.

Role of biodiversity

Biodiversity is intrinsically connected to ecosystem health, acting as a the foundation for many natural systems and processes. Greater species diversity not only facilitates increased productivity, but also builds ecosystem resilience. According to the diversity-stability theory, biodiverse populations are better equipped to preserver against disturbances such as natural disasters, extreme weather events, and pressures from human related activity then their more homogeneous counterparts[3]. The preservation of biodiversity has become even more crucial as our climate and landscape change at unprecedented rates. Healthy ecosystems provide a variety of ecosystem services which are necessary for the well being of the global economy, environmental health, and life on earth. In 1998, economist Robert Costanza and colleagues estimated such services to generate $33 Trillion USD annually (approximately $64 T USD in 2024)[4]. Declining biodiversity threatens the integrity of systems that perform such services and by extension the industries, communities, and nations that rely on these services for their livelihood. Biodiversity at face value is an ecological metric, but also functions as a critical indicator for the well being of species, ecosystems, and many aspects of human life.

Biodiversity Loss

Observed trends

Biodiversity loss refers to the reduction or disappearance of biological diversity, including the loss of species, habitats, and genetic diversity within ecosystems. This phenomenon is a significant environmental concern, as biodiversity plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance and health of ecosystems.

While biodiversity naturally fluctuates over time as ecosystems change and species adapt like many aspects of ecology, recent trends indicate a worrying acceleration in biodiversity loss. Historically, species extinction occurs at a rate of approximately ten percent every million years[5]. However, recent data suggests that the current rate of extinction and biodiversity decline far exceeds historical averages[6]. Some scientists argue that this rapid decline could be the early stages of a mass extinction event, potentially the sixth in the history of life on Earth.

As a result of climate change and human development, the biodiversity of ecosystems throughout the world has been declining. In 2022, the World Wildlife Fund’s Living Planet Report found that populations of measured vertebrate species have declined by an average of 69 % since 1970 [7]. This is in large part due to the repurposing of native habitats for human needs, like crop and livestock production. Poaching of already endangered species, deforestation, and overfishing are direct human activities that contribute to the loss of organismal populations. Climate change has only exacerbated these problems, resulting in habitat loss after climate disasters, water pollution, and rising temperatures that increasingly make lands and waters uninhabitable to native species. These factors combine to cause population decline or extinction of biological life.

The primary causes of biodiversity loss include[8]:

  • Habitat Destruction: The alteration or destruction of natural habitats due to human activities such as deforestation, urbanization, and agriculture.
  • Climate Change: Changes in climate patterns can alter habitats and ecosystems, making them inhospitable for certain species.
  • Pollution: Pollution of air, water, and soil can harm wildlife and plant species.
  • Overexploitation: Excessive hunting, fishing, and harvesting of species can lead to their decline or extinction.
  • Invasive Species: Non-native species introduced to an ecosystem can outcompete native species for resources.

The loss of biodiversity can have far-reaching consequences, including[9]:

  • Ecosystem Instability: Reduced biodiversity can lead to weakened ecosystem resilience and functionality.
  • Loss of Services: Ecosystems provide essential services like pollination, water purification, and climate regulation. Biodiversity loss can impair these services.
  • Economic Impact: Many industries, such as agriculture and pharmaceuticals, rely on biodiversity. Its loss can have economic repercussions.

Efforts to mitigate biodiversity loss include:

  • Protected Areas: Establishing and managing protected regions to conserve habitats and species.
  • Sustainable Practices: Promoting sustainable agriculture, forestry, and fishing to reduce environmental impact.
  • Conservation Programs: Implementing species-specific conservation programs and breeding endangered species in captivity.
  • Policy and Legislation: Enacting laws and policies to protect biodiversity and regulate activities that contribute to its loss.

Projected Biodiversity Loss

Increasing efforts to measure and preserve biodiversity have aided in the understanding of how this valuable resource will change in the future, however, concrete estimates on future biodiversity decline are limited. Current estimates from an expert panel indicate that if trends continue, an estimated 37% of species could be under threat or extinct by the year 2100[10]. Over the coming decades, climate change is expected to play a larger role in biodiversity loss. As carbon emissions increase, temperature and habitat change will decrease nature's ability to sequester carbon and perform ecosystem services, thus feeding back into the cycle. The largest influence over this change is how countries and organizations across the world respond to the crisis. At current rates, biodiversity is predicted to continue falling at catastrophic rates. In their 2022 Living Planet Report, the World Wildlife Fund outlined their hope for a net positive impact on biodiversity by 2050 relative to a 2010 baseline. This pathway included an aggressive change in conservation measures alongside new sustainable consumption and development practices.[11]

Biodiversity-related Financial Risks

Calculating the financial risk from biodiversity loss involves analysing how the degradation of biodiversity and ecosystem services could affect the economy, assets, and livelihood of communities or businesses on a local, national, or global scale. In order to calculate the current and potential impact, biodiversity trends need to be leveraged with corresponding financial models, quantifying a community or industry's reliance on biodiversity and ecosystem services. Sectors like fisheries, agriculture, ecotourism, forestry, and pharmaceuticals are all heavily dependent on the consumption of ecosystem services. The decline of such resources can result in commodity, supply chain, and business continuity risks. Report by the World Economic Forum suggested that these risks can be assessed using categories that are broadly consistent with the climate risk categories defined in the TCFD[12], that is:

Physical Risks: Physical risk from biodiversity loss can impact any aspect of an industry supply chain. Commodity risks such as fishery or crop decline impact businesses at the core of their production process. Decreasing commodity supply can also result in supply chain risks as products have to be sourced from different locations. Damage risks from a degrading natural environment is also a possibility, a common example in coastal and riparian zones where biomass is a key buffer protecting property from storms and flooding. Value Risks can affect businesses or properties directly, as a changing ecosystem can decrease the value of real estate or lower revenue from ecotourism services.

Regulatory and Legal Risk: Many industries have to follow regulations set by local/governmental bodies. As the decline of biodiversity and key species worsens, these restrictions and the consequences for violating such rules are likely to become more severe. These regulations, laws, and certifications act as a driving force toward more sustainable behavior and often include incentives once completed but not without an added cost until that change is made.

Market Risk: A loss of biodiversity accompanied by awareness of physical and regulatory risk, or increased cost on consumers has the potential to shift entire markets. Recent data indicates that products indicating environmentally sustainable practices grew up to 17.5-24.5% over a period of three years[13].

Natural Capital Accounting (NCA)

Natural capital accounting is the process of quantifying the value derived from ecosystem services, and integrating this information into corporate or governmental accounting framework. The value ecosystems provide such as fresh air, filtered water, and bioremediation is often excluded from traditional financial analysis. NCA allows for the inclusion of such values, and enables businesses or governments to visualize the economic benefits associated with conserving ecosystems as well as the potential cost of losing valuable biodiversity. This approach can inform policy and investment practices to promote biodiversity and build a sustainable economy.

Global Biodiversity Data

Indicies Description Data Access
Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) GBIF is an international data network that collects biodiversity related occurrence data from thousands of different sources including governments, museums, studies, journals, and popular consumer tools such as eBird and iNaturalist. The site contains vast amounts of data that can be refined to singular regions or species. GBIF Homepage

GBIF API Selection

GBIF Data Sources

Living Planet Index (LPI) The LPI is a large scale biodiversity database that collects information on documented vertebrate populations. It is a key component of the WWF Living Planet Report, which is produced by the World Wildlife Fund in collaboration with the Zoological Society of London and other partners. The Index provides insights into trends in global biodiversity by tracking changes in populations of vertebrate species over time. It is a valuable tool for understanding the impact of human activities on wildlife. The index tracks population trends of thousands of vertebrate species, normalizing the data to account for variations in population size. The data spans from the year 1970 to the present, and describes vertebrate populations from locations across the globe. LPI Homepage

Summary Statistics LPI Data Download Request

IUCN Red List of Threatened Species The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species describes the global extinction risk status of plant, animal, and fungus species. It is managed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, a global organization that works on environmental conservation and sustainable use of natural resources. The IUCN Red List assesses the conservation status of species based on criteria such as population size, distribution, and trends, placing them into one of seven threat categories: Least Concerned, Near Threatened, Vulnerable, Endangered, Critically Endangered, Extinct in the Wild, or Extinct. IUCN Homepage

Selection Process

Summary Statistics

Mammal Dataset

Biodiversity Heritage Library (BHL) The BHL is a publically available online repository of biodiversity related literature with entries dating back to 1469 CE. The library includes a wide range of scientific media such as studies, journals, and catalogues that provide data on biodiversity related topics ranging in scale. In addition to data, these resources can inform specific aspects of biodiversity on a case by case basis. BHL Homepage
United States Geographical Survey (USGS)

Data Tools

The USGS builds and contributes to a variety of biodiversity related tools and indices. These include the Tagged Animal Movement Explorer, GBIF, Amphibian and Reptile Species Distribution Explorer, Integrated Taxonomic Information Systems, the US Protected Areas Database, the World Terrestrial Ecosystems Explorer, and the US Introduced and Invasive Species Map. USGS Biodiversity Tool Selection
Earth Science Data Systems (ESDS) Program Earth Data, by NASA, is a satellite based remote monitoring tool which collects data into four main categories: vegetation characteristics, spectroscopy, human impacts, and species distribution. Data from these categories can be fine tuned to assist in the analysis of many sustainability challenges including air quality, agriculture and water management, biological diversity and ecological conservation, water quality, and many more. Biological Diversity and Ecological Conservation Data Pathfinder
UN Biodiversity Lab The UN Biodiversity Lab is an open source spatial data tool that combines data from a variety of sources including satellites, scientists, and indigenous communities to construct a global modeling tool. Layers can be applied to filter data interests toward almost any conservation goal, ranging from water scarcity to above ground woody carbon density to chlorophyll concentration in sea water and many more. UN Biodiversity Lab Map

Finance Related Biodiversity Data

Indicies Description Data Access
ENCORE

(Exploring Natural Capital Opportunities, Risks and Exposure)

ENCORE is a free to access financial analysis tool designed to evaluate and present the dependency of various industries on biodiversity and ecosystem services, as well as potential impact in the face of biodiversity loss. A standout feature of ENCORE is the ability to analyze an industry's reliance on a specific ecosystem service, which is then ranked from VH (very high), to L (low). Additionally, ENCORE leverages spatial data to create a global mapping interface customized toward several key ecosystem services. Each layer within this mapping tool provides a link to the source data. ENCORE Homepage

Methodology and Data Download

InVEST

(Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Tradeoffs)

The InVEST tool is an open-source software suite developed by the Natural Capital Project that helps users assess the value of ecosystems and their services. It models how changes in land use, climate, and management decisions affect ecosystem services, such as carbon sequestration, water quality, biodiversity, and coastal protection. InVEST enables users to visualize trade-offs between environmental and economic outcomes, providing valuable insights for sustainable development planning, conservation strategies, and natural resource management. The tool is widely used by governments, businesses, and researchers for ecosystem service valuation and decision-making. The software is aimed at providing spatial financial dependence data on a variety of ecosystem services, including sustainable development challenges such as urban cooling and wave power generation. InVEST has also provided the methodology behind the analytical process for each tool, allowing users to ensure accurate results. InVEST Homepage

Model Selection Page Data Download

InVEST Publications Download

SEEA (System of Environmental Economic Accounting) Founded by the United Nations, the System of Environmental-Economic Accounting is an internationally recognized framework that integrates environmental and economic data to provide a comprehensive view of the relationship between the economy and the environment. It enables countries to assess and account for natural capital, including ecosystems, biodiversity, and the services they provide, in monetary and physical terms. The SEEA framework helps policymakers and businesses understand the economic value of natural resources, manage them sustainably, and evaluate the impacts of economic activities on ecosystems. It supports the development of environmental policies and sustainable development goals. SEEA Homepage

SEEA for Biodiversity Monitoring Central Framework

Risk Assessment Use Cases

Press Description Link
"The hidden value of trees: Quantifying the ecosystem services of tree lineages and their major threats across the contiguous US" Tools used: GBIF

This study evaluates how U.S. trees contribute to human well-being by using data from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) to estimate the value of key ecosystem services. The study finds that U.S. trees provide approximately $114 billion in benefits each year, with services like carbon storage and air filtration being much more valuable than the commercial uses of wood and food. Pines and oaks make up 42% of these benefits, but many tree species are increasingly at risk due to climate change, fires, pests, and diseases. About 40% of the country’s tree biomass is threatened by pests, and trees that store large amounts of carbon are especially vulnerable to fires. The study also points out that the wide variety of tree species in U.S. forests helps protect against major losses in ecosystem services if key species are harmed. By using GBIF data, this research highlights the importance of biodiversity databases for Natural Capital Accounting, helping to measure the value of nature’s services and inform policies that protect vital resources.

Access
"Ethiopia - Developing an Investment Prioritization Tool to Combat Land Degradation" Tools used: InVEST

This study, utilizing Stanford’s InVEST tool, addresses Ethiopia’s pressing environmental challenge of land degradation, which severely impacts agricultural productivity. Despite significant economic growth and poverty reduction, Ethiopia’s rural population—80% of its 120 million people—remains highly vulnerable to climate change and unsustainable land practices, such as deforestation, free grazing, and poor tillage. To combat these issues, the Ethiopian government, with support from the World Bank, is shifting toward sustainable land management (SLM) practices that reward communities for improving ecosystem services rather than just providing inputs. To support this shift, the study developed an Investment Prioritization Tool (IPT), in collaboration with the Ethiopian Ministry of Agriculture, to assess ecosystem services and identify priority watersheds for investment. By combining ecosystem service data with climate and policy scenarios, the tool highlights areas where targeted investments can enhance sustainability, agricultural productivity, and climate resilience. This initiative, part of the broader Natural Capital Accounting effort, aims to link ecosystem improvements to economic outcomes, offering a strategic approach for Ethiopia’s sustainable development.

Access
"Experimental Environmental-Economic Accounts for the Great Barrier Reef" Tools used: SEEA Framework

This experimental publication focuses on the Great Barrier Reef, a globally significant coral reef system off Australia’s northeastern coast. Spanning over 2,300 kilometers, the GBR is the world’s largest coral reef and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The study utilizes the System of Environmental-Economic Accounting: Experimental Ecosystem Accounting (SEEA-EEA) framework to integrate and track both biophysical and economic data related to the GBR’s ecosystems. This framework helps measure the value of ecosystem services provided by the GBR’s terrestrial and marine environments. One key finding is the estimation of ecosystem service inputs and tourism rent, using a resource rent methodology. This approach calculates the value contributed by the ecosystem to production after accounting for human inputs like labor and capital. The study provides insights into the economic benefits of the GBR’s ecosystems, including those related to agriculture, forestry, fishing, aquaculture, and tourism, while also highlighting the publication’s experimental nature and the need for stakeholder feedback to refine methods and data sources in future updates.

Access
"The economic value of the Brazilian Amazon rainforest ecosystem services: A meta-analysis of the Brazilian literature" Tools used: TEEB, WAVES

This study aims to assess the economic value of the Brazilian Amazon’s ecosystem services for the Brazilian population, using a meta-analysis of nearly 30 years of Brazilian valuation literature. By focusing on locally derived values, the study highlights the importance of preserving the Amazon rainforest. The research examines key ecosystem services such as habitat provision, carbon sequestration, water regulation, recreation, and ecotourism, estimating an average value of approximately $410 USD per hectare per year. However, the data reveals significant variability, as reflected in a large standard deviation, and between 50% and 70% of this variation can be explained through meta-regression models. The findings underscore the need for a more standardized framework for ecosystem service valuation to ensure accurate scaling and aggregation across the entire Amazon region.

Access

References

  1. ↑ Pyron, M. (2010). Characterizing Communities | Learn Science at Scitable. Www.nature.com. https://www.nature.com/scitable/knowledge/library/characterizing-communities-13241173/#:~:text=Species%20richness%20is%20simply%20the
  2. ↑ Pyron, M. (2010). Characterizing Communities | Learn Science at Scitable. Www.nature.com. https://www.nature.com/scitable/knowledge/library/characterizing-communities-13241173/#:~:text=Species%20richness%20is%20simply%20the
  3. ↑ Biodiversity and Ecosystem Stability | Learn Science at Scitable. (2014). Nature.com. https://www.nature.com/scitable/knowledge/library/biodiversity-and-ecosystem-stability-17059965/#:~:text=Summary
  4. ↑ Costanza, R., d'Arge, R., de Groot, R. et al. The value of the world's ecosystem services and natural capital. Nature 387, 253–260 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1038/387253a0
  5. ↑ Hannah Ritchie (2022) - “There have been five mass extinctions in Earth's history” Published online at OurWorldInData.org. Retrieved from: 'https://ourworldindata.org/mass-extinctions' [Online Resource]
  6. ↑ Ceballos, G., Ehrlich, P. R., Barnosky, A. D., García, A., Pringle, R. M., & Palmer, T. M. (2015). Accelerated Modern Human–induced Species losses: Entering the Sixth Mass Extinction. Science Advances, 1(5).
  7. ↑ Living Planet Report 2020 | Official Site | WWF. (2020). WWF; World Wide Fund For Nature. https://livingplanet.panda.org/en-us/
  8. ↑ Jaureguiberry, P., Titeux, N., Wiemers, M., Bowler, D. E., Coscieme, L., Golden, A. S., Guerra, C. A., Jacob, U., Takahashi, Y., Settele, J., Díaz, S., Molnár, Z., & Purvis, A. (2022). The direct drivers of recent global anthropogenic biodiversity loss. Science Advances, 8(45).
  9. ↑ Isbell, F., Tilman, D., Polasky, S., & Loreau, M. (2014). The biodiversity-dependent ecosystem service debt. Ecology Letters, 18(2), 119–134. https://doi.org/10.1111/ele.12393
  10. ↑ Isbell, F., Balvanera, P., Mori, A. S., He, J., Bullock, J. M., Regmi, G. R., Seabloom, E. W., Ferrier, S., Sala, O. E., Guerrero‐Ramírez, N. R., Tavella, J., Larkin, D. J., Schmid, B., Outhwaite, C. L., Pramual, P., Borer, E. T., Loreau, M., Omotoriogun, T. C., Obura, D. O., & Anderson, M. (2022). Expert perspectives on global biodiversity loss and its drivers and impacts on people. Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment, 21(2). https://doi.org/10.1002/fee.2536
  11. ↑ Warren, R., Price, J., VanDerWal, J., Cornelius, S., & Sohl, H. (2018). The implications of the United Nations Paris Agreement on climate change for globally significant biodiversity areas. Climatic Change, 147(3-4), 395–409. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10584-018-2158-6
  12. ↑ WEF, P., 2020. Nature risk rising: Why the crisis engulfing nature matters for business and the economy. WEF, Geneva, Switzerland.
  13. ↑ https://nielseniq.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2022/10/2022-10_ESG_eBook_NIQ_FNL.pdf
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