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Biodiversity Scenarios: Projections of 21st century change in biodiversity and associated ecosystem services »

This synthesis focuses on estimates of biodiversity change as projected for the 21st century by models or extrapolations based on experiments and observed trends. The term “biodiversity” is used in a broad sense as it is defined in the Convention on Biological Diversity to mean the abundance and distributions of and interactions between genotypes, species, communities, ecosystems and biomes. This synthesis pays particular attention to the interactions between biodiversity and ecosystem services and to critical “tipping points” that could lead to large, rapid and potentially irreversible changes. Comparisons between models are used to estimate the range of projections and to identify sources of uncertainty. Experiments and observed trends are used to check the plausibility of these projections. In addition we have identified possible actions at the local, national and international levels that can be taken to conserve biodiversity. We have called on a wide range of scientists to participate in this synthesis, with the objective to provide decision makers with messages that reflect the consensus of the scientific community and that will aid in the development of policy and management strategies that are ambitious, forward looking and proactive.
Resource Type: Reports
How much do we know about the current extinction rate? »

Since about 1600, 486 animal species have been recorded extinct. This represents about 0.04 of all animal species so far described. In the same period, 600 plant species are known to have disappeared, about 0.25 of the total. These figures are much smaller than those of the Permian/Triassic and Cretaceous/Tertiary mass extinctions. One might therefore conclude that at present life on earth is at comparatively little risk of extinction. However, there is a growing body of data to show that the converse is true.
Resource Type: Journal Papers
Future scenarios for tropical montane and south temperate forest biodiversity in Latin America »

Chapter from Biodiversity Loss & Conservation in Fragmented Forest Landscapes. The Forests of Montane Mexico and South America.
Resource Type: Reports
UK NEA: Synthesis of the Key Findings »
Priorities for Conserving Global Species Richness and Endemism »

Substantial amounts of detailed biodiversity data exist for the world, and these data can be used to guide conservation priorities. WCMC compiled key data in order to identify areas of high species richness and endemism. This book is made available by kind permission of the UK Department for International Development for whom it was prepared.
Resource Type: Reports
Priorities for conserving global species richness and endemism »

Projections indicate that species and ecosystems will be at maximum risk from human activities during the next few decades. Prompt action by the world community can minimise the eventual loss of species. Highest priorities should be to: (i) strengthen the management of ecosystems containing a large proportion of global biodiversity; (ii) help developing countries complete their biodiversity strategies and action plans, monitor their own biodiversity, and establish and maintain adequate national systems of conservation areas; (iii) support actions at the global level, providing benefit to all countries in managing their own biodiversity. Generally, resources will best be spent in safeguarding ecosystems and habitats that are viable and important for global biodiversity, and which are threatened by factors that can be controlled cost-effectively. Other important criteria are representativeness, complementarity and insurance.
Resource Type: Journal Papers
Environment on the Edge 2004 - 2005 »

This publication presents five of the lectures from the 2004-5 'Environment on the Edge' lecture series. It includes the following themes:
•The Day After Tomorrow - Sir Crispin Tickell
•Oceans on the Edge - Dr. Jane Lubchenco
•Antartica on the Edge? - Professor Chris Rapley
•Biodiversity on the Edge - Dr. Cristián Samper
•Transport on the Edge - Dr. Bernard Bulkin
Resource Type: Reports
Environment on the Edge 2007 - 2008 »

This publication presents five of the lectures from the 2007 - 2008 'Environment on the Edge' lecture series. It includes the following themes:
•Northern Ireland - An Environment on the Edge - Professor Sharon Turner
•Travelling First Class on the Titanic - Baroness Young
•The economics of climate change: governments, companies and households - Lord Adair Turner
•Creating a healthy environment in China - Professor Sian Griffiths
•Ocean acidification: the other CO2 problem - Professor Nick Owens
•International environmental governance - Professor Robert T. Watson

Resource Type: Reports
Environment on the Edge 2005 - 2006 »

This publication presents five of the lectures from the 2005-6 'Environment on the Edge' lecture series. It includes the following themes:
•Nature's capital: the key to poverty eradication - Dr. Klaus Töpfer
•Human development in China - Dr Zhao Baige
•Agriculture and food production: Quo vadis - Dr Hans Rudolf Herren
•The changing face of cities - Professor Anne Power
•Women and conservation - Kathryn Fuller
Resource Type: Reports
Using Higher-Taxon Richness as a Surrogate for Species Richness: II. Local Applications »

Recent analyses confirm that urgent attempts to catalogue the distribution of biological diversity may be facilitated by focusing at the level of genera or families rather than species. However, questions remain over the application of higher-taxon surveys to identify networks of priority areas for conservation action. Is the close spatial match between species and higher-taxon richness at global and regional scales reiterated when sites are locally distributed? How much money is saved by the higher-taxon approach? And how does using genus or family information affect the efficiency with which spatial priorities for conservation are identified? We examined these issues using data on the diversity of woody plants in Sri Lankan forests.
Resource Type: Journal Papers