We are fast coming to realise that we have been consuming natural resources at an alarming rate.  The history of post-War economic growth has been one of unsustainable consumption: unsustainable for the planet’s ecosystems, for its species diversity and, indeed, for the human race.  By some recent yardsticks of sustainability, our global ecological footprint has doubled over the last 40 years to the point that, if the whole human population consumed at this rate, we would need 4-5 planet Earths just to keep up, just to sustain us.

By and large, we in the developed world seem to have disconnected ourselves from Nature and are struggling to find the "value of Nature."  Take a look around: nature is the source of much value to us every day – this can be spiritually, culturally, health-wise or economically; and yet the benefits we receive from Nature mostly bypass markets, escape pricing and defy valuation.  The lack of valuation has become an underlying cause for the observed degradation of ecosystems and the loss of biodiversity.

 With this in mind, our study on The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity compiled, built and made a compelling economics case for the conservation of ecosystems and biodiversity.  The study drew on expertise from around the world to evaluate the costs of the loss of biodiversity and the associated decline in ecosystem services worldwide, and to compare them with the costs of effective conservation and sustainable use.  The intent of the study is to sharpen awareness of the value of biodiversity and ecosystem services and facilitate the development of effective policy, as well as engaged business and citizen responses.

We have the opportunity to reframe economics and policy for the 21st Century.  I hope you will join us on this journey.
Pavan Sukhdev, Study Leader