Watch Sir David Attenborough on why we need nature
Why is biodiversity important?
Biodiversity matters. At its simplest, biodiversity is about living nature or life on Earth - different genes, species and ecologies and, as a consequence, the varying landscapes, regions and habitats in which they exist.
Biodiversity provides food, water and shelter; influences climate; controls disease; and regulates nutrient and water cycles. Biodiversity is integral to spiritual, cultural, psychological and artistic well-being. Biodiversity also has its own intrinsic worth distinct from human life. Humans are embedded in the natural world, and so are a part of biodiversity.
Acting against biodiversity loss
Today, however, the Earth is losing biodiversity at rates not seen in the modern era. Human responses to stop biodiversity decline have been woefully inadequate – with targets missed at both the international and national levels.
The Royal Society has produced a range of resources to help stimulate debate among policy makers and the public:
- Our short film, Why do we need nature? is voiced by Sir David Attenborough and explores some of the key themes on biodiversity loss
- Our Q&A looks at some of the most commonly asked questions about biodiversity and draws on the expertise of our Fellows to answer them as accurately and dispassionately as possible
- To strengthen the scientific evidence base on biodiversity and make this available to policymakers, the Royal Society has commissioned a series of essays from global experts in fields as diverse as conservation, ecology, environmental change, economics and population.
Further reading