The Dasgupta Review says that biodiversity is critical for the economy and here is why #DasguptaReview #EconomicsOfBiodiversity #biodiversity

Ecosystems are natural assets. When they have a full complement of biodiversity, they are like teams with subs on the bench that can adapt and respond to environmental change, pressures and impacts. (2/8)

Biodiversity is essential for ecosystem functions and processes, which in turn enables the flow of ecosystem goods and services on which we rely. Many of these ecosystem functions and process are irreplaceable and we cannot substitute them with technology. (3/8)

Ecosystems with a full complement of biodiversity are more productive, resilient and adaptable. They provide a sustainable flow of ecosystem goods and services which contribute to human and produced capital and the economy. (4/8)

Degradation of ecosystems, and loss of species can lead to tipping points that can be irreversible, and have far reaching effects on human wellbeing. The non-linearity of ecosystems means that Nature’s response to change is unpredictable and very high risk. (5/8)

Species extinctions are not only a tragedy for biology, but they also reduce the sources of potential solutions for societal challenges now and in the future. A big loss in option value. (6/8)

Conserving Nature is far less costly and less risky that trying to fix the problem later. (7/8)

And that is why biodiversity is essential for the economy and why acting now is urgent. (8/8)