New deal will raise biodiversity as a global priority

Significance

Biodiversity loss is as much of a threat to life on earth as climate change. Without action, millions of species face extinction and ecosystems will cross irreversible tipping points, endangering global food security and the economic foundations of human health and wellbeing.

Impacts

• Biodiversity will rise further up the agenda of business and investors.
• Civil society will use the Framework to put pressure on governments and businesses.
• Financial commitments fail to match the ambition of the Framework; developing countries will need more support than promised.
• Political contests over subsidies for fishing and farming, use of plastics, and use of agricultural chemicals will become hotspot issues.
• Failure to address the global climate crisis simultaneously could undermine any efforts to restore biodiversity.