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The irrefutable connection between climate breakdown and biodiversity loss is becoming better understood with each passing year, and there is growing agreement that both crises must be tackled in unity.

As it stands, existing policies are not ambitious enough; emissions targets agreed upon under the Paris Climate Agreement are on track to be exceeded by current deadlines, and not a single government has met biodiversity targets set two decades ago. 

Rapid habitat degradation drastically reduces nature’s ability to store carbon, making it difficult for species to adapt to their fast-changing environment, increasing their risk of extinction – which in turn has a serious impact on ecosystems. The science is clear, it’s time to integrate policies to tackle climate change and biodiversity loss.

  • 73%
    reduction in wildlife population sizes across the world, between 1970 and 2020. (On average).
  • 85%
    of freshwater species are in decline
  • 5,495
    species' data integrated into the Living Planet index

    • Biodiversity recovery at the heart of nature-based solutions

    At ZSL, a key area of our work is the employment of Nature-based Solutions – an approach which both adapts to and mitigates the impacts of climate change. These Solutions, which include habitat protection and restoration, are low-cost yet high-impact and provide a whole host of benefits to people and wildlife. We ensure that biodiversity recovery is at the heart of nature-based solutions.  

    As we approach a landmark season for nature, with international conferences and congresses putting a much-needed spotlight on these issues, ZSL is calling for world leaders to put nature at the heart of all global decision making.