Understanding the role of biodiversity in the climate, food, water, energy, transport and health nexus in Europe

Abstract

Biodiversity underpins the functioning of ecosystems and the diverse benefits that nature provides to people, yet is being lost at an unprecedented rate. To halt or reverse biodiversity loss, it is critical to understand the complex interdependencies between biodiversity and key drivers and sectors to inform the development of holistic policies and action. We conducted a literature review on the interlinkages between biodiversity and climate change, food, water, energy, transport and health (“the biodiversity nexus"). Evidence extracted from 194 peer-reviewed articles was analysed to assess how biodiversity is being influenced by and is influencing climate, food, water, energy, transport and health. Out of the 354 interlinkages evidenced between biodiversity and other nexus elements in the review, 53% were negative, 29% were positive and 18% contained both positive and negative influences. Most studies provide evidence of the negative influence of the nexus elements on biodiversity, highlighting the substantial damage being inflicted on nature from human activities. The main types of negative impacts were related to land or water use/change, land or water degradation, direct species fatalities through collisions with infrastructure, and climate change. Alternatively, evidence of biodiversity having a negative influence on the other nexus elements is mainly limited to the effects of invasive alien species and vector-borne disease. Furthermore, a range of studies provided evidence of how co-benefits could be achieved between biodiversity and other nexus elements, such as through agroecological practices, green and blue infrastructure, nature-based solutions, ecosystem restoration and sustainable diets. The review highlighted the complexity and context-dependency of interlinkages within the biodiversity nexus, but clearly demonstrates the importance of biodiversity in underpinning human well-being and ensuring a sustainable future for people and the planet.