Biodiversity: the overlooked ingredient to success?
Biodiversity is broadly defined as the array of animals, plants, fungi, and microorganisms found in a particular geographical area (World Wildlife Fund). This is important because by providing robustness, stability, and resilience, biodiversity sustains the ecosystem (Linhares, et al., 2023). Therefore, it can be said that biodiversity underpins all life on Earth as healthy and prosperous communities are reliant on well-functioning, resilient ecosystems (World Health Organisation, 2015). Notably, biodiversity provides us with multiple benefits required for life to thrive on Earth. Namely, clean air, fresh water, good quality soil and the pollination of crops. Furthermore, it helps in the fight against climate change as biodiversity reduces the negative impact of natural hazards by allowing us to adapt to the changing environment (European Parliament, 2020). Thus, biodiversity is vital because the natural balance of the World ecosystem is very delicate, hence making it extremely susceptible to environmental degradation. For this reason, it is paramount that humans acknowledge the vulnerability of the ecosystem and take action to promote biodiversity because studies show that a reduction in levels of biodiversity may result in the collapse of the ecosystem. The effects would be profound. Catastrophic even!
Mainly, since living organisms interact in dynamic ecosystems, the disappearance of one species can have a far-reaching impact on the food chain (European Parliament, 2020). For example, research suggests that a reduction in biodiversity means that millions of individuals worldwide, will face a future where food supplies are even more vulnerable to pests and crop disease. Additionally, fresh water supplies could become severely depleted (WWF). This is alarming because according to a United Nations report the number of individuals worldwide, who are already impacted by starvation/hunger increased dramatically to as many as 828 million in 2021 (World Health Organisation, 2022). Hence, even though it is difficult to comprehend the exact consequences of mass extinctions within the ecosystem and what this will mean for humans’, careful management of biodiversity is essential. Otherwise, the world faces a dire future, where millions are starving. This is worrying because hunger leads to an array of other serious problems such as malnourishment which in turn increases an individual’s susceptibility to disease and illness. Consequently, this results in a high death rate in some of the poorest and most deprived regions of the world as they do not have adequate resources to deal with the implications of disruptions within the food chain. In other words, the effects of reduced biodiversity are concentrated in particular areas of the world. As noted by Rigaud et al (2018) when they state that three of the most vulnerable regions in the world are Sub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia and Latin America. This is important because if these areas become uninhabitable due to environmental degradation, it will generate an estimated 143 million climate migrants by 2050. Therefore, it can be said that without efforts to mitigate the risks, a reduction in biodiversity has the potential to exacerbate the inequalities between developed and developing economies.
Nonetheless, despite the potential negative implications, the evidence suggests that we are turning a blind eye to the importance of biodiversity. Thus, suggesting that further measures are needed to ensure that biodiversity is protected globally. Although, one reason for the lack of progress is that we are currently approaching the problem with a narrow-minded view, which only focuses on the short-term implications of protecting biodiversity. As noted by “‘short-termism’ is embedded in current political decision-making processes and many environmental and conservation actions are of a long-term nature, going beyond the usual political and election cycles” (UN Environment Programme, 2018). Hence, longer-term planning is needed in terms of the way in which we exploit Earth’s natural resources to ensure that sustainability becomes common practice. Whilst this may be challenging to implement, it is imperative that we act as studies shows that despite the remarkable ability of living systems to heal and recover, the intricate web of organisms that sustain the stability of the ecosystem can rapidly unravel once critical thresholds are exceeded (Williams, et al, 2021). Thus, it can be said that we can no longer overlook the importance of biodiversity because “it is our scientific ignorance that is the greatest source of our existential risk” (Kareiva and Carranza, 2018). Therefore, pursuing longer term planning can help us to overcome scientific ignorance because long-term vision grounded in solid science (UN Environment Programme 2018). To achieve this, a short-term, practical action plan should be central in the decision-making process.
However, despite the small steps that individuals can take at home to protect biodiversity such as ‘growing our own’, having bird feeders in our gardens or recycling, it is difficult to facilitate the required change by acting alone. For this reason, the role of businesses is crucial. In other words, collective action is needed, and businesses can help to facilitate the necessary positive change. This is conveyed by Katic, et al. (2023) as they highlight the importance of demonstrating a strong and improved performance on biodiversity within the private and public sector. This is important because by valuing and protecting biodiversity, businesses can ensure that they reduce the environmental impact of their business activities (Bhattacharya and Managi, 2013). Furthermore, businesses can also improve/consolidate their brand image by leading by example and encouraging their customers to do their bit to support biodiversity. Although, to meaningfully support the conservation of biodiversity, the tools utilised by businesses must be consistent and robust (Katic, et al.,2023). Hence it is important that businesses have clear guidelines and support from the Government to ensure that a uniform approach is being taken to tackle the problem. This is important because by working together, it will ensure that multiple and often conflicting stakeholders are brought together to address a widespread issue.
What is more, by uniting all stakeholders, it will ensure that a long-term plan can be implemented, as it will be easier to share the necessary resources and knowledge to create a plan. Consequently, allowing significant progress to be made as a current barrier to protecting biodiversity will be tackled. Additionally, another tool at businesses disposal, to help facilitate longer-term planning is technology and the rapid rise of AI. As by utilising new and improved technologies, the resilience of vulnerable species within the ecosystem can be strengthened which will allow species numbers to grow (Forbes, 2023). This is important because by using technology and AI to help vulnerable species, it will promote a healthy, well-functioning ecosystem, that will allow all species (including humans!) to thrive. Furthermore, as earlier mentioned by promoting biodiversity businesses can improve their brand image as more customers are becoming conscious of their environmental impact on the planet. Hence by responding to this consumer need, it will allow businesses to remain profitable whilst doing their bit for the planet.
To conclude, whilst biodiversity may seem like just another ‘buzz’ word, it is vital that we all acknowledge and respond to the importance of biodiversity otherwise we face a bleak future. In addition, it is important that we start to tackle the problem surrounding biodiversity with a greater appreciation of the future. As highlighted by the UN environment programme (2018) because this will allow us to overcome our scientific ignorance that is currently acting as a barrier to progress being made in terms of conserving biodiversity (Kareiva and Carranza, 2018). Moreover, businesses play a crucial role in the battle to protect biodiversity because they can lead by example and raise awareness of an important issue. In turn, this will encourage consumers to make changes in their homes in order to conserve biodiversity because by working together, it is easier to tackle the problem. Therefore, it is paramount that the Government and World Leaders provide clear, realistic guidelines for businesses to work towards as this will ensure that businesses have all the tools that they need to succeed. Furthermore, technology and AI can be used to help with long term strategic planning which allows businesses to improve/consolidate their brand image as they will be addressing an important issue. Subsequently, this may act as an incentive for all businesses to act because there is growing concern amongst consumers about our environmental impact and what this means for the ecosystem. In other words, it can be said that consumers are beginning to realise that biodiversity is the key to success which means that businesses can no longer overlook the importance of biodiversity, if they want to remain successful. It is paramount that protecting biodiversity becomes common practice, to ensure that we can all enjoy a prosperous future.
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