Biodiversity and Climate: Understanding Planetary Boundaries

This lecture discusses the critical relationship between biodiversity and climate change, emphasizing the concept of planetary boundaries. It highlights the alarming decline in wildlife populations, with the Living Planet Index showing a 69% decrease in monitored species from 1970 to 2018. The instructor explains the significance of biodiversity as an early warning indicator of ecosystem health and the importance of conservation efforts. The lecture also covers the various threats to biodiversity, including habitat loss, overexploitation, pollution, and climate change. The discussion includes the role of the IUCN Red List in identifying species at risk and the need for a systemic transformation to address these challenges. The instructor presents data on biodiversity trends across different regions, illustrating the disparities in conservation success and the urgent need for action. The session concludes with a focus on the interconnectedness of climate and biodiversity, urging for a comprehensive approach to sustainability that considers both aspects.