Global policy goals under threat due to their siloed nature: Report

The Nexus Assessment of IPBES scientifically assesses the interlinkages between biodiversity, water, food, climate change and human health

Across the globe, there are multiple policies in place to address crises such as food insecurity, climate change, global pandemics, increasing water stress, and ecological destruction. But despite these multiple crises being interlinked, they are dealt with in isolation in policy, financial systems and governance, which brings the goals of these policies under threat, according to a new report – the Nexus Assessment of IPBES (the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services).

Along with identifying this largely unrecognised problem, the report also puts forth workable solutions for overcoming the inherent challenges of this isolationist policies. For example, transforming the food system towards more sustainable consumption might achieve better results in climate mitigation than emphasising on reducing emissions.

Prepared by 165 international experts, the report is a scientific assessment of the interlinkages between the five ‘nexus elements’ – biodiversity, water, food, climate change and human health.

Spotting the linkages

Identifying 71 different policy approaches that will reap benefits across the five nexus elements, the report dives deep into how different crises impact each other, and analyses the opportunity costs of addressing these crises in isolation. Furthermore, it depicts the impact this has on collective Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Paris Agreement and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

The report points out that the underlying causes for most crises are similar socioeconomic factors like GDP growth, waste and overconsumption, which impacts land and water use, pollution, and unsustainable extraction. When fragmented governance policies are put in place, to be executed by different institutions with different goals, conflicts of interest may arise, which leads to inefficient use of resources.

Citing the example of the rising food demand for affluent societies, the report says that this behavioural trend leads to more usage of land for agriculture, leading to unsustainable practices, which in turn leads to loss of biodiversity, water, increasing greenhouse gas emissions and climate change.

“The IPBES Nexus Assessment demonstrates that nature is not just a victim of crises—it is a powerful solution. Healthy, biodiversity-rich ecosystems, such as mangroves and tropical forests, play a vital role in mitigating climate change, controlling disease, and sustaining healthy diets and well-being. Investing in nature is an investment in our collective health and resilience,” says Dr Maria Neira, Director of the Health and Climate Department, World Health Organization. 

Focus on nature

Biodiversity is declining rapidly across the globe, at the rate of 2-6% every decade, according to the report. Protecting and letting it flourish is crucial, as it plays a major role in supporting all the five nexus elements.

The report recommends protecting and preserving nature, as this will be a more successful climate policy than emphasising the reduction of greenhouse gases. 

Since climate change and food and water insecurity pose the gravest threats, focusing on nature will lead to the conservation and restoration of necessary ecosystems like forests, soils, peatland and mangroves, which will not only capture and store carbon, but are also biodiversity hotspots. 

Furthermore, the report says that focusing on the rights of indigenous people, justice and equity is a necessity for overcoming these challenges.

“Climate change is posing record threats to the health and wellbeing of people all around the world — the prognosis is not looking good. Over 58% of infectious diseases are aggravated by climate hazards, with rising temperatures and extreme weather expanding pathogens like malaria, dengue, and Zika. Indigenous communities, whose health and ecosystems are disproportionately more impacted, hold critical knowledge for solutions. Protecting their rights is the prescription for change—not just for sustaining biodiversity ecosystems, but as a foundation for global health, resilience, and survival,” said Marina Romanello, the Executive Director of the Lancet Countdown.

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A team of handpicked and dedicated writers committed to fact check each climate-related statement. Go to the roots and intent of each policy implemented, internationally and at home to help you understand climate better

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