IPBES
Also called: Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services · Topic: Biodiversity and its Conservation · NCERT: Beyond NCERT
Meaning
IPBES (Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services) is a global body set up in 2012. It reviews scientific evidence on the state of nature and reports it to governments so they can make better policy. It is often called the "IPCC for biodiversity". Its 2019 Global Assessment warned that about 1 million species face extinction. It ranked the drivers as: land and sea use change > direct exploitation > climate change > pollution > invasive species.
Example
Its 2023 report on invasive species found that invasives played a part in about 60% of recorded extinctions. It also found they cost over US$423 billion a year. Lantana camara in India is one example of such a species.
Don't confuse with
- IPCC: assesses climate change. IPBES assesses biodiversity and ecosystem services.
- IUCN: keeps the Red List, which gives the status of each species. IPBES does not list species; it assesses evidence for policymakers.
Related concepts
- Loss of biodiversity
- Habitat loss
- Exotic species
- Invasive alien species
- Poaching
- Overfishing
- Extinction
- Living Planet Report