Biodiversity: An Economic Imperative Beyond Ecology
An examination of the economic importance of biodiversity and its implications for global and regional economies.
Key Points
- • Over half of the world's GDP relies on nature's services.
- • Biodiversity is essential for economic stability and growth.
- • South Africa's economy heavily depends on water, an under-threat ecosystem service.
- • New tools are being created to evaluate ecological risks in economic decision-making.
On June 29, 2025, a report highlighted the critical relationship between biodiversity and global economic stability, noting that more than half of the world's GDP is tied to ecosystem services. The article, "La biodiversité : pas qu’une affaire d’écologistes, un impératif économique et financier," emphasizes that biodiversity should not merely be seen as an ecological concern but as a vital element for economic growth and financial stability worldwide.
The interdependence of biodiversity and various economic sectors such as agriculture, fishing, and even industries like automotive and electronics is crucial. For instance, in South Africa, approximately 80% of net exports rely on water, an ecosystem service currently under considerable threat. The adverse effects of biodiversity loss could result in economic ramifications similar to historical financial crises, as highlighted by a report from the World Economic Forum warning of a potential 'Silent Spring' scenario.
In response to the looming risks, new tools are being developed to integrate ecological data into economic risk assessments, allowing for better tracking of ecological vulnerabilities and the potential impacts on different economic sectors. This approach supports informed decision-making that prioritizes sectors essential for maintaining healthy ecosystems, promoting sustainability in business practices.
The authors call for collaborative efforts to mobilize resources for biodiversity conservation, referencing a global initiative aiming to allocate $200 billion annually for biodiversity by 2030. They stress the importance of adopting assessments of ecological risks by governments and corporations as a critical step toward a sustainable economic future.