On Extinction, Food, Climate and Inequality
One million species are threatened with extinction. As this hit the global media headlines reporting on the recent Global Assessment on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services, many friends and colleagues sent me shocked messages saying, “Did you see this?” “This is
What Kind of Future Are You Voting for?
“A rising tide lifts all boats” was a phrase used to convince American voters that trickle-down economics works. Almost 60 years on, we should carefully consider the future of economic activity. The current rate of species extinction is the highest
Can Science-based Targets Truly Guide Sustainable Development?
What lines can we not afford to cross when it comes to our impact on the planet? As the world races to achieve the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, it is vital that the pursuit of sustainable
Science for Good: A New Breed of Entrepreneurs with Science-Based Solutions for a Positive Impact
Science, technology and innovation are often regarded as critical to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. However, while scientists have been alerting society for decades on the negative impacts and risks linked to human activity — climate change, growing pollution levels,
The Sustainable Development Goals and Fighting the Plastic Soup
The Impakter team would like to thank Jaime Jennings of Island Press for the photo contributions. Island Press will publish Plastic Soup: An Atlas of Ocean Pollution, authored by Michiel Roscam Abbing of The Plastic Soup Foundation (PSF) on April 4th. One of
How Personal Gardens Can Halt the Climate Crisis
We typically think of gardens as inconsequential hobbies or places for families to grow a few extra vegetables in the summer, not essential tools in the fight against climate change. However, as our ecological infrastructure continues to deteriorate, it becomes clear
Using Art to Combat Climate Change: An Interview with Louis Masai
Louis Masai is a British painter, sculptor, illustrator and street artist, perhaps best known for his murals of endangered species. A graduate of Falmouth School of Art, he aims to use his artworks as a means for spreading climate change
How Will We Finance the New Deal for Nature?
The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) estimates up to US$440 billion is needed annually to meet commitments in the post-2020 UN Biodiversity Framework, yet the current annual spend budget is only US$52 billion. How do we fill this huge financial shortfall? Biodiversity loss has become
Compelled to Rebel
I’ve worked in the environment sector for a long time and, increasingly, in the world of sustainability. I advise and coach organizations to assess their environmental impact by working with people to reconsider current approaches in their work and change
Nature Capitalism and its Woes: The Consequences of Environmental Pricing
The wake of devastation left by Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria this summer made one thing clear: Natural disasters are expensive. Some estimates put the direct economic damage from Harvey alone as high as $190 billion, and that does not