Biodiversity Crisis: One in Five Animals Traded Globally
A recent study published in the journal Science found that global wildlife trade is far higher than anticipated: one in five vertebrate species are traded and at risk of extinction. This article is part of an editorial collaboration with Earth.Org. The
Engaging the ‘Unusual Suspects’: An Interview With Azzedine Downes
Fifty years ago, activist Brian Davies founded the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) in hopes of ending the commercial hunt for seals in Canada. Fifteen years later, in 1983 and in partnership with IFAW, Europe banned the importation of “whitecoat”
South American Visions for Nature-Based Resilience
One of the most urbanized regions in the world, over 80 percent of the population in Latin America lives in cities. Cities throughout the region are focusing on building resilience through improved environmental management, and the integration of biodiversity and
How Local Governments Can Lead the Biodiversity Movement
New ICLEI Global Ambassador for Local Biodiversity Will Shine a Spotlight on Local Action, Starting With the 2019 UN Climate Action Summit. Over three billion people depend on marine and coastal biodiversity for their livelihoods while 1.6 billion people, including 70
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?
Earth Ratings is currently crowdfunding on startnext.com/en/earthratings. “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
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