Biodiversity scenarios: projections of 21st century change in Biodiversity and associated Ecosystem Services: a technical report for the Global Biodiversity Outlook 3

This synthesis focuses on estimates of biodiversity change as projected for the 21st century by models or

extrapolations based on experiments and observed trends. The term “biodiversity” is used in a broad

sense as it is defined in the Convention on Biological Diversity to mean the abundance and distributions

of and interactions between genotypes, species, communities, ecosystems and biomes. This synthesis

pays particular attention to the interactions between biodiversity and ecosystem services and to

critical “tipping points” that could lead to large, rapid and potentially irreversible changes. Comparisons

between models are used to estimate the range of projections and to identify sources of uncertainty.

Experiments and observed trends are used to check the plausibility of these projections. In addition

we have identified possible actions at the local, national and international levels that can be taken to

conserve biodiversity. We have called on a wide range of scientists to participate in this synthesis, with

the objective to provide decision makers with messages that reflect the consensus of the scientific community

and that will aid in the development of policy and management strategies that are ambitious,

forward looking and proactive.

Available online

Call Number: [EL]

ISBN/ISSN: 92-9225-219-4

Physical Description: 134 p.