Not always pretty, but vital

It is not considered particularly pretty. And let’s not mention its reputation. But when it comes to one particular characteristic, the termite is unrivalled: it can significantly improve the quality of depleted soils. This makes it just one of countless species that are important for the well-being of nature – and in turn also for us. It is not only the beauty of different plant and animal species that captivates us when it comes to biological diversity. Genetic diversity, species richness and the diversity of ecosystems are also essential to our very lives, whether we look at pollination by bees or the filtering of air by trees in our neighbourhoods.

Nevertheless we do not protect biodiversity adequately. Quite the opposite: According to the German Nature and Biodiversity Conservation Union (NABU), every day 150 species become extinct somewhere in the world as a consequence of our actions. Moreover, valuable ecosystems are being lost at an ever greater pace, even though biodiversity conservation is no less important for our livelihoods than climate change mitigation. At the same time, biodiversity allows for improved adaptation to the rapidly changing climate: it contributes to greater resilience, and ecosystem-based adaptation measures expand options for action. Moreover, nature actively aids climate change mitigation: CO2 is not only stored by trees, but also by peatlands and grasslands. Conversely, we will not be able to halt biodiversity loss without addressing the climate crisis.

The global community will hopefully adopt ambitious targets for the expansion of protected areas at the Biodiversity Conference in Kunming in May 2022. But biodiversity surrounds us wherever we look. It also includes the sparrow's nest in the gutter, the mosquito in your bedroom, the river in our city and the insect populations in the fields. That's why we can't just erect a protective fence around it and assume that all will be well. We have to live, consume and produce in ways that do not further diminish biodiversity, but preserve it. Therefore, reductions in pesticide use should also be discussed at the conference. At the same time, the question arises as to the opportunities and risks for biodiversity that emerge from the expanding capabilities of digital transformation and genetic engineering and how to deal with them sensibly. These questions urgently need answers.

Just how miraculous nature is always becomes evident for me when I think about how much we can learn from it. I'm thinking of the lotus effect, for example, where dirt and water are simply repelled, or the Velcro fastener, which also has its counterpart in nature. In your opinion, what are the most ground-breaking innovations that we owe to nature?

Yours,

Jan Peter Schemmel

j.schemmel--at--oeko.de