How can humanity sustainably engage with nature? – The Dasgupta Review on the Economics of Biodiversity

Watch our talk and Q&A with Dr Ruth Waters from the review team:

Screen grab from the talk video

The Dasgupta Review, commissioned by the HM Treasury, assesses the economic benefits of biodiversity and the economic costs of biodiversity loss, and identifies actions which can protect and enhance both biodiversity and economic prosperity. Last year’s interim report described the economic thinking – the final report presents also options for change, including success stories that demonstrate what is possible.

In April 2020 we discussed science and evidence to support conservation and restoration, as well as sustainable consumption and efficient use of natural resource in two workshops with the review team. Now we had the opportunity to revisit the review and see what challenges the final report sets to the research and policy communities.

In her talk, Dr Ruth Waters from the review team summarises the main messages from this review, followed by a Q&A. We heard questions from the participants highlighting key issues for the research and policy communities to take forward.

By taking seriously what we know about how ecosystems function, and how they are affected by economic activity, the Dasgupta Review on the Economics of Biodiversity reshapes our understanding of what constitutes truly sustainable economic growth and development.

It means recognising that our long-term prosperity relies on rebalancing our demand of Nature’s goods and services with its capacity to supply them. It also means accounting fully for the impact of our interactions with Nature.

Read the final report of the Dasgupta Review, its short version, headline messages and reactions here.

For more information, please contact minna.hartikainen@rsb.org.uk