World Biodiversity Council issues warning about species extinction

According to a warning issued in May by the World Biodiversity Council (IPBES) in its first global assessment report on biodiversity and ecosystem services, between 0.5 and 1 million of the world’s approximately 8 million plant and animal species are at risk of extinction. Several researchers from Bern collaborated on this report, some of which in leading positions. This dramatic situation has enormous consequences for human existence: Substantial declines have already been found in 14 of the 18 most crucial services that nature provides to humankind – including pollination and air quality.