Repository logo
 

A horizon scan of global biological conservation issues for 2022

Accepted version
Peer-reviewed

No Thumbnail Available

Type

Article

Change log

Authors

Sutherland, William J 
Atkinson, Philip W 
Butchart, Stuart HM 
Capaja, Marcela 
Dicks, Lynn V 

Abstract

We present the results of our 13th annual horizon scan of issues likely to impact biodiversity conservation. Issues are either novel within the biological conservation sector or could cause a substantial step-change in impact, either globally or regionally. Our global panel of 26 scientists and practitioners identified 15 issues that we believe represent the highest priorities for tracking and action. Many of the issues we identified, including the impact of satellite megaconstellations, and the use of long-distance wireless energy transfer, have elements of threats and emerging opportunities. The recent state-sponsored application to commence deep-sea mining represents a significant step-change in impact. We hope that this horizon scan will increase research and policy attention on the highlighted issues.

Description

Keywords

biodiversity conservation, emerging, global, horizon scan, Animals, Biodiversity, Conservation of Natural Resources, Global Health, Policy

Journal Title

Trends in Ecology & Evolution

Conference Name

Journal ISSN

0169-5347
1872-8383

Volume Title

Publisher

Elsevier BV
Sponsorship
NERC (NE/N014472/2)
This exercise was coordinated by the Cambridge Conservation Initiative with funding offered by the Natural Environment Research Council and the RSPB (this funding was not needed because the proceedings were held online). We are grateful to everyone who submitted ideas to the exercise and the following who suggested a topic that made the final list: Jason Dinsdale (wireless energy infrastructure), Ian Francis (floating photovoltaics), Robin Freeman (airborne eDNA), Lizzie Garratt (environmental consequences of new refrigerants), Lammert Hilarides (mangrove expansion) and Jiping Shi (green ammonia). We would also like to thank Mick Clout who contributed to the process but was unable to attend the workshop and the referees for comments. The results, conclusions, and opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of any of their organisations. AT and WJS are funded by Arcadia.