Summary for policymakers of the thematic assessment of the underlying causes of biodiversity loss and the determinants of transformative change and options for achieving the 2050 Vision for Biodiversity (transformative change
assessment)
-ADVANCE UNEDITED VERSION-
16 December 2024
Transformative change for a just and sustainable world is urgent, necessary and challenging but possible, to halt and
reverse biodiversity loss and safeguard life on Earth2,3. It is required to respond to global environmental challenges
and crises, including biodiversity loss, climate change and pollution. Biodiversity is fundamental to the systems
underpinning life and good quality of life and many of these systems are now at risk. Promoting and accelerating
transformative change is essential to meeting the 23 action-oriented global targets and four goals of the Kunming-
Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework of the Convention on Biological Diversity4 by 2030 and for achieving the
2050 Vision for Biodiversity, where “biodiversity is valued, conserved, restored and wisely used, maintaining
ecosystem services, sustaining a healthy planet and delivering benefits essential for all people”. It is also vital for
progress towards the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals5, the United Nations Framework
Convention on Climate Change6 and the Paris Agreement. The vision of living in harmony with nature, including
Mother Earth, describes a world that is just and sustainable, where all life can thrive. The links between
sustainability and equity have been clearly recognized and acknowledged in international agreements relevant to the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of biodiversity.
