Eduardo Brondizio, one of the world’s most eminent experts on the intersection of nature and human well-being, has served for three years as the co-chair of the United Nations’ IPBES (Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services) landmark new Global Assessment.
They have just launched a summary report of their findings to the public to international acclaim. The report draws attention to a wide range of existential risks we face with global climate change, in the context of development and economy, inequality and issues of indigenous peoples, as well as species extinction.
You can link to video recordings of all the sessions: https://www.ipbes.net/webcast-0 You can hear Eduardo’s opening presentation, starting at about the 28 minute, 30 second mark of the Media Launch section.
Links to samples of the news coverage:
https://www.sciencemag.org/news/2019/05/landmark-analysis-documents-alarming-global-decline-nature
https://www.cnn.com/2019/05/06/world/un-biodiversity-report-end-of-nature-sutter-scn/index.html
https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-48169783
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/05/06/climate/biodiversity-extinction-united-nations.html
Below you will find a long list of media coverage of the assessment.
Also of note: notes and actions by governments in Germany, Scotland, Canada, France.
US Congress: requests for two hearings on the findings of report:
The United States House of Representatives Natural Resources Committee - Subcommittee on Water, Oceans and Wildlife (https://naturalresources.house.gov/subcommittees/water-oceans-and-wildlife) has requested “an oversight hearing entitled ‘United Nations Report on Biodiversity and Accelerating Extinction’ to be held on 22 May (World Biodiversity Day) at 10am. They have requested IPBES to send 3 experts – to cover the wider findings, ocean/fishery issues and water resources/hydropower.
The United States House of Representatives Committee on Science, Space and Technology - Subcommittee on Environment (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_House_Science_Subcommittee_on_Environment) has requested a similar hearing but focused on the broad findings of the Report. They have asked for 5 experts to be sent for a hearing on 4 June 2019 at 10am.
Of particular note:
Magazines
The Economist
A new report confirms that life on Earth is in trouble
https://www.economist.com/science-and-technology/2019/05/11/a-new-report-confirms-that-life-on-earth-is-in-trouble
The New Yorker
The U.N. Report on Extinction vs. Mike Pompeo at the Arctic Council
https://www.newyorker.com/news/daily-comment/the-un-report-on-extinction-vs-mike-pompeo-at-the-arctic-council
Science
Can a dire ecological warning lead to action?
https://science.sciencemag.org/content/364/6440/517
Vogue
Did You Miss This Landmark U.N. Report on Biodiversity?
https://www.vogue.com/article/un-report-biodiversity-ipbes
Slate Magazine
We’re Finally Starting to Realize the End of the Earth Means the End of Us
https://slate.com/technology/2019/05/climate-change-our-planet-un-report-species-humanity-doom.html
Sierra Magazine
These Scientists Did More Than Tell Us We Were Doomed
https://www.sierraclub.org/sierra/these-scientists-did-more-tell-us-we-were-doomed-ipbes-summary-un
Also:
President Macron
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fRRRO0v4d-4
The Guardian | George Monbiot
Stop eating fish. It’s the only way to save the life in our seas
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/may/09/seas-stop-eating-fish-fishing-industry-government?CMP=fb_gu&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook#Echobox=1557386158
Houston Chronicle, United States (15,841,226)
EDITORIAL: With a million species at risk of extinction, Houston we need to wake up to climate threats https://www.houstonchronicle.com/opinion/editorials/article/With-a-million-species-at-risk-of-extinction-13834191.php
EuroNews
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d3QdVxExI4U
Grist
The U.N. says 1 million species could disappear. Pacific islands have a solution.
https://grist.org/article/the-u-n-says-1-million-species-could-disappear-pacific-islands-have-a-solution/
IPBES stories / references published at the NY Times (visits / month: 302 million)
- https://www.nytimes.com/2019/05/06/climate/humans-are-speeding-extinction-and-altering-the-natural-world-at-an-unprecedented-pace.html
- https://www.nytimes.com/2019/05/06/briefing/turkey-un-report-royal-baby.html?searchResultPosition=5
- https://www.nytimes.com/2019/05/06/briefing/donald-trump-israel-tiger-woods.html?searchResultPosition=10
At Le Monde
EDITORIAL
Biodiversité : l’humanité face à ses responsabilités
https://www.lemonde.fr/idees/article/2019/05/06/biodiversite-l-humanite-face-a-ses-responsabilites_5458837_3232.html
Chercheurs et gouvernants au chevet de la biodiversité https://www.lemonde.fr/planete/article/2019/04/29/chercheurs-et-gouvernants-au-chevet-de-la-biodiversite_5456117_3244.html
Biodiversité : en France, un très riche patrimoine naturel en péril https://www.lemonde.fr/planete/article/2019/04/29/biodiversite-en-france-un-tres-riche-patrimoine-naturel-en-peril_5456303_3244.html
Climat : « Nous dépendons fondamentalement de la diversité du vivant » https://www.lemonde.fr/idees/article/2019/05/06/nous-dependons-fondamentalement-de-la-diversite-du-vivant_5458723_3232.html
Un million d’espèces en danger d’extinction https://www.lemonde.fr/planete/article/2019/05/06/un-million-d-especes-en-danger-d-extinction_5458785_3244.html
Biodiversité : « La priorité est de réduire la part des produits animaux dans l’alimentation »
https://www.lemonde.fr/planete/article/2019/05/06/biodiversite-la-priorite-est-de-reduire-la-part-des-produits-animaux-dans-l-alimentation_5458801_3244.html
Les écosystèmes marins à la merci des activités humaines https://www.lemonde.fr/planete/article/2019/05/06/les-ecosystemes-marins-a-la-merci-des-activites-humaines_5458820_3244.html
Les ministres de l’environnement du G7 ont adopté une charte pour la biodiversité
Emmanuel Macron se pose en défenseur de la biodiversité https://www.lemonde.fr/planete/article/2019/05/07/emmanuel-macron-se-pose-en-defenseur-de-la-biodiversite_5459265_3244.html
Coverage metrics
(April 22 to 8 am May 10):
Languages: 44
Countries: 144
Different online news sites that published one or more articles: 5,814
Total hits at online news sites (earned media coverage): 18,893
Aggregate circulation / potential reach (online only, does not include radio, newspapers): 12.6 billion
Example editorials / commentaries:
Washington Post
Business as usual is not acceptable when it comes to protecting our planet
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/business-as-usual-is-not-acceptable-when-it-comes-to-protecting-our-planet/2019/05/06/b8d71392-702d-11e9-8be0-ca575670e91c_story.html?utm_term=.1398d4698fb2
Washington Post
We’re in danger of killing off the biodiversity that makes our way of life possible
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2019/05/07/were-danger-killing-off-biodiversity-that-makes-our-way-life-possible/?utm_term=.b0eb5a160ca8
El País, Spain (potential reach: 17,577,802)
¿Somos capaces de detener esta locura? (Are we able to stop this madness?)
https://elpais.com/elpais/2019/05/08/planeta_futuro/1557308659_895927.html
Reuters, via Yahoo! News, United States
New economics' - the way to save the planet? https://sports.yahoo.com/economics-way-save-planet-172204987.html
Financial Times, United Kingdom (5,598,231)
Decisive action now can save the world’s wildlife https://www.ft.com/content/448bca20-70b2-11e9-bbfb-5c68069fbd15
Forbes, United States (32,771,518)
The UN Says A Million Species Could Go Extinct; So Here's How We Fix Nature https://www.forbes.com/sites/ericmack/2019/05/06/the-un-says-a-million-species-could-go-extinct-so-heres-how-we-fix-nature/
Globe and Mail, Canada
To preserve our species, the planet is our greatest ally
https://www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/editorials/article-to-preserve-our-species-the-planet-is-our-greatest-ally/?fbclid=IwAR2Oiivq2CtKARt6sl2hinT6WyTk9rQU6hHECagkP_WOvt90C2nJ-nWam20
Chicago Tribune United States (5,421,360)
Parker: Report provides 1 million reasons for humans to wake up https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/post-tribune/opinion/ct-ptb-kathleen-parker-column-st-0509-story.html
Zeit Online, Germany (5,001,288)
Umweltschutz: Die Erde retten, jetzt aber wirklich! (Environmental Protection: Save the Earth, but now really!)
https://www.zeit.de/wissen/umwelt/2019-05/umweltschutz-artenschutz-klimawandel-loesung
The Hindu India (3,281,640)
Circle of life: on economic growth factoring ecosystem https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/circle-of-life/article27072807.ece
The Indian Express, India (4,954,286)
Wake-up call
https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/editorials/ipbes-biodiversity-reports-endangered-species-wake-up-call-10-5717947/
El Tiempo, Colombia (3,996,515)
Biodiversidad en riesgo (biodiversity at risk)
https://www.eltiempo.com/opinion/editorial/biodiversidad-en-riesgo-editorial-el-tiempo-359088
New York Post United States (13,661,898)
Why caring about humankind means caring about biodiversity https://nypost.com/2019/05/07/why-caring-about-humankind-means-caring-about-biodiversity/
BBC News United Kingdom (12,751,644)
Five things we've learned from nature crisis study https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-48133143
Quartz United States (6,739,080)
A million species are going extinct. Blame capitalism
https://qz.com/1612943/un-biodiversity-report-says-a-million-species-face-extinction/
Critical / contrary coverage:
Spiked
One million species facing extinction? Not quite
https://www.spiked-online.com/2019/05/08/one-million-species-facing-extinction-not-quite/
Pop culture
US late night shows:
Jimmy Kimmel
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WfEqAolZFB0&app=desktop
Trevor Noah
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VACT7goEQpM&app=desktop
Forbes United States (32,771,518)
The Science of 'Avengers: Endgame' Is Proof That Thanos Did Nothing Wrong https://www.forbes.com/sites/jvchamary/2019/05/07/avengers-endgame-biodiversity/?sh=4866c51b775b
Coverage metrics
(April 22 to 9 am May 9):
Languages: 44
Countries: 141
Different online news sites that published one or more articles: 5,702
Total hits at online news sites (earned media coverage): 18,757
Aggregate circulation / potential reach (online only, does not include radio, newspapers): 11 billion
Here is the correct link to the coverage collection, sorted by date:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1JGtyWoZFuXHy9DL5R2UAm72NVS5u2TByrPA6Ts_CwAg/edit#gid=1415167887
Coverage metrics
(April 22 to 10 am May 9):
Languages: 44
Countries: 132
Different online news sites that published one or more articles: 5,515
Total hits at online news sites (earned media coverage): 17,797
Aggregate circulation / potential reach (online only, does not include radio, newspapers): 10.4 billion
Among highlights:
CNN, Jake Tapper
https://twitter.com/cnn/status/1125512208388100096?s=12
Wall Street Journal
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1bF9zth54L8MzVXa1JVdFJlZG1ZdjhrN0NoUTdFZUhOb0cw/view?usp=sharing
TIME
http://time.com/5584017/species-extinction-one-million/
Nature, Science, Financial Times, and too much more to list.
30+ newspaper front pages, including NYT, Washington Post, Globe and Mail
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1hOQL4FQ98HPViz926fxt-vRTPL1dxC7u?usp=sharing
...others include El Pais, Le Figaro and many others.
Congratulations...
IPBES is still #1 in the world news category, Google News UK, (and likely others counties), 6 am May 7
Coverage metrics
(April 22 to 9 am May 7):
Languages: 38
Countries: 126
Different online news sites that published one or more articles: 3,918
Total hits at online news sites (earned media coverage): 12,821
Aggregate circulation / potential reach (online only, does not include radio, newspapers): 7.7 billion
Of special note in the coverage:
Agence France Presse TV (news video, Team IPBES with Pres. Macron, Élysée Palace)
Macron annonce une série d'actions pour la biodiversité
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x0Sc5uXEPLc
Reuters
France's Macron seeks new measures to protect biodiversity
https://www.haaretz.com/world-news/wires/1.7210767
France 24
French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday announced initiatives to protect biodiversity and the environment, following the publication of landmark UN report on the state of the natural world. "What is at stake is the very possibility of having a habitable Earth," Macron said after meeting in Paris with experts of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) which produced the report.
https://www.france24.com/en/20190507-macron-announces-measures-protect-biodiversity-after-landmark-un-report
Actu Orange, Television
Biodiversité : les annonces très politiques d'Emmanuel Macron
Lundi 6 mai, le président de la République a annoncé une série de mesures pour la préservation de la biodiversité. Danielle Sportiello livre son décryptage sur le plateau de France 3.Retrouver toutes les infos sur la vidéo sur
https://actu.orange.fr/societe/videos/biodiversite-les-annonces-tres-politiques-d-emmanuel-macron-CNT000001frtNj.html
Agence France Presse
Le G7 Environnement adopte une charte biodiversité
Les ministres de l'Environnement du G7 ont adopté lundi une charte pour la biodiversité, non contraignante, lors de leur réunion à Metz.
https://www.tvanouvelles.ca/2019/05/06/le-g7-environnement-adopte-une-charte-biodiversite
Radio France International
G7 meeting in Metz to take action on the environment
http://en.rfi.fr/environment/20190505-g7-ministers-meet-metz-action-environment-climate-change
Television
CNN
Scientists warn 1 million species threatened with extinction
https://edition.cnn.com/2019/05/06/world/un-biodiversity-report-end-of-nature-sutter-scn/index.html
The Weather Channel (with video):
UN Warns That 1 Million Species Risk Extinction Because of Humans and Nature Is Declining Faster than Ever | The Weather Channel
Nature is declining globally at a rate unprecedented in human history and the rate of species extinction is accelerating, a new UN report warns.
https://weather.com/news/news/2019-05-06-un-one-million-species-at-risk-of-extinction-nature-declining (edited)
ITV news, UK
Up to a million species of plants and animals are at risk of extinction, warns major UN study
https://www.itv.com/news/2019-05-06/nature-declining-at-unprecedented-rate-un-study-warns/
BBC Television
"Nature is declining at rates unprecedented in human history.”
https://www.bbc.com/news/av/science-environment-48142018/what-does-a-biodiversity-emergency-mean-for-humans
ABC Television, USA
Human activity has put 1 million species at risk of extinction: UN report
https://abcnews.go.com/International/human-activity-put-million-species-risk-extinction-report/story?id=62852406 (edited) ABC News
Deutsche Welle Television (great clip of Bob)
Why biodiversity loss hurts humans as much as climate change
A UN-backed report says a million species are at risk of extinction, and warns biodiversity loss and failure to conserve ecosystems has catastrophic effects on people as well as nature.
https://www.dw.com/en/why-biodiversity-loss-hurts-humans-as-much-as-climate-change/a-48579014
CBS Television News, USA
1 million species of plants and animals at risk of extinction, U.N. report warns
A new United Nations report presents some troubling predictions for the planet
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/report-1-million-animals-plant-species-face-extinction-due-climate-change-human-activity-population/
Washington Post
(+ more Reuters TV video):
One million species face extinction, U.N. report says. And humans will suffer as a result.
Reversing the trend will require nations to jointly confront the loss of biodiversity, along with climate change, the report says.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-environment/2019/05/06/one-million-species-face-extinction-un-panel-says-humans-will-suffer-result/?utm_term=.50225bd0b39a
USA Today
UN report: 1 million plant and animal species nearing extinction | USA TODAY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9K8jgUcZ00
Washington Post column:
Opinion | We’re killing off our planet, and our enlightenment may come too late
A U.N. report’s findings will be widely noted and lamented; its recommendations widely ignored.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/were-killing-off-our-planet-and-our-enlightenment-may-come-too-late/2019/05/06/866d4620-7036-11e9-9f06-5fc2ee80027a_story.html?utm_term=.a5fba2089961
NY Times
Humans Are Speeding Extinction and Altering the Natural World at an ‘Unprecedented’ Pace
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/05/06/climate/biodiversity-extinction-united-nations.html
Financial Times
Extinctions increasing at unprecedented pace, UN study warns
https://www.ft.com/content/a7a54680-6f28-11e9-bf5c-6eeb837566c5
BBC Online
https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-48169783
1) Humans 'threaten 1m species with extinction'
A compelling UN assessment shows the full picture of humanity's devastating impact on biodiversity and nature.
2) Nature crisis: 'Shocking' report details threat to species
https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-48169783
3) What does a biodiversity emergency mean for humans?
https://www.bbc.com/news/av/science-environment-48142018/what-does-a-biodiversity-emergency-mean-for-humans
4) Four things to expect this week
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-48146615
5) Nature loss: Report to show scale of 'silent crisis'
https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-48160456
6) Nature's emergency: Where we are in five graphics
https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-48104037
7) Biodiversity heroes: The teenagers saving Madagascar's wildlife
https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-48113501
8) Climate change being fuelled by soil damage - report
https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-48043134
Guardian
1) op-ed, Bob Watson:
Loss of biodiversity is just as catastrophic as climate change; Nature is being eroded at rates unprecedented in human history, says scientist Robert Watson
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/may/06/biodiversity-climate-change-mass-extinctions
2) Column, Chris Packham
We are full of bright ideas to solve ecological problems. So let’s act on them
http://www.nla-eclipsweb.com/service/redirector/article/53057465.html
3) The battle to save the world's biggest bumblebee from European invaders | Alison Benjamin
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/may/04/the-battle-to-save-the-worlds-biggest-bumblebee-from-european-invaders
The Associated Press, via Bloomberg News:
New UN Report Says Nature Is in Worst Shape in Human History
"Humanity unwittingly is attempting to throttle the living planet and humanity's own future."
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-05-06/united-nations-to-offer-first-report-on-global-biodiversity?embedded-checkout=true
National Geographic:
One million species at risk of extinction, UN report warns
A landmark global assessment warns that the window is closing to safeguard biodiversity and a healthy planet. Yet solutions are in sight.
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/2019/05/ipbes-un-biodiversity-report-warns-one-million-species-at-risk/
EL PAÍS, Spain
1) Entrevista | “Esta batalla también se libra en el interior de cada ciudadano”
El informe, presentado este lunes en París, sostiene que un millón de especies animales y vegetales están amenazadas de extinción
https://elpais.com/sociedad/2019/05/06/actualidad/1557151809_915784.html
2) Un millón de especies, amenazadas de extinción a un ritmo sin precedentes
El mayor informe sobre biodiversidad, auspiciado por la ONU, advierte del impacto de la acción humana
https://elpais.com/sociedad/2019/05/06/actualidad/1557132880_458286.html
Reuters:
Scientists warn of grave impacts from loss of natural world
The accelerating loss of plant and animal species will have grave consequences
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-un-environment-biodiversity-factbox/scientists-warn-of-grave-impacts-from-loss-of-natural-world-idUSKCN1SC129
Fox News
'Transformative changes' are needed to save nature and ourselves, major climate report claims
A range of "transformative changes" -- like a revamped food production system and reworked financial sector -- are needed to save nature and humanity, according to the first United Nations assessment on the state of nature in 15 years.
https://www.foxnews.com/science/transformative-changes-nature-climate-report
Washington Examiner
(Note AP Television coverage embedded)
A UN report is concerned about 1 million species going extinct, but its solutions are dead wrong
A new United Nations report tells us that human activity is basically slaughtering the wildlife out there, killing off the species upon which our own existence is reliant.
The College of Arts