Biodiversity

Biodiversity represents the variety and variability of life on Earth – the diversity of nature. It underpins and is fundamentally affected by human activity. Loss of biodiversity and the need to conserve and engage with nature sustainably is recognized as a crucial goal for humanity as reflected in the UN Convention on Biodiversity. Our work on biodiversity includes recognizing and assessing the functions of natural systems (ecosystem services, nature-based solutions) and valuing nature as an asset (natural capital accounting) alongside valuing its intrinsic worth. Our research is interdisciplinary and global in scope and involves understanding of how people make decisions and behave with respect to nature and how natural systems are impacted through development such as infrastructure and agricultural intensification.

As host of the joint NGFS-INSPIRE Study Group on Biodiversity and Financial Stability, the Grantham Research Institute focuses its research and convening efforts particularly on the role of central banks and financial supervisors in this context.