The Second Annual Biodiversity Policy Lecture in Association with the Systematics Association
The Government Chief Scientific Adviser, Professor John Beddington, highlighted the importance of understanding of biodiversity and ecosystem-benefits, in helping to develop policies to solve the international and multifaceted challenges in a growing global population, when he gave the Annual Biodiversity Policy lecture hosted by the Linnean Society of London and the Systematics Association at the Linnean Society of London on April 16th 2009.
Speaking on “Biodiversity in a Changing World”, Professor Beddington discussed the inter-related global issues of climate change, the provision of food and water and energy security. He highlighted that an increased knowledge of biodiversity is central to helping the UK Government in its efforts to meet its national and international biodiversity policy targets.
"It is clear that the challenges we face in provisioning safe, clean and affordable energy, water and food to our growing global population are intimately linked. Any effective strategy to help meet these challenges will need to recognise the importance of maintaining our rich ecosystems. Increasing our understanding of the benefits that ecosystems provide 'behind the scenes', for example in sequestering our carbon, purifying our water and pollinating our crops, is an important element required across the Government” said Professor Beddington.
President of the Linnean Society of London, Professor David Cutler said “Members of The Linnean Society of London and the Systematics Association think that the public, and in particular policy makers, need constant reminders of the crucial significance of maintaining biodiversity. Clear and readily understood examples of practical and economic importance are essential tools in this process. The Annual Biodiversity Lecture was set up with this in mind. We are delighted that Professor Beddington met these concerns head on in his lecture”.
Click here for a link to the slides from Professor Beddington's lecture