WWF Science

The Earth is approaching critical tipping points driven by nature loss and climate change—threats that could lead to devastating impacts for people and ecosystems. But there's hope. Positive tipping points can spark transformative shifts, accelerating the solutions we urgently need.   This year’s Lovejoy Science for Nature Symposium will bring together leading experts to discuss the latest knowledge on tipping points and how social change can help tackle the dual crises of nature loss and climate disruption.   📅 Save the Date: December 5, 2024 at 9:00 AM ET.   This is a virtual event. Register now to stay updated on agenda and speaker announcements: https://lnkd.in/ecxvuAQ6

With all eyes on Colombia during the UN biodiversity conference (COP16), we were thrilled to announce the first two leaders to receive the inaugural Thomas E. Lovejoy Prize: Marc Duorojeanni and Belen Paez.    The prize honors the legacy of renowned biodiversity expert Dr. Thomas Lovejoy, who passed away in 2021 and was a passionate champion for the conservation of the Amazon rainforest.    In the words of our CEO Carter Roberts: “Tom Lovejoy always saw the good in people. He never yelled. He never demonized. He never exaggerated. He respectfully, consistently, and thoughtfully brought science, wisdom, and clarity to every discussion—which made his voice stand out with Heads of State, leaders of financial institutions, and communities alike.”     Marc and Belén have dedicated their careers to keeping the Amazon intact. They continue to champion Dr. Lovejoy’s spirit of rigor, science, and solutions in everything they do. Congratulations to these inspiring recipients who have made significant contributions to conservation in the Amazon. Learn more: https://wwf.to/3UuT0gH.   #ActForOurPlanet #COP16Colombia 📸: WWF Staff

The UNEP Emissions Gap Report 2024 is out, and it highlights the urgency for countries to raise their 2030 climate targets and act swiftly.   Read it here:  https://lnkd.in/eN68Wmwp

For 30 years, the Russell E. Train Education for Nature Program (EFN) has supported conservation leaders across Africa, Asia, and Latin America as they address critical environmental challenges in their regions.   Since 1994, 3,700 individuals and 600 institutions across 60 countries have been part of this journey.   Join us in celebrating their achievements and hear directly from these leaders as they reflect on EFN’s impact and their work: https://lnkd.in/dzSaWadR

Coral reefs, known for their rich marine life, are becoming underwater ghost towns. WWF marine conservation scientist, Daniel Viana, has a plan to revive them. Learn more in his blog post for PBS Nature: https://lnkd.in/dB_6tSrS

New Paper: The land, rivers and oceans are linked. Food production on land affects the "blue foods" we get from lakes, rivers and the sea. So, to keep our food systems healthy and sustainable, we must manage them as one interconnected whole. w/ Jeff Opperman Brent Loken WWF WWF Science UBC Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries IUCN Henry Hansen, Mesfin Mekonnen

“It is in our and future generations’ best interest to be advocates for the health of our rivers, lakes, and streams.” WWF's Michele Thieme tells Food Tank's Gillian Tarrant that protecting migratory freshwater fish means safeguarding ecosystems vital to nature and people. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/g2h_SanR

Countries have agreed to protect 30% of the world’s oceans by 2030. Still, more research is needed to determine how marine protected areas (MPAs) can assist coastal communities in sustaining their livelihoods. A new study published today in One Earth by World Wildlife Fund, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, and Duke University shows that well-managed MPAs that allow for regulated fishing and sustainable tourism can contribute up to 14% of global fisheries nutrient supply. Read the full study here: https://lnkd.in/dEgMezaf

Freshwater species populations have declined by 85% since 1970, the steepest drop among monitored wildlife populations, per the Living Planet Report. Freshwater ecosystems are vital—they supply clean water, support agriculture, and sustain countless species. This dramatic loss of species populations signals that our freshwater systems are under immense pressure, and we must act to protect and restore them. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gmbdKER

The Living Planet Report reveals that pressures on nature have grown to crisis proportions. Global monitored wildlife populations have suffered an average decline of 73% over just 50 years—less than the span of a person’s lifetime. The loss of species populations signals the unravelling of ecosystems that sustain all life on Earth, as human activities push the planet toward potentially irrevocable tipping points. The good news is that we still have time to change course and deliver on global commitments to protect 30% of the world’s lands and waters by 2030. To get there, the United States has a critical role to play. The US government can and should build on its long history of bipartisan support for international conservation, accelerate investments in multilateral environmental institutions, and pull key policy levers that deliver support for locally-driven conservation. More from our Chief Conservation Officer, Nik Sekhran: