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MAIN BENEFITS OF URBAN BIODIVERSITY

Improves air quality; vegetation acts as natural air filter.

Promotes thermal comfort and attenuate the heat island effect.

Absorbs and Disperses noise; natural noise buffer.

Regulates water infiltration and reduction of erosion and runoff.

Improves biophilia and resilience of the city ecosystem.

Prevents pests and regulate populations of harmful animals.

Mitigates climate change by conserving healthy vegetation that stores carbon dioxide.

Reduces stress and improves and promotes physical and mental health.

Reduces public insecurity and promotes local commerce.

Has Positive Impact on local economy.

“RESTORING THE LINK BETWEEN CITIES AND NATURE”

see video

CITIES ON THE FRONT LINE OF NATURE LOSS

AN OUTSIZED PROBLEM

Cities occupy 2% of the world’s surface, and use 75% of the world’s resources to generate 80% of global GDP.

A PROBLEM FOR NATURE

The built environment has grown by

66% since the start of the century, resulting in destruction and degradation of natural habitats and tree coverage.

A GROWING PROBLEM

55% of the world’s population live in urban areas, and this is forecast to grow to 80% by 2050.

A CLIMATE PROBLEM

Urban areas are responsible for over 75% of global carbon emissions

A PROBLEM FOR HUMANITY

Our economic system and our future is completely reliant on nature, with ecosystem services valued at US$33 trillion annually.


4.2 millions
Premature deaths caused by ambient pollution each year.

1.4 billions
The number of people at high or extreme risk from natural hazards due to climate change in urban areas.

99%
Of the world’s population breathes polluted air.

44%
Global GDP from cities estimated to be at risk of disruption from nature loss

3-5 degrees
Increase in air temperatures in cities compared to surrounding areas.

58%
Cities considered “highly exposed” to natural hazards (cyclones, floods, drought, landslides).

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS

"Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages"
"Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable"
"Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss"

Urban Biodiversity in the International Framework

CONVENTION ON BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY

see

International Union for the Conservation of NatureGlobal

see

ICLEI: Local Governments for Sustainability

see

The World Bank – Global Platform for Sustainable Cities

see