Biodiversity, biocapacity and better choices

One Planet perspectiveMost people essentially desire the same thing: A life where needsare met; to be safe and healthy; to be able to explore interestsand realize potential; and to improve well-being. Along with thesepersonal aspirations, they have the support of all 193 memberstates of the United Nations, which have committed under variousinternational agreements to end poverty, ensure safe drinkingwater, protect biodiversity and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.The trends and analyses outlined in this report suggestthat under “business as usual”, such expectations and commitmentswill become increasingly difficult to meet.In order to reverse the declining Living Planet Index, bringthe Ecological Footprint down to within planetary limits, avoiddangerous climate change and achieve sustainable development,a fundamental reality must be embedded as the basis of economies,business models and lifestyles: The Earth’s natural capital –biodiversity, ecosystems and ecosystem services – is limited.WWF’s One Planet perspective explicitly proposes tomanage, govern and share natural capital within the Earth’secological boundaries. In addition to safeguarding and restoringthis natural capital, WWF seeks better choices along the entiresystem of production and consumption, supported by redirectedfinancial flows and more equitable resource governance. All ofthis, and more, is required to decouple human development fromunsustainable consumption (moving away from material andenergy-intensive commodities), to avoid greenhouse gas emissions,to maintain ecosystem integrity, and to promote pro-poor growthand development (Figure 58).The One Planet perspective reminds us that our choicesare highly interdependent. Preserving natural capital, for example,will affect decisions and possible outcomes relating to the way weproduce and consume. Financial flows and governance structureswill similarly determine to a great extent whether productionand consumption choices will actually contribute to biodiversityconservation, ecosystem integrity and, ultimately, food, waterand energy for all.This chapter outlines the top 16 priority actions requiredfor living within the means of one planet. Implementing sucha paradigm shift will be a tremendous challenge. We all faceuncomfortable choices and trade-offs, but only by taking brave,informed decisions can healthy, sustainable and equitable humansocieties be ensured, now and into the future.WWF’s One Planetperspectiveproposes tomanage, governand share naturalcapital within theEarth’s ecologicalboundariesFigure 58: OnePlanet perspectiveThe centre panelsreflect better choicesfor managing, usingand sharing naturalresources within OnePlanet limitations andensuring food, waterand energy security.Redirected financial flowsand equitable resourcegovernance are essentialenabling factors.€$¥RedirectFinancialFlowsValue natureAccount forenvironmentaland social costsSupport and rewardconservation,sustainable resourcemanagementand innovationECOSYSTEMINTEGRITYBETTER CHOICESFROM A ONE PLANETPERSPECTIVEPreserve Natural Capital• Restore damaged ecosystems andecosystem services• Halt loss of priority habitats• Significantly expand the globalprotected areas networkProduce Better• Significantly reduce inputs and wastein production systems• Manage resources sustainably• Scale-up renewable energy productionConsume More Wisely• Achieve low-footprint lifestyles• Change energy consumption patterns• Promote healthy consumption patternsBIODIVERSITYCONSERVATIONEquitableResourceGovernanceShare availableresourcesMake fair andecologicallyinformed choicesMeasure successbeyond GDPFOOD, WATER ANDENERGY SECURITYWWF Living Planet Report 2012 page 106 Chapter 4: Better choices for a living planet page 107