Background reading

URBES will continuously present factsheets, published papers and news items throughout the project, which will all be presented under Information and communication. Here we present the scientific background and framework for the project.

The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB) report originated at the meeting of G8+5 Environment Ministers in Potsdam, Germany in March 2007, where the German Government proposed a global study on “The economic significance of the global loss of biological diversity” as part of the “Potsdam Initiative” for biodiversity.

The 20 Aichi Biodiversity Targets are the key elements of the new Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020, which the 10th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the CBD (COP-10) agreed on in October 2010 in Nagoya, Japan. The plan will be the overarching framework on biodiversity for the entire United Nations system. The targets are organized under five strategic global goals and parties are invited to set their own targets, bearing in mind national contributions to the achievement of the global targets.

The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment is perhaps the single-handedly strongest wake-up call as of lately on the state of the planet. Published in 2005, it assessed the consequences of ecosystem change for human well-being. From 2001 to 2005, the MA involved the work of more than 1,360 experts worldwide.

The World Development Report Development and Climate Change, produced by the World Bank, was published in 2010. Without looking specifically at urban areas, it connects how today’s enormous global development challenges are complicated by the reality of climate change: "The two are inextricably linked and together demand immediate attention. Climate change threatens all countries, but particularly developing ones".