Pathways to a genuinely sustainable future: Insights from the Transformative Change Assessment Report

We welcome the Transformative Change Assessment Report, developed by the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES). February 7, 2025

We welcome the Transformative Change Assessment Report, developed by the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES). Published towards the end of last year, it takes a close look at the root causes of biodiversity loss (and climate change) and outlines the systemic changes urgently needed to reverse this trend. The report stresses the urgency of addressing biodiversity decline, climate change, and environmental degradation through a fundamental restructuring of governance, economies, and societal values. Its findings offer a much-needed strategic foundation for policymakers, businesses, and civil society to ensure a sustainable future.

Why transformative change is essential

Biodiversity underpins human well-being, yet it continues to be eroded by economic and political systems that prioritise short-term gains. The report defines transformative change as “fundamental, system-wide shifts in views, structures and practices. Deliberate transformative change for a just and sustainable world shifts views, structures and practices in ways that address the underlying causes of biodiversity loss and nature’s decline.” This change requires embedding ecological sustainability into all aspects of decision-making, from government policy to corporate strategy and local community action.

“…reaching this vision requires moving beyond traditional extractive economic growth models that rely on infinite growth on a finite planet and embracing policies that integrate long-term ecological and interlinked societal health.”

The 2050 Vision for Biodiversity set out in the Kunming-Montreal Biodiversity Global Biodiversity Framework envisions a world where ecosystems are valued, protected, and used sustainably. This report emphasises how reaching this vision requires moving beyond traditional extractive economic growth models that rely on infinite growth on a finite planet and embracing policies that integrate long-term ecological and interlinked societal health.

Key drivers of biodiversity loss

The report identifies three interconnected systemic drivers of biodiversity decline. The first is a growing disconnection from nature, driven by industrialisation and urbanisation. As societies become more detached from natural ecosystems, unsustainable land use, pollution, and habitat destruction intensify. Secondly, the concentration of wealth and power continues to drive overconsumption and resource exploitation, with vulnerable communities and ecosystems suffering the greatest consequences. Finally, the prioritisation of short-term economic gains over long-term sustainability remains a barrier to meaningful change, as many industries and governments continue to prioritise immediate financial returns over ecological integrity.

Guiding principles for change

Achieving systemic change requires principles that ensure a fair, inclusive, and lasting transition. Equity and justice must be at the core of biodiversity conservation efforts, ensuring that marginalised communities, including Indigenous Peoples, have a say in environmental governance. Integrating diverse knowledge systems is also crucial, as scientific research, local ecological practices, and traditional Indigenous wisdom all provide valuable insights into sustainable land management. Beyond policy shifts, societies must rebuild human-nature relationships, recognising ecosystems as interconnected systems rather than commodities to be exploited. Adaptability is also key, as policies must be responsive to evolving scientific evidence and local realities.

Strategies for systemic transformation

The report outlines several key strategies to drive meaningful change. Restoring and protecting ecosystems is critical, requiring stronger conservation measures, ecosystem restoration, and legal frameworks that recognise nature’s rights. Reforming high-impact sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, and energy is essential, transitioning industries towards regenerative and low-impact models that reduce environmental harm. Economic systems must also be restructured, shifting from GDP-focused growth to circular economies that prioritise sustainability and social well-being. Enhancing governance at all levels ensures that biodiversity goals are integrated into policy decisions, while nurturing stronger institutional support for environmental protection. Additionally, shifting cultural values and societal norms is vital to sustaining long-term change, with education and public engagement playing a key role in fostering ecological awareness and responsibility.

Collective action across sectors

Transformative change requires collaboration across multiple sectors. Governments must implement stronger environmental regulations, redirect harmful subsidies, and integrate biodiversity goals into national planning. Businesses need to commit to sustainable supply chains, invest in nature-positive solutions, and move beyond superficial corporate social responsibility measures. Civil society and local communities play a vital role in advocating for conservation, while academia and researchers must continue providing interdisciplinary insights that inform policy and practice. Individuals also have a role to play, through everyday sustainable choices and active participation in environmental movements and initiatives.

Overcoming barriers to change

Systemic change often faces resistance from entrenched economic interests and political inertia. The report highlights several ways to address these challenges. Redesigning financial incentives is crucial, ensuring that subsidies and investments support sustainability rather than environmental degradation. Raising public awareness and enabling participation in environmental governance can help shift societal expectations and drive policy change. Strengthening legal frameworks is also essential, with clear and enforceable regulations ensuring biodiversity protection and corporate accountability. On a global scale, cultivating international cooperation is necessary for coordinated, large-scale environmental action that transcends national borders.

“Ultimately, it is about reimagining humanity’s place within the web of life to ensure a just and thriving future for all.”

Aligning with Insights from our NbS Conference 2024

The findings of the Transformative Change Assessment Report strongly resonate with discussions from the Nature-based Solutions Conference 2024, a cross-cutting theme of which was the potential for NbS to help enable systemic change. Both highlight the importance of integrating biodiversity conservation with climate adaptation, social equity, and economic resilience. A recurring theme was the recognition of Indigenous leadership and the need for participatory governance. Our conference further emphasised that while nature-based solutions offer practical pathways to resilience, their success depends on ensuring they are implemented with integrity—avoiding greenwashing and tokenistic interventions. These synergies reinforce the necessity of addressing biodiversity loss not as an isolated challenge but as part of a broader societal transformation.

Conclusion

The much anticipated and deeply needed Transformative Change Assessment Report makes a compelling case for tackling biodiversity loss and many other interlinked societal challenges through deep, systemic shifts. In a nutshell, achieving genuine sustainability, as opposed to making the system slightly less unsustainable, requires a holistic transformation of governance, economies, and cultural values, moving beyond short-term fixes toward a long-term, regenerative approach. Ultimately, it is about reimagining humanity’s place within the web of life to ensure a just and thriving future for all.