The biodiversity-climate-food nexus: Illustrating challenges and solutions using the Green Shoots framework

Abstract

Responding to the twin challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss is critical but so is avoiding any unintended consequences of these responses for other sustainability goals such as food security. Here, we explore synergies and trade-offs across the biodiversity-climate-food nexus through the recently developed Green Shoots framework. This approach highlights how different response options (dietary change, sustainable food production and fisheries, afforestation/reforestation, and bioenergy) can have multiple co-benefits, although some can also pose risks to biodiversity, climate change, or food security. Integrated responses are needed, but ultimately, success depends on how effectively they are implemented, and not on the type of response option per se. Society is at a critical juncture for the sustainability of most natural and food systems with today’s choices affecting tomorrow’s outcomes, and the Green Shoots provide an approach to inform these choices.