Don´t create more polarisation between humans and nature!

Altinget Debatt 11 June: 
A group of 20 leading experts and researchers in fields related to Nature conservation, Biodiversity and Finance, , several engaged in Mistra BIOPATH, responded in an opinion piece in Altinget to statements made by a number of politicians from the Swedish Conservative party, Moderaterna (DN Debatt 18 May), to correct recurring misconception on conflicts between economical interests and environmental considerations. 

Photo: Jan Erik Henriksson TT.

It is dangerous to polarise

“The question of whether nature conservation should be based primarily on human or natural needs contributes to a dangerous polarisation, argues the researchers. In fact, we depend on biodiversity for food, energy, clothing, building materials, clean water, functioning farmland, clean air, protection against epidemics, pandemics, other disasters and future medicines.”

….

“The opinion piece points to the importance of developing analyses that calculate the value of what affects the environment and the cost of the environment affected. The lesson learnt from such analyses is that it is very difficult to accurately value the benefits of biodiversity, especially in monetary terms. Biodiversity depends on complex interactions between living organisms and their environment. Even the loss of common species can have unforeseen negative consequences. We need to be very humble about the different values we derive from biodiversity, and our inability to calculate them.”

The balance is disrupted

“The panellists are right that we need to strike a balance between human material needs and 'conservation'. But it is precisely that balance that is so extremely disrupted. We have a planet completely dominated by human activity, farming, livestock, cattle, production forests, roads and cities. There is so little 'wild' nature left that biodiversity and ecosystem services are under acute threat and this will ultimately affect humanity.

Whether you favour a view that nature exists for human needs, or a perspective that also takes into account the needs of other living beings, biodiversity is needed for our physical survival and our economies. Both today and tomorrow.”

This is a translated and slightly edited excerpt. 
Link to the full length article in Swedish.