Faktencheck Artenvielfalt

Consequences of current biodiversity changes for ecosystems and society


The topic area “Consequences of current biodiversity changes for ecosystems and society” focuses on the environmental implications of changes in biodiversity and community composition, which are described in the chapter “Trends & direct drivers of biodiversity change”.

Biodiversity is the basis of many ecosystem functions and services and enhances stability and resilience, i.e. the adaptability of our ecosystems. In this context, changes in biodiversity have impacts at different spatial and temporal scales. In addition, potential trade-offs between different functions may occur if changes have a positive effect on one ecosystem function but a negative one on another. Given all these factors, it is generally difficult to predict the impact of biodiversity changes on an ecosystem. Biodiversity conservation measures have specific impacts on ecosystem functions and services as well. These measures can be synergistic, but in some cases they can also contradict each other and lead to conflicting goals.

This topic area compiles an overview of the current state of knowledge on these effects and their scale dependencies based on international and “gray” literature relevant Germany.

Furthermore, societal feedback effects are addressed. Long-term adaptation to biodiversity change or loss of experience with rich biodiversity can lead to societal habituation that impedes the necessary transformation of our land use and economic practices.

Team

Prof. Dr. Christian Wirth
Chair

Prof. Christian Wirth is a plant ecologist and biodiversity researcher. Together with the project management team, he coordinates Faktencheck Artenvielfalt as chair. He also works on the topic area “Consequences” and supports the chapter groups “Forest” and “Inland Waters and Floodplains”.

Universität Leipzig
Institut für Biologie
Spezielle Botanik und Funktionelle Biodiversität
Johannisallee 21-23
04103 Leipzig

Dr. Jori Maylin Marx
Scientific coordinator

Dr. Jori Maylin Marx has studied global change, with a focus on the science-policy interface, and holds a PhD in theoretical ecology. She supports the project management as a scientific coordinator and works together with Prof. Christian Wirth on the topic area “Consequences”. In particular, she supports the chapter groups “Forest” and “Inland Waters and Floodplains”.

Universität Leipzig
Institut für Biologie
Spezielle Botanik und Funktionelle Biodiversität
Johannisallee 21-23
04103 Leipzig

Lea von Sivers
Assistant Coordinator

Lea von Sivers has a master’s degree in molecular life sciences. She assists the scientific coordinator Dr. Jori Marx and works in particular on the topic area “Consequences”.

Universität Leipzig
Institut für Biologie
Spezielle Botanik und Funktionelle Biodiversität
Johannisallee 21-23
04103 Leipzig