Keeping biodiversity in balance helps to ensure stable natural hydrological cycles, fertile soils and a balanced climate. It also provides vital ecosystem services like clean water, food and fuel. And it supports the multi-billion dollar forestry and fishing industries, as well as outdoor tourism and recreational activities.

The human race relies on many species of animals and plants for our very survival. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations estimates that 75 percent of our global crop yields rely on animal pollination and other types of wildlife services, such as grazing, hunting, pest control, nutrient provision and genetic diversity. And the pharmaceutical industry depends on a diverse range of plant species for both natural ingredients and manufactured drugs.

Biodiversity is essential for limiting the impacts of climate change. Forests, coral reefs and other marine biodiversity help to absorb and store carbon, which would otherwise be emitted into the atmosphere as carbon dioxide. In addition, climate change alters the health of ecosystems, creating shifts in the distribution of plants, animals and viruses, and can even lead to the emergence of new diseases.

Biodiversity protects our ability to survive a disaster. A genetically diverse population is better able to resist disease, and this can be passed down from generation to generation. In a world where disease outbreaks are increasingly common, this is important. Without a diverse gene pool, our species could be wiped out by a single virus or pandemic.