Biodiversity is the variety of all life on Earth, from genes and bacteria to entire ecosystems such as forests or coral reefs or even deserts – and what we experience around us is influenced by humans. We depend on biodiversity at the same time as we are exploiting it – for food, water, livelihoods, absorption of more than half of all carbon emissions – and for economic growth.
All our use of nature, however, has led to more than a million species being threatened with extinction, within the lifetime of many of us, within decades. 85% of our wetlands, salt marshes, mangroves have disappeared entirely – and these are systems that absorb large amounts of carbon. And our use of nature is the largest driver of loss of biodiversity. Can we protect biodiversity and still develop technology for a better society? And how can this work be seen in connection with our obligations to the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG)?
SINTEFs strategic work with Biodiversity and area use will put the spotlight on protection of biodiversity, at the complex intersection of society, technology and nature. Our goal is to develop technology and make positive changes, on nature’s own terms.
Sustainable development is central in SINTEFs work. Our vision is “Technology for a better society”. We make holistic solutions for a green future, within the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals, some of which are also critical for protection and sustainable use of biodiversity. To follow this up, it is crucial to collaborate with actors from outside SINTEF as well, with different and complementary expertise.
