Introduction

The IPBES Nexus Assessment examines interactions between biodiversity, water, food, health and climate change. Prepared by 165 experts using around 6,500 publications and Indigenous and local knowledge, it finds fragmented policymaking creates trade-offs, weakens resilience and reduces long-term sustainability.

Chapter 1 – Introducing the nexus assessment

The report identifies biodiversity loss, climate change, pollution, land and sea-use change, invasive alien species and resource exploitation as major interconnected drivers affecting ecosystems and human wellbeing. Ecosystem degradation is linked to water insecurity, food instability and higher health risks, including zoonotic diseases.

The assessment builds on earlier IPBES and IPCC reports showing that economic systems have prioritised short-term production and market outcomes over ecosystem regulation and sustainability.

Chapter 2 – Status, trends and future dynamics of the nexus elements

Pressures on biodiversity, freshwater systems and food production are increasing simultaneously. Climate change is expected to intensify droughts, ecosystem degradation and health risks, while agricultural expansion and pollution continue to damage biodiversity and water quality.

Scenario analysis indicates that current development pathways will worsen trade-offs across nexus elements. Integrated pathways combining conservation, sustainable production and pollution reduction provide stronger long-term outcomes.

Chapter 3 – Interlinkages among nexus elements

The report highlights strong interdependencies between biodiversity, water, food, health and climate systems. Biodiversity decline weakens pollination, soil health and ecosystem resilience while increasing vulnerability to climate and disease risks.

Food production systems are identified as both drivers of environmental degradation and areas with significant reform potential. The assessment stresses that water governance, land-use planning and health systems should be managed together rather than through isolated policies.

Chapter 4 – Response options for delivering sustainable approaches

The assessment identifies response options with broad co-benefits across nexus elements, including agroecology, ecological intensification, sustainable healthy diets, efficient agricultural water use, ecosystem restoration and pollution reduction.

Additional measures include reducing food loss and waste, restoring wetlands and mangroves, improving wastewater management and implementing integrated landscape and seascape approaches. Some interventions, including dam operations and offshore wind expansion, may create unintended trade-offs if poorly managed.

Bundled approaches are considered more effective than isolated measures. Combining sustainable diets, ecosystem restoration and agricultural reform can reduce land conversion, improve health outcomes and lower greenhouse gas emissions simultaneously.

Chapter 5 – Options for delivering sustainable approaches to climate change adaptation and mitigation, including relevant aspects of the energy system

The report finds ecosystem-based adaptation and restoration support both biodiversity conservation and climate mitigation. Forests, wetlands, peatlands and mangroves are identified as important carbon sinks and resilience mechanisms.

Integrated planning is recommended to reduce conflicts between climate mitigation projects, energy development and biodiversity outcomes.

Chapter 6 – Options for delivering sustainable approaches to public and private finance for biodiversity-related elements of the nexus

The assessment concludes that current finance systems often reinforce environmentally harmful activities through subsidies and poorly aligned incentives. It recommends aligning financial flows and infrastructure investment with biodiversity and climate objectives.

Chapter 7 – Summary and synthesis of options, knowledge and technology gaps and capacity development

The report concludes that integrated governance, policy coordination and inclusive participation are necessary to manage nexus trade-offs effectively. It identifies gaps in institutional capacity, monitoring systems and technology access, particularly in lower-income regions.