Short answer
Integrate ecological impact assessments into the early stages of the design process, favouring materials and manufacturing methods that support biodiversity and ecosystem health.
- Field
- Sustainability
- Source
- LA Referencia (Red Federada de Repositorios Institucionales de Publicaciones Científicas) (2019)
- Method
- Global assessment report synthesizing scientific literature and expert knowledge.
- Evidence
- Strong effect
The degradation of ecosystems and loss of biodiversity directly undermine the natural resources and services essential for human survival and economic prosperity. This sustainability research insight is drawn from a 2019 study published in LA Referencia (Red Federada de Repositorios Institucionales de Publicaciones Científicas). Using Global assessment report synthesizing scientific literature and expert knowledge., researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Integrate ecological impact assessments into the early stages of the design process, favouring materials and manufacturing methods that support biodiversity and ecosystem health.
Biodiversity loss significantly impacts human well-being and economic stability.
The degradation of ecosystems and loss of biodiversity directly undermine the natural resources and services essential for human survival and economic prosperity.
LA Referencia (Red Federada de Repositorios Institucionales de Publicaciones Científicas) · 2019
Key Findings
- 01Human activities have profoundly altered nature across most land and ocean areas.
- 02The average abundance of native species in well-studied land-based ecosystems has fallen by at least 20 percent, primarily since the 1900s.
- 03Around 1 million animal and plant species are now threatened with extinction, many within decades.
- 04Ecosystem degradation has led to significant losses in nature's contributions to people, impacting food security, human health, and livelihoods.
- 05Transformative changes are needed to ensure the conservation and sustainable use of nature.
Application
Design takeaway
Integrate ecological impact assessments into the early stages of the design process, favouring materials and manufacturing methods that support biodiversity and ecosystem health.
How to apply
When selecting materials for a product, research their origin and the impact of their extraction and processing on local ecosystems. Consider if a biodegradable or recyclable material would have a lesser impact than a virgin, non-renewable one.
Project actions
- 01When designing a product, consider the 'end-of-life' scenario and how it might impact the environment.
- 02Research the biodiversity impact of the materials you are considering using.
- 03Explore how your design could contribute to restoring or protecting ecosystems, rather than just minimizing harm.
Method & Evidence
Variables
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- +Comprehensive global synthesis of scientific data.
- +Authoritative and widely cited report.
- +Highlights the direct link between environmental health and human society.
Limitations
The global scale of the report means specific local impacts might not be detailed. Quantifying the exact impact of a single product on global biodiversity is challenging.
Reliability & validity
The report's reliability is high due to its rigorous peer-review process and synthesis of numerous scientific studies. Validity is strong as it addresses a critical global issue with broad scientific consensus.
Think critically
Given the scale of biodiversity loss, can individual product designs truly make a significant difference, or is systemic change in consumption patterns and industrial practices more crucial?
Design Principles
"Design for ecological resilience and regeneration, minimizing negative impacts on biodiversity and ecosystem services throughout the product's life cycle."
This report highlights the interconnectedness of environmental health and human society, emphasizing that unsustainable practices lead to tangible negative consequences. For design, understanding these impacts is crucial for designing products and systems that are not only functional but also environmentally responsible and resilient.
What This Means for Your Design
We're damaging the planet's natural systems (like forests and oceans) by how we live and make things, which is bad for both nature and us because we rely on these systems for food, clean air, and water. We need to change how we design and use things to stop this damage.
How to use in your project
- 1.Use the findings to justify the selection of sustainable materials or manufacturing processes in your project.
- 2.Frame your design problem around addressing an issue highlighted in the report, such as reducing plastic waste or promoting biodiversity-friendly agriculture.
- 3.Discuss the long-term environmental implications of your design choices, referencing the report's findings on ecosystem services.
Add to My Project
Quick Cite
Paragraph starter
The global assessment report on biodiversity and ecosystem services (Díaz et al., 2019) underscores the profound impact of human activities on natural systems, noting that approximately 1 million species are threatened with extinction due to ecosystem degradation. This highlights the critical need for designers to adopt a sustainability-first approach, considering the full life cycle of products and their potential to either harm or support biodiversity and essential ecosystem services. My design aims to mitigate these impacts by [briefly explain how your design does this, e.g., using recycled materials, promoting local ecosystems, reducing pollution].
Source
LA Referencia (Red Federada de Repositorios Institucionales de Publicaciones Científicas)
Summary for policymakers of the global assessment report on biodiversity and ecosystem services of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services
journal · 2019
View sourceQuestions About This Research
- What does the research say about biodiversity loss significantly impacts human well-being and economic stability?
- Integrate ecological impact assessments into the early stages of the design process, favouring materials and manufacturing methods that support biodiversity and ecosystem health. Evidence: LA Referencia (Red Federada de Repositorios Institucionales de Publicaciones Científicas) (2019).
- Why does "Biodiversity loss significantly impacts human well-being and economic stability." matter for design?
- This report highlights the interconnectedness of environmental health and human society, emphasizing that unsustainable practices lead to tangible negative consequences. For IB DT, understanding these impacts is crucial for designing products and systems that are not only functional but also environmentally responsible and resilient.
- How can designers apply this research?
- Integrate ecological impact assessments into the early stages of the design process, favouring materials and manufacturing methods that support biodiversity and ecosystem health.
- What were the main findings?
- Human activities have profoundly altered nature across most land and ocean areas.. The average abundance of native species in well-studied land-based ecosystems has fallen by at least 20 percent, primarily since the 1900s.. Around 1 million animal and plant species are now threatened with extinction, many within decades.. Ecosystem degradation has led to significant losses in nature's contributions to people, impacting food security, human health, and livelihoods.
- What research method was used?
- Global assessment report synthesizing scientific literature and expert knowledge..
- How strong is the evidence?
- Evidence strength is rated Strong effect, based on a 2019 journal from LA Referencia (Red Federada de Repositorios Institucionales de Publicaciones Científicas).
- What should I do differently in my next project?
- When selecting materials for a product, research their origin and the impact of their extraction and processing on local ecosystems. Consider if a biodegradable or recyclable material would have a lesser impact than a virgin, non-renewable one.
- What are the limitations?
- The report is a synthesis and may not capture all localized nuances; economic valuation of ecosystem services can be complex and contested.