G7 Statement “Ocean and Cryosphere: The Need for Urgent International Action” (2022)
Ocean and cryosphere act as one of our planet’s most efficient early warning systems for climate change. Both in Antarctica and Greenland, ice loss has strongly accelerated. The rate of sea level rise has more than doubled in the last two decades. Warming and acidification of the ocean have significant impacts on the global climate. The permafrost thaw further intensifies global warming. In view of these dramatic developments, the G7 Academies call for a massive reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, the global protection of marine ecosystems, the engagement of all forms of knowledge for solutions, and the enhancement international scientific cooperation and data sharing for an Earth observation and forecasting system. Direct link to PDF

G7 Statement “Reversing biodiversity loss – the case for urgent action” (2021)
Biodiversity decline can only be reversed in a joint effort and with coordinated measures, as the G7 Academies write in their statement, “Reversing biodiversity loss – the case for urgent action”. The experts recommend solutions that consider the need for action at all levels of society as well as other global challenges, such as climate change. They also propose a global information and monitoring network to support countries in meeting biodiversity targets and to monitor progress at the regional and international levels. Direct Link to PDF

Ad hoc Statement “Maintaining open access to Digital Sequence Information” (2021)
Genetic information can be rapidly decoded using high-throughput methods and made available in openly accessible Digital Sequence Information (DSI) databases. This genetic information is used for comparative analyses and is indispensable for life science research. In the course of implementing the Nagoya Protocol, there is currently a discussion about equitable international sharing of economic benefits arising from such data use. Access restrictions or payment of fees are being discussed. The German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina points out that restrictions would have a seriously detrimental effect on research as well as biodiversity conservation. Direct Link to PDF

Statement “Biodiversity management of agricultural landscapes – Wide-ranging action is now crucial” (2020)
The biodiversity in Germany's agricultural landscape has declined considerably in recent years, even in nature reserves. In their joint statement, the German Academies of Sciences make recommendations in eight fields of action. They state the protection of biodiversity as an urgent and complex challenge. A change in society as a whole towards sustainable farming is required. Direct Link to PDF  To the digital dossier

G7 Statement “Global Insect Declines and the Potential Erosion of Vital Ecosystem Services” (2020)
A great majority of insects provide unique and irreplaceable ecosystem services, including pollination, recycling, and nutrient provisioning. Joining with others who have argued for specific measures to protect insect biodiversity, this statement of the G-Science academies urge implementation and public support of actions. Direkt zum PDF

Discussion Paper “Global Biodiversity in Crisis – What can Germany and the EU do about it?” (2020)
Scientists from various disciplines within the fields of biodiversity, ecology, economics, anthropology, and integrated land system research have addressed issues relating to the global crisis of biological diversity. In the resulting discussion paper “Global Biodiversity in Crisis – What can Germany and the EU do about it?” and the accompanying documentation volume, the authors indicate how Germany and Europe should act to achieve the common goal of halting the loss of biodiversity. Direct link to PDF

IPBES-Report “Global Assessment on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services” (2019)
The 132 member states of the World Biodiversity Council (IPBES) adopted the Global Assessment Report's summary on May 4th, 2019, in Paris. The report provides an overview of the global state of biodiversity and ecosystem services. It states that around 1 million animal and plant species are currently threatened with extinction.

G20-Statement “Threats to Coastal and Marine Ecosystems, and Conservation of the Ocean Environment” (2019)
A healthy coastal and marine environment is essential for the ongoing sustainable development of human society. The G20 academies of sciences led by the Japanese Science Council have prepared a statement with recommendations for improving marine protection on the occasion of the G20 summit on June 28th and 29th in Osaka (Japan). Direct link to PDF

Statement “Species decline in the agricultural landscape” (2018)
DBiodiversity in Germany has declined significantly over the past 25 years. The working group “Biodiversity in Agricultural Landscapes” of the German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina, the Union of the German Academies of Sciences and Humanities and acatech - German Academy of Science and Engineering outlines possible courses of action in this brief statement. Direct link to PDF

Discussion Paper “The Silent Spring – On the need for sustainable plant protection” (2018)
Alongside climate change, major changes to global nutrient cycles, the destruction of habitats and other factors, pesticide contamination plays a significant role in the concept of planetary boundaries, which suggests that crossing critical thresholds leads to profound disturbances in the Earth system processes. Direct link to PDF

G7-Statement “Future of the Ocean: Impact of Human Activities on Marine Systems” (2015)
The statement drawn up by the G7 national academies of sciences on the occasion of the G7 summit in Schloss Elmau in early June 2015 deals with the pollution of the oceans with heavy metal discharges and plastic waste. Urgent topics are particularly the acidification and warming of the oceans caused by climate change and the eutrophication caused by nitrogen input from agriculture. Direct link to PDF

Statement “Challenges and Opportunities of Integrative Taxonomy for Research and Society” (2014)
Taxonomy, the science of identifying, describing and classifying living organisms, is currently experiencing a technological revolution. The goal of cataloguing our planet's entire range of biological diversity is thus within reach. The German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina has issued a statement with recommendations for policymakers, research, and society. Direct link to PDF