Presenting the scientific discourse of biodiversity loss through drivers, solutions, and responsibilities.

Abstract

Biodiversity loss is considered a major global issue, but at the same time, scientists interpret it differently, identifying varied drivers, solutions, and responsibilities in their published works. These interpretations shape the scientific narratives these scientists use to discuss biodiversity loss, which, in turn, affects policy through the biodiversity science-policy interface. However, a comprehensive overview of these different narratives within biodiversity loss literature is lacking. To address this gap in knowledge, we conducted a literature review of contemporary, global biodiversity literature and a discursive network analysis based on biodiversity loss drivers, solutions, and responsibilities. We identified seven narratives that represent an overview of the scientific discourse on biodiversity loss. We determined that the narratives identify different key drivers of biodiversity loss and often focus primarily on either drivers, solutions, or responsibilities, whereas some neglect societal dimensions. Moreover, our research showed that the commonly used Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) categorization of direct drivers of biodiversity loss is reflected in only one of the seven narratives, thereby indicating its limited prevalence across the literature. Thus, this study will help biodiversity scientists develop more holistic biodiversity loss narratives by recognizing the limitations of the narratives they currently use. Additionally, our findings can assist policymakers in identifying relevant but less common narratives in the biodiversity science-policy literature that may help them develop policies.