H2020 BiodivClim Project: Promote and implement joint programming to strengthen transnational research at the crossroads of biodiversity and climate change

The interaction between biodiversity and climate change is strong, bidirectional, and often positive (actions that support one also benefit the other). While habitat degradation is the primary driver of biodiversity loss, the syndrome of factors directly and indirectly associated with climate change is the dominant threat to biodiversity.

Therefore, it is imperative to understand the interactions between biodiversity and climate change in sufficient detail and confidence to allow them to be incorporated into models and decision-support tools. By networking 36 funding agencies from 25 countries in Europe and beyond, BiodivClim aims to promote coordinated international research on biodiversity and climate change in all environments, including agricultural areas. It will strengthen the coordination of research and research programs with the ultimate goal of providing policymakers and other stakeholders with appropriate knowledge, tools, and practical solutions to enhance the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity and ecosystems in a changing climate.

The objectives of BiodivClim are:

• Coordinate the research agendas of major European and international research funders to agree on shared research priorities related to biodiversity and climate change.
• Strengthen collaboration with other relevant initiatives in the field to increase synergies and avoid fragmentation. Promote dialogue and collaboration between academia and stakeholders, and involve stakeholders in research projects to increase the impact of research on policy and practice.
• Facilitate the rapid and efficient adoption of IPBES and IPCC-funded research results for future assessments, as well as for other relevant initiatives. Strengthen open access to data.