Two of the most pressing challenges facing the world are eradicating poverty and ensuringthat prosperity and well-being are sustainable. Around 1.3 billion people still live in extremeincome poverty and the human development needs of many more are still not met. Two-thirdsof the services provided by nature – including fertile land, clean water and air – are in declineand climate change and biodiversity loss are close to the limits beyond which there areirreversible effects on human society and the natural environment.