Biodiversity in Earth Science 6

The variety of life on Earth at all levels, from genes to ecosystems. It includes diversity within species (genetic), between species (species), and of ecosystems (ecosystem).

The interactions between species, such as mutualism (both benefit) and parasitism (one benefits at the expense of the other), influence species richness and dynamics within ecosystems.

The availability of suitable habitats, ecological niches, and diverse environments provides opportunities for species to thrive and diversify. Generally, larger and less fragmented habitats have higher biodiversity.

Climate patterns significantly impact species distribution, abundance, and interactions within ecosystems. Warm, moist climates tend to support higher biodiversity than cold, dry environments.

Essential nutrients for plant growth, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, influence vegetation and food webs, impacting overall ecosystem biodiversity.

Geological processes like volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, and mountain formation can reshape landscapes, leading to species extinction or new opportunities for evolution and diversification.

Genetic mutations, natural selection, and speciation drive biodiversity over long periods. Adaptive radiation is one example where one species branches into multiple new species.

Biodiversity plays a crucial role in the global carbon cycle. Plants absorb CO2 through photosynthesis, influencing atmospheric CO2 levels. Decomposition of organic matter by various decomposers is also essential.

The process by which decomposers and other organisms break down organic matter, creating fertile soil.

The ability of aquatic ecosystems to filter out pollutants and maintain clean water through the actions of various organisms.

The process of destroying natural habitats due to human activities like logging, urbanization, and agriculture, resulting in species loss.

The introduction of harmful substances into the environment, like chemicals, air pollutants, and plastic waste, affecting the health of ecosystems and biodiversity.

The excessive harvesting of resources like fish or trees at unsustainable rates, leading to population decline and potential extinction.

The changes in Earth's climate due to human activities, including rising temperatures, altered rainfall patterns, and extreme weather events, threatening biodiversity.

The introduction of non-native species to new environments, disrupting native ecosystems and causing harm through competition or predation.

Strategies to protect biodiversity by creating protected areas like national parks, managing resources sustainably, conserving endangered species, and reducing pollution.

This standard outlines how financial institutions should manage their environmental and social impacts, including their investments and loans. It promotes transparency, accountability, and sustainable practices within the financial sector.

This standard sets requirements for companies involved in projects that may impact cultural heritage, such as infrastructure development. It emphasizes respect for cultural values, stakeholder engagement, and safeguarding historical sites.

This standard is about how companies engage with communities and stakeholders during all phases of a project, from planning to implementation. It emphasizes transparency, communication, and addressing concerns of potentially affected groups.

This standard requires businesses to identify and manage potential environmental and social risks and impacts associated with their projects. It promotes a structured approach to assessing risks and implementing appropriate mitigation measures.

This standard requires companies to actively involve local communities and stakeholders in their projects and decision-making processes. This includes identifying and understanding their rights and concerns.

This standard is about creating a comprehensive environmental and social management system within a company. It requires a commitment to continuous improvement, monitoring, and review.

The Bank will set out mandatory procedures to protect the environment and social well-being during project development and implementation.

The Bank uses these standards for projects it supports, focusing on labor conditions, resource efficiency, community impacts, land issues, biodiversity, indigenous groups, and pollution.

This standard emphasizes the importance of having a clear plan and process for addressing grievances raised by stakeholders. This can include complaints about environmental or social impacts of a project.

This standard addresses the importance of having the necessary resources, expertise, and commitment within an organization to effectively implement environmental and social management systems.

The Bank will create a detailed document outlining how to evaluate a project's environmental and social impact before it receives financing.

The Bank will provide supplementary guidance and tools to help both Borrowers and Bank staff implement these standards and promote transparency.

These procedures are mandatory and apply to all projects seeking financial support from the Bank.

This framework aims to assist borrowers in implementing the standards, aid Bank staff in due diligence, and enhance transparency for all stakeholders.

The Bank will also issue guidance and information tools in addition to mandatory procedures to help borrowers implement these standards.

The framework aims to improve transparency and promote good practices in project financing.

Economic growth that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

The practice of using resources in a way that ensures their availability for future generations.

The World Bank's approach to development that prioritizes economic growth, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability.

The reduction of greenhouse gas emissions to mitigate climate change.

The ability of a system to withstand and adapt to climate change impacts.

Inclusive economic growth benefits everyone, regardless of their background.

The World Bank's commitment to supporting countries in managing their economies and adapting to climate change while reducing poverty.

The World Bank aims to ensure projects funded by it have minimal negative impacts on the environment and society.

The World Bank's framework ensures that environmental and social risks and impacts are addressed throughout a project's life cycle, promoting sustainable development.

The Borrower is responsible for identifying, assessing, and mitigating environmental and social risks and impacts.

The Bank's Environmental and Social Standards (ESS) set specific requirements for the Borrower and the project, ensuring that environmental and social considerations are integrated into all stages of the project.

The Bank offers additional guidance and information resources to support the Borrower in implementing the ESS and promoting transparency.

The Bank has established grievance mechanisms to address concerns from project-affected parties, providing channels for communication and resolution.

The World Bank's Inspection Panel is an independent body that investigates complaints regarding the Bank's compliance with its own policies and procedures.

Project-affected parties have multiple avenues to raise their concerns, including direct contact with the Bank, the Bank's Grievance Redress Service, and local grievance mechanisms.

The Bank's Environmental and Social Framework, ESS, grievance mechanisms, and Inspection Panel are interconnected, forming a system to promote responsible and sustainable project development.

A Borrower is deemed to be in urgent need of assistance due to a disaster, such as natural or man-made. For example, rebuilding after an earthquake or a conflict.

The Bank may intervene to provide assistance if a country faces capacity limitations, especially in fragile situations. This might include helping them manage resources or tackle specific vulnerabilities.

The Bank requires Borrowers to demonstrate their lack of control over Associated Facilities by providing detailed explanations. This ensures transparency and accountability.

The Bank's Environmental and Social Policy involves assessing and managing environmental and social risks and impacts during project development and implementation.

The Bank will conduct due diligence to evaluate the environmental and social risks associated with a project, taking into account its scale and potential impact.

The Bank's policy encourages early and ongoing engagement with stakeholders, especially affected communities, throughout the project lifecycle.

The Bank requires borrowers to implement grievance mechanisms to handle complaints related to environmental or social issues arising from the project.

The Bank's policy requires borrowers to address social issues such as labor standards, Indigenous peoples' rights, and community impacts.

The Bank's policy requires an environmental assessment and management plan to address potential environmental impacts, such as pollution and biodiversity loss.

The Bank's Environmental and Social Policy essentially replaces its previous Operational Policy and Bank Procedures, streamlining its approach to environmental and social issues.

The Bank will provide guidance and resources, such as information tools, to help borrowers implement the environmental and social standards.