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"Now is the time for urgent action. Nature underpins our very existence and livelihoods and is integral to the effective functioning and well-being of urban communities"
- Valérie Plante, Mayor of the City of Montréal & ICLEI’s Global Ambassador for Local Biodiversity
Biodiversity is the variety of plants, animals, and other species interacting with their environment to maintain the balance of nature. In cities, these environments include the natural areas, urban landscapes, and other built environments that these species call home.
The City of Los Angeles is fortunate to be located within a globally recognized hotspot of native biodiversity. While Los Angeles is a biodiversity jewel, this designation also means that the biodiversity here is threatened, and innovative strategies are needed to ensure its resilience and sustainability. The survival and well-being of the City’s residents also depend on ecosystem services provided by biodiversity. How can Los Angeles and other cities protect biodiversity while fostering urban growth and sustainability?
Topics and panelists:
- Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services - Dr. Eric Strauss, President's Professor of Biology at Loyola Marymount University and Executive Director of the Center for Urban Resilience (CURes) Bio
- Global Policy Landscape and Financial Models of Biodiversity Protection – Dr. Tyler Harlan, Associate Professor of Urban and Environmental Studies Bio
- Business Application - Dr. Larry Kalbers. Professor of Accounting and the R. Chad Dreier Chair in Accounting Ethics. Bio
Co-sponsored with the Center for International Business Education.
