The value of planet Earth’s biodiversity has been estimated at US $16-54 trillion per year. Trillions of dollars of food, raw materials, pharmaceuticals, oxygen production, soil nutrient enrichment, climate regulation and sheer aesthetic delight and wonder. We are reliant on biodiversity to keep the plant healthy and resilient.

The 2nd edition of Biodiversity and Conservation continues offers an introductory guide through the maze of interdisciplinary themes that combine under the concept of ‘biodiversity.’ Using engaging examples throughout the text combines biological sciences with its insights into the origins, variety and distribution of biodiversity, with the analysis of the social and political context, the threats to and opportunities for the survival of natural systems. Whilst retaining its existing structure the new edition reflects advances that have demonstrated the importance of living systems as drivers of environmental services vital to human health and security. The processes driving the creation and distribution of biodiversity have been updated to reflect new research. The final chapter has been revised to tackle more explicitly the contrasting approaches to conservation.

The text remains the only introductory book bringing together the full range of science and social sciences, theory and practice that goes to make up biodiversity and conservation.