The state of nature is deteriorating worldwide – and with it, its vital contributions to humanity. This is stated in the global assessment by the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES). Is there a biodiversity crisis in Germany as well? – And if so, what are the reasons, and what can we do about it? These questions are explored by 150 authors from 75 institutions and associations in the "Biodiversity Fact Check." Biodiversity is also declining right at our doorstep. Important habitats are disappearing, once common species are becoming rare, and many ecosystems are impoverished and undergoing rapid change. The driving forces behind this – cleared landscapes, intensive land use, pollution from foreign substances, and climate change – stem from human activity. However, there is also good news: as the main contributors, we have the power to reverse this trend. The "Biodiversity Fact Check" presents encouraging examples and analyzes what works in practice and, more importantly, under what conditions we are willing to actively engage for biodiversity. A societal transformation towards an economy that works with, not against, biodiversity is necessary – and possible.

This summary condenses the key findings from the book "Biodiversity Fact Check" into 38 core statements for societal decision-making.