Loss of biodiversity is one of the greatest challenges facing humanity today.

Extinction of animals, plants and other organisms threaten life support systems on which we depend, like food, fresh air and clean water.

In fact, healthy ecosystems are essential to achieving most of the UN Sustainable Development Goals – for which the deadline is now merely ten years away.

This is what we know. And that should be enough to take action.

But on top of that, there is so much that we don’t know yet: In the search for new medicines, clean fuels and ways to feed a growing population, biodiversity is a critical factor.

Our forests and oceans are full of discoveries just waiting to be made: keys to solving our world’s big challenges, keys we simply cannot afford to throw away.

We need to gain a deeper knowledge about our complex ecosystems, and a broader understanding of how very fragile they are. Science provides us with this – and helps us make the right decisions for the future.

Ladies and gentlemen. In a time when so much revolves around the acute problems caused by the ongoing pandemic, it is important that we don’t lose sight of the bigger picture, and the long-term challenges that humanity faces.

In light of this, initiatives such as the Volvo Environment Prize are more important than ever.

Professor Kremen, please accept my warmest congratulations on this recognition of your important work. And the best of luck with your continued research!