Abstract
This lecture is devoted to the current biodiversity crisis. It presents recent studies documenting the sharp and rapid decline in biodiversity and its consequences for human beings in terms of ecosystem services (recycling of organic matter, soil fertility, regulation of water andCO2 flows,CO2 storage, food, prevention of epidemics, erosion and flooding, medicines, cultural benefits, etc.). In particular, we examine the threats to biodiversity posed by invasive species, pesticides, the destruction of natural habitats and climate change.
