A global biological conservation horizon scan of issues for 2023

We present the results of our 14th horizon scan of issues we expect to influence biological conservation in the future. From an initial set of 102 topics, our global panel of 30 scientists and practitioners identified 15 issues we consider most urgent for societies worldwide to address. Issues are novel within biological conservation or represent a substantial positive or negative step change at global or regional scales. Issues such as submerged artificial light fisheries and accelerating upper ocean currents could have profound negative impacts on marine or coastal ecosystems. We also identified potentially positive technolog-ical advances, including energy production and storage, improved fertilisation methods, and expansion of biodegradable materials. If effectively managed, these technologies could realise future benefits for biological diversity.

Automated summary

We present the results of our 14th horizon scan, identifying 15 urgent issues for global societies to address in biological conservation. These issues involve novel challenges or significant positive/negative changes at global or regional scales. Submerged artificial light fisheries and accelerating ocean currents have the potential to negatively impact marine ecosystems, while technological advances in energy production and biodegradable materials could benefit biological diversity if effectively managed.