Why Biodiversity Matters More Than You Think | Biodiveristy Council & Sarah Bekessy

What happens when we stop seeing nature as something “out there” — and recognise it as something deeply connected to our everyday lives, health, cities, and future? The Biodiversity Council exists to help Australians better understand and respond to the growing biodiversity crisis. Bringing together some of the country’s leading scientists and experts, the Council translates complex environmental science into practical, accessible action — helping communities, governments, and organisations protect the ecosystems we all depend on. Jo Taranto sits down with Professor Sarah Bekessy, Lead Councillor of the Biodiversity Council and Industry Laureate Professor at the University of Melbourne, for an honest and hopeful conversation about the state of biodiversity in Australia, the human behaviours driving environmental decline, and the practical solutions already making a difference. Together, they explore why biodiversity loss affects far more than wildlife, how cities can be designed to reconnect people with nature, and why creating “nature positive” communities is essential for both environmental and human wellbeing. This quarter, the Cuppa Collective is donating $2,500 to the Biodiversity Council to support their work advocating for evidence-based environmental action and protecting Australia’s unique ecosystems for future generations. Grab your cuppa, learn something meaningful — and discover one small way you can help protect the natural world around you. Learn more about the Biodiversity Council: https://biodiversitycouncil.org.au/take-action/easy-ways-to-help-nature-in-australia Support the Biodiversity Council: https://biodiversitycouncil.org.au/donate Meet Sarah Bekessy Sarah Bekessy is a Lead Councillor of the Biodiversity Council and an Industry Laureate Professor at the University of Melbourne. She leads the ICON Science research group, which uses interdisciplinary approaches to solve complex biodiversity conservation problems. Her work focuses on understanding human behaviour in conservation, designing cities that encourage everyday experiences with nature, and defining and measuring “nature positive” development. Sarah co-developed the Biodiversity Sensitive Urban Design protocol, now used by developers, governments, and organisations across Australia to create innovative urban biodiversity strategies that better support both people and ecosystems. At Cuppa.tv, we believe conversations create impact. This episode invites us to rethink our relationship with nature, better understand the biodiversity crisis, and recognise the role each of us can play in creating a more sustainable future. 0:00 Why Biodiversity Should Matter to You 2:24 Are We Living Through a Mass Extinction Event? 5:05 The Everyday Cost of Losing Nature 8:15 How Nature Impacts Your Health and Happiness 11:40 Why People Are the Key to Conservation 15:10 Reasons for Hope in the Biodiversity Crisis 18:00 Designing Cities That Work for Nature and People 21:05 Simple Ways You Can Make a Difference 24:15 What Businesses Need to Do Next 27:15 The Future of Nature-Positive Communities 30:28 How the Biodiversity Council Creates Impact Follow Cuppa.tv and join our Circle Community to stay in the know https://cuppa.tv/circle-community/ Want to speak further with our guest? https://cuppa.pickmybrain.world/browse-our-brains Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cuppatv/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cuppa.tv/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/enjoycuppa.tv