“Acceptance Speech” Frontiers of Knowledge Award 2023 in Ecology and Conservation Biology

Acceptance speech by Gerardo Ceballos, winner of the 2023 Frontiers of Knowledge Award in Ecology and Conservation Biology, who was honored alongside Rodolfo Dirzo for demonstrating that current extinction rates for numerous species are far higher than those recorded over the preceding millions of years. Their research has helped document the sixth mass extinction and reveal the scale of biodiversity loss caused by human activities.

Ceballos reflects on his scientific vocation and commitment to nature conservation, warning of the consequences of species and population loss for ecosystem stability and human well-being. He highlights the role of climate change, habitat destruction and pollution in the biodiversity crisis, and emphasizes the importance of scientific knowledge and conservation strategies in preventing extinctions and securing a sustainable future.