You might have heard the term ‘biodiversity’, but what is it, and why does it matter?

Scientists have long been fascinated by the incredible variety of life on Earth and the intricate connections between it all. But many of us do not realise the simple ways our everyday life depends on it - from providing us with air to breathe, clean water to drink, and food to eat.

In this masterclass, the leading nature writer Patrick Barkham and the Guardian’s biodiversity reporter Phoebe Weston will discuss why our wildlife is under threat, how the expansion of human activities such as intensive agriculture and overconsumption is driving its destruction, and how our landscapes are becoming poorer as a result.

You will learn what we need to do to combat biodiversity loss - from the actionable steps we can take as individuals, to the collective international measures needed to reverse these worrying trends. You’ll also discover what the future could look like for business and individuals on a more wildlife-rich planet.

This course is for …

Anyone with an interest in nature and the natural environment
Businesses and individuals who care about our planet and want to build a more sustainable future

Course content

The sixth mass extinction of wildlife
The state of biodiversity in the UK
The impacts of degradation and changing environments
Responses to the biodiversity crisis so far
What businesses can do: measuring impact on biodiversity
What individuals can do: how to stop biodiversity loss

Tutor profile

Patrick Barkham has been writing about natural history for the Guardian over the last twenty years. He is the author of The Butterfly Isles, Badgerlands, Coastlines, Islander. His latest book, Wild Green Wonders, is a selection of twenty years’ of his writings. He has been shortlisted for the 2014 Wainwright Prize and twice for the Ondaatje Prize.

Patrick’s book Wild Green Wonders: A Life in Nature is available to purchase in paperback. You can purchase a book and ticket for the combined price of £74.52 including P&P.

Phoebe Weston is a biodiversity reporter for the Guardian’s Age of Extinction project. She writes about the biodiversity crisis and ways we can tackle it. Read her articles here.

Course Details

Date: Wednesday 19 April 2023
Time: 6.30pm-8.30pm (BST)

This masterclass is available globally. If you are joining us from outside the United Kingdom, please use this time zone converter to check your local live streaming time.

6.30pm BST | 7.30pm CEST | 10.30am PDT | 1.30pm EDT

You will be sent a link to the webinar 24 hours and 30 minutes before the start time. Please email masterclasses@theguardian.com if you do not receive the access link 24 hours before the scheduled start time.

We aim to make Guardian Masterclasses accessible to all. If you require any adjustments to enable your participation in this course, please get in touch with us at masterclasses@theguardian.com.

This event will be hosted on a third-party live streaming platform Zoom, please refer to their privacy policy and terms and conditions before purchasing a ticket to the class.

Once a purchase is complete we will not be able to refund you where you do not attend or if you cancel your event booking. Please see our terms and conditions for more information on our refund policy.

How to protect life on Earth: the importance of biodiversity