A number of pressures, the majority of which result from human activities, impact upon the natural environment, and drive change. It is important to understand the impacts of these pressures, and to evaluate the effectiveness of decisions made to mitigate them.
JNCC combines the information gathered from monitoring schemes and other data sources with an understanding of the pressures on the natural environment and other drivers of change, to assess the impacts of pressures on biodiversity. We use analytical techniques and models to forecast future changes.
We have developed a number of tools which bring together different pieces of evidence to assess the likely effects of options or decisions, including potential interventions and mitigation measures. These tools can be used to underpin relevant, appropriate advice and to ensure choices are informed.
Our areas of expertise include:
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Sustainable global supply chains: Global trade has impacts on the natural environment, which can drive changes at local scales, as well as contributing to pressures operating at a global scale, such as climate change. Our work evaluates the impacts of the UK's trade and assesses options for reducing these impacts.
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Climate change: The natural environment has an important role to play in helping to adapt to, and reduce, the impacts of climate change. Yet interactions between the environment and climate change are complex and varied. Our work provides evidence to understand these interactions and inform decision-making.
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Informing land-use decisions: Having an understanding of the potential outcomes of different land-use options helps identify benefits and risks, and ensures that decisions are informed by robust evidence.