The world's living resources are experiencing a major crisis and unprecedented rates of extinction. The scientists of the German Advisory Council on Global Change present a fundamental review of: 1) the condition of the biosphere; 2) the pressures it is under from human activities; 3) current policies; 4) the research agenda and strategy needed; and 5) a plan of action to conserve the essential planetary services it supplies. These include putting at least 10 per cent of the Earth's land area un