As we know only too well, the impact of humanity on the planet is in danger of sacrificing the very ecosystems that provide the air we breathe, the water we drink, the food we eat, and the biological diversity for sustaining life. Failure to make changes will provide a planet which can no longer support our civilisation. Rapid change is required in order to address the fresh challenges posed to humans in the 21st century.
There remains widespread inertia when it comes to finding sustainable solutions for the future. There are limited resources available to a growing population, even with regard to the continuing supply of such basic resources such as water, food and energy. A shared practical understanding of alternative outcomes is the essential foundation of a collective commitment to action. The extent to which climate change will adversely affect us all and the way we, our children and grandchildren will live cannot be underestimated, and this is of course why urgent action is needed to ensure that average global temperatures do not rise by up to 6C by the end of this century, as current estimates suggest. The majority of governments and businesses now realise action is needed and that it must come soon. It has been 18 months since the 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties meeting in Copenhagen and almost six months since the 16th in Cancún. No global agreement on actions has yet emerged, but actually we have made great strides, based on the best scientific research.
The loss of biodiversity and ecosystem services is a worldwide problem that is not under control nor perhaps is it an area that is getting the attention it deserves. While progress has been made in raising awareness and mobilising for action – including new goals, valuation tools, and action strategies on a global scale – we have yet to solve the systemic causes that continue to thwart meaningful, measurable change. The raised awareness on biodiversity and remaining challenges after the Nagoya biodiversity commitments of 2010 will serve as the starting point for the World Forum on Enterprise and the Environment 2011 which takes place at the end of June at Merton College in Oxford.
Providing solutions for the future while at the same time protecting the future is paramount and I am delighted that the Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment is working with the Guardian in launching a display of photographs from readers that capture the greatest moments of nature and biodiversity.
• Share your photos that demonstrate "what you most value about nature" on our Flickr group throughout June – we'll feature the best in a unique exhibition at the World Forum on Enterprise and Environment 2011, as well as on theguardian.com, and maybe the print edition of the Guardian too