Defra has launched ‘Biodiversity indicators in your pocket 2007’, 18 measurements tracking the UK’s progress against international biodiversity targets. It is said to be the first time that a comprehensive set of biodiversity indicators has been published for the UK.

“Many people still talk about climate change as if it is only a long-term threat,” Gardiner said. “But the fact is that it is already happening, and we need to deal with the realities of climate change and the problems it is creating for society and the environment today.

But biodiversity is also one of our greatest weapons in the battle against climate change. So it is critical that any action plan to reduce climate change, includes the effective and sustainable management of our ecosystems”.

The indicators are grouped under the six focal areas identified by the Convention on Biological Diversity and the European Council. They show the UK’s progress towards two international biodiversity targets.

The pocket-sized booklet makes the indicators easily accessible to a wide audience and enables everyone to judge where progress is being made and where the challenges lie.