Professor Harold Mooney of Stanford University in California has been named the recipient of the 2010 Volvo Environment Prize. This year’s prizewinner has for many years been a leading light within research into biological diversity and especially how important it is for the functioning of ecosystem services. This concept has been widely acknowledged in recent years, perhaps mainly due to an international research program, Millennium Ecosystem Assessment, where Professor Mooney has played a leading role.

«We take these functions [of an ecosystem] for granted, but they are exposed to great threat today,» says Harold Mooney. «Water is being polluted, soil is being degraded and biologically rich seas and forests are being depleted. This brings the risk that ecosystem services will increasingly fail to provide for and protect us.» He is, however, optimistic about the future since awareness of the issue is increasing across the world. Harold Mooney has been active in the foundation of IPBES, Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services, which, like the UN climate panel, IPCC, works to create scientific consensus and communication with decision-makers.

The Volvo Environment Prize is awarded for «Outstanding innovations or scientific discoveries which in broad terms fall within the environmental field» for already 21 year in a row, being first given in 1990. The recipients of the respected prize represent a range of spheres of environmental and sustainability studies and initiatives, aimed at making the world better. The Volvo Environment Prize, which has been already awarded to 37 people, selected by a panel of experts, includes a diploma, a glass trophy as well as SEK 1.5 million (approximately EUR 140 000 or USD 190 000).

Professor Harold Mooney will be in Stockholm on November 4 to accept his Volvo Environment Prize.