Plants underpin all life on earth, providing the oxygen we breathe and the food we eat; they are essential to our ecosystems. Habitat loss, climate change, and overexploitation have left many plants at risk of extinction.

If we don’t act now, experts predict 1 in 5 plant species are at risk of annihilation. Current society primarily focuses on protecting endangered animals, ignoring the other part of the circle, plants, which we all depend on and have responsibility to protect. Slowing the rate at which plants go extinct will require action from companies and behavior shifts from people. In a panel discussion of academics, advocates and company decision makers, we’ll explore the causes of this critical problem and provide solutions to help mitigate it.