The persistent delay in addressing the clear downward trend in biodiversity loss is both puzzling and disappointing. However, there are bright spots. The World Economic Forum (WEF) 19th Global Risks Report shows that environmental issues are on the risk radar of academics, businesses, governments, the international community and civil society. Although there is a belief that regulation, particularly global treaties and agreements, are the solution to both biodiversity loss/ecosystem collapse and halting a critical change to Earth systems, this year we will be able to observe whether this plays out. 2024 will see two UN COPs, one on biodiversity (COP16) an another on climate (COP29). Will they demonstrate that biodiversity loss & ecosystem collapse is a near term risk that urgently needs addressing?