Neutral theory reveals the challenge of bending the curve for the post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework.In October, nations of the world will begin negotiations for the post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework under the Convention on Biological Diversity.  A second relevant, yet less prominent, milestone is the 20th anniversary of the publication of The Unified Neutral Theory of Biodiversity and Biogeography.  Here, I apply neutral theory to show how global biodiversity indicators for population size (Living Planet Index) and extinction threat (Red List Index) decline under neutral ecological drift.  Thus, "bending the curve" could be assessed relative to a counterfactual based on neutral theory, rather than static baselines.  If used correctly, the 20-year legacy of neutral theory can be extended to make a valuable contribution to the post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework.
neutral theory
A second relevant, yet less prominent, milestone is the 20th anniversary of the publication of The Unified Neutral Theory of Biodiversity and Biogeography. 
The Unified Neutral Theory of Biodiversity and Biogeography