Half-Earth.

Committing half of Earth to nature.

To find where conservation activities are most needed, we work with the E.O. Wilson Biodiversity Foundation, Map of Life and Esri to visualize global biodiversity on a local scale.

A hopeful experience grounded in data.

This is a biodiversity crisis.

Species extinction rates are 1,000 times higher than ever seen before. We must act now to save ourselves and the irreplaceable animals, vegetation, and ecological systems we depend on.

A global crisis.

Biodiversity loss was ranked as the third most severe threat humanity will face in the next 10 years.

Open-access science.

Democratizing biodiversity information gives everyone the power and knowledge they need to know what to do and where.

Prioritise decisions.

Identifying places with extraordinary species richness and rarity that need protection.

Developing the Half-Earth map platform.

The brief.

The problem we need to turn our attention to beyond the changing climate is the loss of the very fabric of our planet, the loss of biodiversity. If we protect half the Earth’s land and sea and manage sufficient habitat to safeguard the bulk of biodiversity, living Earth can continue to breathe. Therefore, the E.O. Wilson Biodiversity Foundation created the Half-Earth Project to inspire informed collective action to save the biosphere, the land and the waters that global biodiversity depends upon. A core aspect of the project is visualizing global biodiversity in a way that motivates people to take action.

Our role.

We designed and developed the Half-Earth Map in collaboration with the E.O. Wilson Biodiversity Foundation, Map of Life, and Esri. Guided by user research and an understanding of human psychology, the map combines scientifically rigorous data with emotionally stimulating design. By visualizing biodiversity richness and rarity at 1km resolution globally, we can inform decisions on which half is most effective to protect.

Delivered with impact.

Educate with delight.

Presenting information in novel ways, like an interactive globe, opens the possibility of learning something new or gaining a fresh perspective on known facts. We believe it’s easier to inspire change when people feel joy, surprise, and delight, so every detail is designed to spark curiosity and engagement. To do that, our designers collaborated with Esri’s John Nelson to create the custom, vibrant Half-Earth base map.

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Beauty without compromising functionality.

Data collected by scientists, satellites, and sensors paints an increasingly detailed picture of our planet. We use the latest science and technology to map thousands of species worldwide.
Esri’s ArcGIS API to visualize the map and data layers. The API leverages the built-in webGL functionality of modern browsers, which utilizes your computer’s graphic card computing power to render 3D scenes. This smooth technology allows users to spin, magnify, and layer data smoothly, giving them a semi-immersive experience.
Detailed widgets help navigate the data, such as National Report Cards. The SPI (Species Protection Index) estimates how well each country meets conservation targets and is the basis for a National Report Card on every country globally.

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Half-Earth.

Client

Client type

Topic

Services

Committing half of Earth to nature.

A hopeful experience grounded in data.

This is a biodiversity crisis.

Developing the Half-Earth map platform.

The brief.

Our role.

Delivered with impact.

Educate with delight.

Beauty without compromising functionality.

Next project

Global Mangrove Watch.

Protect and restore mangroves.

Want to make a difference together?

Let's talk

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Half-Earth.

Client

Client type

Topic

Services

Committing half of Earth to nature.

A hopeful experience grounded in data.

This is a biodiversity crisis.

Developing the Half-Earth map platform.

The brief.

Our role.

Delivered with impact.

Educate with delight.

Beauty without compromising functionality.

Next project

Global Mangrove Watch.

Protect and restore mangroves.

Want to make a difference together?

Let's talk