A bottom line that counts for a living planet

THE year 2016 has been one of historic strides for the planet. The Paris Agreement entered into force in early November, a month before its first anniversary and four years earlier than expected, and investment in renewable energy has now surpassed that in fossil fuels.

On biodiversity, there has been exciting news as well with wild tiger populations starting to make a comeback in India, Bhutan, far east Russia and China, and several years of zero rhino poaching being marked in Nepal. The giant panda - icon of the conservation movement - moved one step away from extinction and the most trafficked species in the world, such as pangolins and African Grey Parrots, recently received greater protections against illegal wildlife trade.

While these developments demonstrate excellent progress, let's keep the champagne on ice for now.