The diversity of ecological systems is acknowledged as a key aspect of their structure and function, as well as an important target for conservation and ecological management. Likewise, the human diversity of the systems that ecologists study and of the scientific community itself, is a crucial ingredient for success of scientific research and application. However, rarely are these two kinds of diversity considered together. This lack of attention is especially significant given that global changes are altering the local and regional diversity of ecosystems, and through urbanization and global connectivity, are also altering the human diversity within ecosystems and landscapes. An improved understanding of ecological and human diversity and their response to a changing world is urgently required. This organized oral session will summarize current knowledge about biodiversity, human diversity, their existing and yet to be discovered relationships, and their joint role in ensuring sustainable outcomes in a changing world. Ecologists, sustainability scientists and thinkers, and scholars and practitioners in the areas of environmental justice and conservation will present aspects of their work that summarizes the state of our knowledge and identifies future needs for research or application. Using case studies, each talk will explore a key component of the linkage of biodiversity to human diversity. Talks will address a variety of dimensions of that linkage, including ecosystem processes, species diversity, infectious disease vectors, agriculture, environmental justice, urbanization, human well-being, and environmental economics. Fundamental discoveries relating sustainability, ecosystem services and change will be a central theme. The session will end with a synthesis of key connections that emerge and gaps remaining.