Unified Action Needed on Biodiversity and Climate Change
The 16th Conference of the Parties to the CBD will be held from October 21 to November 1, 2024, in Cali, Colombia. IFAW emphasizes the need for unified efforts in addressing biodiversity loss and climate change concurrently. Key discussions will focus on integrating wildlife conservation into climate strategies and prioritizing marine ecosystem protection.
The 16th Conference of the Parties (COP16) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) will take place from October 21 to November 1, 2024, in Cali, Colombia. As global leaders and experts convene, the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) calls for a concerted international effort to address the dual crises of biodiversity loss and climate change simultaneously. Matt Collis, IFAW’s Senior Director of Policy, emphasized the need for integrated strategies, stating, “We can’t solve either the climate crisis or biodiversity loss without addressing the other.” COP16 serves as a crucial platform for streamlining efforts at both national and international levels to protect biodiversity while combatting climate change, setting a precedent for forthcoming environmental negotiations, including the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) COP30. The 2023 COP28 Joint Statement underlines the importance of a collaborative approach, and IFAW urges that such commitments should be integral to the summit’s resolutions. Additionally, the protection of marine and coastal ecosystems, which are vital for both wildlife and human well-being, must take precedence. Collis reiterated this point by stating, “Healthy oceans are the foundation of a healthy planet. They absorb carbon, mitigate climate impacts, and support rich biodiversity.” Hence, it is imperative that COP16 prioritizes these ecosystems amid increasing threats from human activities and climate change. Furthermore, Collis remarked on the urgency of the occasion, declaring, “Time is running out… but COP16 offers hope.” IFAW will host a side event titled “Leveraging wildlife conservation and rewilding to supercharge climate mitigation and adaptation” on October 24, at 16:30pm COT. This event will address the crucial role of wildlife in mitigating climate change and is expected to introduce guidelines for governments to incorporate wildlife conservation into their climate strategies. For additional details, attendees may refer to https://www.cbd.int/side-events/5723. Inquiries for interviews with IFAW experts can be directed to Stacey Hedman at [email protected] or +1 508 737 2558. Additional information regarding the agenda for CBD COP16 can be accessed at https://www.cbd.int/conferences/2024.
The upcoming COP16 signifies a pivotal moment in international environmental policy, as it represents the first of the linked Rio Conventions meetings in 2024. It brings together leaders and environmental advocates to formulate strategies to combat the escalating crises of biodiversity loss and climate change. This conference follows the notable COP28 Joint Statement, advocating for a synchronized global approach to these two pressing issues. The discussions will also spotlight the significance of preserving marine ecosystems, which are crucial for biodiversity and climate regulation.
In summation, the COP16 serves as a critical venue for fostering global partnerships to confront the simultaneous challenges of biodiversity loss and climate change. By aligning national and international efforts, including those aimed at marine ecosystem protection, the summit aims to create meaningful progress towards a sustainable future. The urgency of the matter underscores the necessity for immediate action, which is highlighted by IFAW’s initiatives and the high expectations for the outcomes of the conference.
Original Source: www.ifaw.org
