A new report from the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) and York University highlights the urgent need for a coordinated global approach to address climate change and biodiversity loss.
Published on July 23 in the Journal of Applied Ecology, the paper titled “The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and the Paris Agreement Need a Joint Work Programme for Climate, Nature, and People” calls for a unified strategy between the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). The report warns that addressing these crises separately could hinder progress and exacerbate the other.
Critical Opportunity for Unified Action
Professor Nathalie Pettorelli from ZSL’s Institute of Zoology, a co-author of the paper, emphasizes the urgency of integrating efforts to tackle the interconnected crises of climate change and biodiversity loss. “We urgently need a global approach that addresses the nature and climate crises together because they are intrinsically connected,” Pettorelli stated.
The upcoming UNFCCC and CBD Conferences of the Parties (COPs) present a crucial opportunity to establish a governance structure that unifies efforts to stabilize the climate and restore nature. The CBD will meet in Colombia for COP16 in October, followed by the UNFCCC meeting in Azerbaijan for COP29 in November.
Nature-Based Solutions
The report underscores the potential of Nature-based Solutions (NbS) in simultaneously addressing climate change and biodiversity loss. Properly implemented NbS can provide multiple benefits, including carbon storage, habitat protection, and community support. For example, restoring mangroves can aid in carbon sequestration, protect endangered species, and support local livelihoods.
Professor Idil Boran from York University, a co-author of the study, stressed the importance of a unified programme to prevent climate actions from inadvertently harming biodiversity. “We need a programme that identifies areas where climate actions may harm biodiversity, provides clear recommendations, and develops methods to monitor progress on shared goals,” Boran explained.
Resource Allocation and Global Cooperation
The report also highlights the need for reallocating resources to address the imbalances in funding and support between climate change and biodiversity conservation. It calls for global leaders to prioritize nature in decision-making processes, recognizing the importance of functioning ecosystems for food security, clean water, and overall human well-being.
The study is part of ZSL’s broader efforts to drive urgent global action for a sustainable future, including initiatives to restore mangrove forests and rewild urban spaces to mitigate climate change impacts.
The call for a joint work programme is seen as a pivotal moment for world leaders to seize the opportunity for transformative action, aligning climate and biodiversity goals to ensure a sustainable future for people and the planet.