U.N Warns About Biodiversity Loss

Experts have been warning for years about various ecosystems being at high risk for collapse due to harmful factors that have decreased biodiversity- a consequence of the climate change crisis.

Today, habitat erosion is threatening the survival of 85% of species. Mankind’s progress has come at the expense of other species, and in response to this, delegates, world leaders, and activists from almost 200 nations are meeting in Montreal, Canada, from December 6-19, 2022, for the “COP 15 biodiversity conference.” The discussion will be on the most urgent environmental challenge facing the planet (decline of biodiversity) and developing a global framework and plan of action to address the problem worldwide during the next ten years and beyond.

What will be included in the new biodiversity framework? 

There are 21 targets to be met by 2030 in the new biodiversity framework, which was published last year. It comprises administration, preservation, restoration, and protection. The goal of COP 15 biodiversity conference is to negotiate an agreement to protect 30% of Earth's land and waters by 2030 (also being referred to as 30 by 30) with the participation of 190 nations (excluding the United States).

The Challenge: 

This goal will be an uphill battle considering that only 10% of marine life and 17% of land ecosystems are currently protected. The other challenges being presented include eradicating ocean plastic pollution, reducing pesticide use, and generating $200 billion to support the initiative.

Echoing the statements of UN Secretary-General António Guterres at COP 15, “we are waging war on nature. This Conference is about the urgent task of making peace.” Unsustainable production and consumption are driving up emissions and degrading our land, sea, and air. A third of the world's land is currently degraded, making it more difficult to feed an expanding global population. Animals, plants, reptiles, amphibians, birds, fish, and invertebrates all face dangers of species decline. Coral reefs and other marine ecosystems are being destroyed rapidly due to ocean degradation, which is also directly impacting the economies of communities sourcing income from ocean activities.

According to Dr. Abigail Entwistle of the conservation organization Fauna and Flora International, "We've not been as good at getting the message across about what's at stake and how urgent the situation is and we need to have our 1.5-degree moment for biodiversity in the same way we have for climate change.”

The UK is taking lead, holding one of the strongest stands on conserving 30% of land and sea. The government declared that it will continue to press for a bold conclusion at the negotiations and collaborate with nations all around the world to regenerate the natural world.

Meanwhile, the United States will not be participating in the formal drafting of the agreement. But the country will be dedicated to boosting conservation in the country to safeguard 30% of its lands and waters by 2030.

Read more on “first draft of the post-2020 global biodiversity framework” here.