The imperative of aligning policy on climate and biodiversity

In a new article published yesterday in The Conversation, NbSI’s Nathalie Seddon and Audrey Wagner explain why aligning climate and biodiversity policy is essential.

The message is clear: healthy ecosystems are crucial for climate resilience and a stable climate is essential to protecting biodiversity. Climate action must not come at the expense of biodiversity or human rights. As Nathalie and Audrey highlight:

“The scientific consensus is clear: we cannot address climate change by industrialising the biosphere. Effective climate solutions must protect ecosystem integrity and support biodiversity, not compromise them for carbon gains.”

However, the recent UN Biodiversity Conference in Colombia (COP16) brought both progress and concerning developments. In particular, key language addressing the need to transition away from fossil fuels and warning of the dangers of bioenergy for biodiversity was deleted from the final text.

On the positive side, we saw growing political support for aligning climate targets with biodiversity goals, including commitments to stronger coordination across the three conventions – on biodiversity, climate change and desertification. In a landmark step towards more inclusive governance, a new subsidiary body for the ‘full and effective’ participation of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities was established.

Read the full article in the Conversation: “The climate and biodiversity crises are entwined, but we risk pitting one against the other”