COP objectives include protecting 30% of the world’s land and sea from unsustainable exploitation, and combating pesticides, plastic waste and invasive species. Companies could be asked to produce biodiversity impact assessments and mitigation plans. Rich countries will be encouraged to finance biodiversity conservation in the South.
Significant progress is essential, just like the 2015 Paris agreements to combat the climate crisis. But a roadmap won’t mean much if governments don’t realize that investment to protect the world’s biodiversity is crucial and mandatory. The fact that no heads of state are expected at this week’s summit does not give a very encouraging signal, and highlights the gap in awareness and consideration in relation to COP27. The fate of humanity is ultimately linked to that of nature and the countless species on the brink of extinction.
