Biodiversity talks stall as governments miss targets on nature protection
As negotiations continue at Cop16, experts warn that governments are falling short on critical biodiversity commitments made two years ago, risking another decade of missed goals to safeguard ecosystems.
Patrick Greenfield reports for The Guardian.
In short:
- With only six years left to meet biodiversity targets, most countries have yet to submit actionable plans to meet these goals including the 30x30 pledge to protect 30% of Earth’s land and seas.
- Funding to restore nature remains far below the $700 billion annual need and little progress has been made to reform harmful subsidies as promised.
- Experts stress the urgency of protecting biodiversity as ecosystems underpin global food, water and climate resilience.
Key quote:
“The biodiversity goals’ 2030 deadline exists for a reason: biodiverse, resilient ecosystems are the foundation of our economies and wellbeing.”
— Nathalie Seddon, professor of biodiversity at Oxford University
Why this matters:
Failure to meet biodiversity targets undermines efforts to address climate change and maintain essential ecosystem services. Without stronger global action, accelerating species loss will further destabilize food and water security, public health and resilience to natural disasters.
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