A Unified Approach to Climate Change and Biodiversity Loss: The Urgent Need for Global Action

Introduction

The world is currently grappling with unprecedented shifts in climatic conditions and a drastic decline in biological diversity, both of which pose significant risks to humanity's future. These two crises climate change and biodiversity loss are deeply intertwined. However, global efforts to address them have largely been treated as separate issues, leading to ineffective policies that fail to tackle the full scope of the problem.

The Interconnection of Climate Change and Biodiversity Loss

Climate change and biodiversity loss are two sides of the same coin. The degradation of ecosystems contributes to climate change, while changing climate patterns further accelerate the loss of wildlife and habitats. Despite this clear connection, governments and international bodies have been slow to adopt a unified approach to addressing these intertwined challenges.

For years, experts and environmental advocates have called for a coordinated global policy that tackles both climate change and biodiversity loss simultaneously. Yet, such a comprehensive framework remains elusive. In our recent paper published in the Journal of Applied Ecology, we propose that a joint work program between the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) could be the most effective way forward.

Nature-Based Solutions: A Promising but Risky Approach

One of the most promising strategies for addressing both climate change and biodiversity loss is the implementation of nature-based solutions (NbS). These are defined as actions to protect, sustainably manage, and restore natural or modified ecosystems, that address societal challenges effectively and adaptively, simultaneously providing human well-being and biodiversity benefits.

NbS have gained significant attention in recent years, with many governments integrating them into their climate action plans. For example, the Canadian government's Nature-based Climate Solutions program is a testament to the growing recognition of these strategies. However, while NbS offer a pathway to promoting synergies between climate and biodiversity agendas, they are not without risks.

Rapid afforestation and reforestation, a common NbS, can indeed enhance carbon sequestration. However, if not carefully managed, these practices can harm wildlife, reduce ecosystem resilience, and infringe upon the rights of Indigenous Peoples and local communities. Unfortunately, both the CBD and the UNFCCC have yet to fully address the critical risks that NbS may pose to nature and people.

The Need for a Coordinated Global Policy

The UNFCCC and CBD are critical platforms for providing the necessary evidence and guidance to drive global environmental action. However, the lack of integration between these two conventions has led to gaps in implementation, leaving both climate and biodiversity agendas inadequately addressed.

Currently, no global platform exists that equally supports biodiversity conservation and climate change mitigation and adaptation. Furthermore, there is no dedicated scientific platform to assess the evidence and issues surrounding NbS and their implementation. This fragmented approach is unlikely to deliver effective solutions to the climate and biodiversity crises.

While both the UNFCCC and CBD recognize the interdependence of their agreements and have begun collaborating, this collaboration has yet to yield a concrete policy framework. A joint statement of cooperation was issued at COP28 in Dubai in November 2023, but moving from voluntary actions to coordinated implementation is crucial.

Bridging the Implementation Gap

To effectively bridge the implementation gap, a joint program between the UNFCCC and the CBD should be established. This program should cover key topics of interest to both the Global Biodiversity Framework and the Paris Agreement, aligning global climate and biodiversity goals. Specifically, it should:

◾Oversee the alignment of National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) with Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

◾Organize technical expert dialogues.

◾Identify climate actions that are harmful to biodiversity and establish coherent safeguards.

◾Create a platform for recognizing the efforts of countries, local governments, non-state actors, and Indigenous Peoples.

◾Develop methods to monitor progress on shared objectives.

For this joint program to succeed, it must develop a SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) plan that addresses the financial, technical, and capacity needs associated with its work. Its outcomes could inform the rapidly evolving landscape of voluntary actions on biodiversity and climate, facilitating the harmonization of UNFCCC and CBD agendas and providing guidance to global funding entities.

A Policy Window Not to Be Missed

Later this year, world leaders will gather for two critical global conventions on climate change and biodiversity loss. In October, the CBD will convene for COP16 in Cali, Colombia, followed by the UNFCCC's COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan. These meetings present a unique opportunity to establish a joint work program that addresses the current governance gaps and fosters innovation and synergies in climate and biodiversity actions.

The window for meaningful action on climate and biodiversity is closing rapidly. We cannot afford to miss this opportunity to create a coordinated, global policy that ensures a sustainable future for both the planet and humanity.

Conclusion

The climate and biodiversity crises are not separate issues they are deeply connected and require a unified approach. Establishing a joint program between the UNFCCC and the CBD could be the most effective way to bridge the current implementation gap and create a comprehensive global policy that addresses both challenges. As world leaders prepare to meet later this year, the time for action is now. This opportunity to safeguard the future of our planet must not be missed.