Scientific study, which deals with the impact of different climate change mitigation strategies on biodiversitySpecifically, it examines impact of forest and bioenergy strategies on the ranges of 14,234 vertebrate speciesThe study uses extensive datasets on habitat, climate and species occurrence to model how these strategies affect available habitat and climatic conditions for different species.

Methodology

1. Data collection and preparation:
   • Obtaining data on biodiversity, climate, land use and other supporting data.
   • Using species occurrence data from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) and IUCN.
   • Data cleaning and processing, including removing records outside the expected range and filtering fossil records.
   • Creating two sets of occurrence records for birds: "breeding" and "non-breeding".
   • Obtaining global climate variables from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMPIP6) and IPCC.
   • Using the IUCN Global Habitat Map, which modifies the 2015 Copernicus landcover data using biodiversity records.
   • Projection of changes in habitat composition by 2050 based on fractional covers of 32 plant functional types.
   • Obtaining maps of current carbon stocks in plant biomass and soil.
   • Using maps of maximum tree cover percentage, global biomes, and sedimentary basins.
2. Creating range maps (AOH) for each species:
   • Modeling the bioclimatic envelope of each species using MaxEnt species distribution models (SDMs).
   • Combining bioclimatic envelope with habitat data and species affinities to habitats to create AOH maps.
   • Consideration of different species spread scenarios, including zero, limited and ideal spread.
3. Modeling the impacts of habitat conversion caused by LBMS:
   • Assessing the impacts of reforestation and afforestation and bioenergy crops.
   • Identifying pixels that are biophysically capable of supporting trees through natural growth.
   • Excluding pixels where carbon gains would be offset by changes in albedo.
   • Distinguishing between reforestation and afforestation based on historical habitats.
   • Modeling the impacts of bioenergy crops with an emphasis on grasslands.
   • Updating AOH maps for each species after applying afforestation and bioenergy strategies.
4. Calculating the impacts of LBMS on climate mitigation:
   • Calculating the amount of atmospheric carbon removed by afforestation and carbon sequestration from bioenergy crops.
   • Taking into account carbon emissions associated with fertilizing bioenergy crops.
   • Calculation of the carbon benefit of replacing fossil fuels with bioenergy.
   • Modeling carbon sequestration through carbon capture and storage (CCS) in geological reservoirs.
   • Converting carbon stocks into changes in average global warming levels and regional changes in bioclimatic variables.
   • Calculation of changes in AOH of each species depending on changes in bioclimatic variables.
5. Aggregation of results:
   • Presenting results at the species level, including logarithmic ratio of AOH changes.
   • Calculation of spatially specific changes in AOH, averaged across all species.
   • Identifying which LBMS is better for biodiversity in a given pixel.

Main findings

• Afforestation it has a positive impact for some species, while it has a negative impact for others.
• Bioenergy crops they have the potential to mitigate climate change, but can have a negative impact on biodiversity.
• The impact of forestry and bioenergy strategies varies by species and region.
• Climate change can significantly affect species ranges regardless of LBMS implementation.
• The study highlights the importance taking into account the various influences of LBMS (habitat conversion and climate mitigation) and their mutual influence.

Sources of uncertainty

• Using a single SDM model (MaxEnt) and the same predictor variables for all species.
• Uncertainty in maps of global forest growth potential, carbon sequestration, and albedo.
• Simplified modeling of climate impact on species.
• Uncertainty arising from modelling species distribution and adaptation.
• Lack of details about how species use different habitats.

Conclusion

The study provides a comprehensive overview of the impacts of forest and bioenergy strategies on biodiversityThe results show that it is important take into account complex influences LBMS for different species and regions, rather than focusing only on global indicators. It is necessary carefully consider trade-offs between climate mitigation and biodiversity protection when deciding on the implementation of LBMS. Further research should focus on improving models and taking into account other factors influencing the impact of LBMS on biodiversity. Spring

Glossary of key terms

• AOH (Area of Habitat): Habitat area represents the area that is suitable for a given species in terms of climate and habitat types.
• Bioclimatic envelope: The range of climatic conditions that a given species is able to tolerate, expressed as the relative degree of suitability of individual sites.
• LBMS (Land-Based Mitigation Strategy): A land-based mitigation strategy, method, or procedure for using land to reduce greenhouse gas emissions or remove carbon from the atmosphere.
• Reforestation: Forest restoration in places where forests historically existed.
• Aforestation: Planting forests in places that were historically non-forested.
• MaxEnt: A species distribution model based on the principle of maximum entropy, used to model the distribution of species based on their occurrence and environmental variables.
• GBIF: Global Biodiversity Information Facility, a global database of species occurrence data.
• SDM (Species Distribution Model): Species distribution model, makes predictions about the spatial distribution of species.
• Bilinear interpolation: A method for estimating values between two known data, used to resample data.
• Kriging: An interpolation method for estimating spatial values based on the position and value of surrounding points.
• Pseudo-absences: Data on locations where a given species is not expected to occur, which is used to train species distribution models.
• Sedimentary basins: Geological structures suitable for long-term carbon storage.
• Biome: A large ecosystem with characteristic vegetation and climate.
• Albedo: The rate at which the Earth's surface reflects sunlight, can affect warming and cooling.
• SSP2-RCP4.5: Common Socio-Economic Pathway 2 (SSP2) combined with Representative Concentration Pathway 4.5 (RCP4.5), one of the reference scenarios for future climate development.
• Lignocellulosic plants: Plants whose main components are cellulose, lignin and hemicellulose. They are used for bioenergy production.

Biodiversity is crucial for the balance of ecosystems. Animal and plant habitats, as well as humans, depend on it. However, predictions are alarming: up to three million species could become extinct by the end of this century. This is according to the conclusions of an international studies published in 2022, which for the first time surveyed a significant number of experts from the Global South. (More on swissinfo.ch)

This summary documentation analyzes the key ideas and facts presented in the article "IPBES nexus report: Five takeaways for biodiversity, food, water, health and climate" published on Carbon Brief on December 17, 2024.

Main topics of the report:

• The link between biodiversity, food, water, health and climate: The report highlights the complex interconnection between these systems and warns of the negative impacts of focusing on one element at the expense of others.
• Impacts of biodiversity loss: The report highlights how biodiversity loss threatens food and water systems, human health and climate stability.
• The role of sustainable food systems: The report highlights the importance of transitioning to sustainable and healthy diets, which would have a beneficial impact on all interconnected systems.
• Ecosystem restoration: The report notes that all available options for restoring biodiversity would also contribute to climate change mitigation and adaptation.
• Financing measures to protect biodiversity: The report identifies a significant financing gap for biodiversity conservation and proposes reforms to global financing to close it.

Key ideas and facts:

1. Biodiversity loss threatens food and water systems, human health and the climate.

The report states that biodiversity is “essential” to human existence, supporting water and food supplies, underpinning public health and contributing to climate stability. However, over the past 30-50 years, biodiversity has declined by an average of 2-6% per decade across all indicators assessed.

The report highlights “fragmented governance” of biodiversity, water, food, health and climate change as a major obstacle to effective action.

“Because our current governance systems are often divided into different departments, they work in silos. They are very fragmented and work and develop policies in isolation – these linkages [between climate, health, biodiversity, water and food] are often not even acknowledged or ignored. What this really means is that there can be unintended consequences or trade-offs because people simply haven’t thought holistically.” – Prof. Paula Harrison, co-author of the report

2. Focusing exclusively on food security leads to “serious compromises” on climate, water and biodiversity.

The report analyses six “archetypes of linkage scenarios” and finds that sustainability-focused scenarios, such as the “nature-centric scenario” and the “balanced linkage scenario”, deliver positive long-term outcomes for all linkages. Conversely, scenarios that prioritise just one element, such as “food first”, lead to “serious trade-offs” and negative impacts on other elements.

3. Switching to a sustainable healthy diet will benefit people and the planet.

The report highlights that transitioning to sustainable healthy diets and reducing food waste would “benefit food security and health” and “reduce greenhouse gas emissions.” This would also “free up land and, in many cases, bring co-benefits for linkages such as biodiversity conservation and carbon sequestration.”

4. All available options for nature restoration would also contribute to climate change mitigation and adaptation.

The report concludes that all available options for restoring biodiversity would have a positive impact on combating and adapting to climate change. It highlights that protecting natural ecosystems from further destruction would bring benefits to all elements of the nexus. Restoring degraded ecosystems, particularly forests and wetlands, would in turn help to sequester carbon.

5. Reforming global financial systems can help bridge the biodiversity financing gap.

The report identifies a funding gap of between $300 and $1 trillion per year to meet biodiversity conservation needs, highlighting the need for “urgent action” to address “the dominance of narrow interests within economic and financial systems” and increase investment in biodiversity, food and water.

The report suggests three paths to better align global financial flows with biodiversity and other elements of the nexus:

1. Improving the availability and use of information on the "diverse values of nature".
2. Improving access to finance through a range of different financial instruments.
3. Reducing negative incentives, including improved investment guarantees and addressing harmful subsidies.

The IPBES report on the linkages between biodiversity, food, water, health and climate clearly shows that these systems are closely interconnected and that addressing them in isolation has negative consequences. It highlights the need for a holistic approach that takes into account all linkages and prioritizes sustainable solutions. Reforming global financing and transitioning to sustainable diets are key steps to achieving this goal. Spring

Document  presents a comprehensive overview of EU research activities in the field of NBS. It focuses on how NBS can help address the climate and biodiversity crises and highlights the importance of collaboration, knowledge sharing and capacity building for the successful implementation of these solutions.

Main themes and ideas

The document highlights the importance of NBS in addressing the climate and biodiversity crises. NBS are defined as:

"inspired and supported by nature, they are cost-effective, while providing environmental, social and economic benefits and helping to build resilience."

The document lists several key benefits of NBS, including:

• Increasing resilience to climate change: NBS help mitigate the impacts of climate change, such as floods, heat waves, and drought.
• Improving air quality: Green infrastructure in cities can absorb pollutants and improve air quality.
• Soil restoration: NBS supports the restoration of degraded land and improves its fertility.
• Promoting health and well-being: Access to green spaces has a positive impact on both physical and mental health.
• Creating new economic opportunities: NBS can stimulate growth in sectors such as ecotourism, green infrastructure, and ecosystem restoration.
• Sustainable urban transformation: NBS contribute to the development of greener and healthier cities.

EU-funded research projects

The paper presents a wide range of EU-funded research projects addressing the implementation of NBS in various settings, including:

• Urban areas: Projects such as CLEVER Cities, Grow Green and URBREATH focus on implementing NBS in cities to increase their resilience, improve quality of life and support biodiversity.
• Areas outside cities: Projects such as DRYvER (focusing on drylands), FutureMARES (marine and coastal ecosystems), and MountResilience (mountain ecosystems) address specific challenges associated with climate change and biodiversity in different ecosystems.
• Cross-sectional projects: Projects such as NetworkNature+ and BIODIVERSA+ serve as platforms for collaboration, knowledge sharing and capacity building in the field of NBS.

Important facts

The document presents interesting statistics on EU-funded projects in the field of NBS:

• 1,538 partners
• 79 countries
• Budget 755 million euros
• 88 projects

Recently published IPBES report (Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services) provides new insights into the interconnectedness of biodiversity, food systems, water resources, health and climate. This comprehensive document highlights the need for an integrated approach to addressing global challenges and offers the following five key findings:

1. Biodiversity as the basis of sustainable ecosystems

Biodiversity is key to maintaining the ecosystem functions that support life on Earth. The report points out that healthy ecosystems are essential for ensuring food security and clean water resources, and therefore its protection is essential for sustainable development.

2. Linking food systems and climate

Food production is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. Transforming food systems towards sustainable practices can reduce their environmental impact while improving population health and nutrition. The report calls for the implementation of agroecological methods and reducing food waste.

3. Pressurized water sources

The report warns of growing water scarcity due to climate change and inappropriate management. Efficient use of water resources and protection of freshwater ecosystems are essential to maintain their availability for future generations.

4. Health and the environment are interconnected

Human health is closely linked to the state of the environment. Degradation of ecosystems can lead to the spread of diseases and a deterioration in the quality of life. The report highlights the need to reduce environmental risks by preserving biodiversity and improving air and water quality.

5. Integrated approach to climate change

Addressing climate change must include protecting biodiversity and improving food and water security. The report recommends adopting policies that take into account the interlinkages between these areas and promote synergistic solutions.

These IPBES findings underscore the urgency of coordinated global action to ensure a sustainable future for all life on Earth. The report is a stark reminder that actions in one area affect many others, and that solutions need to be viewed holistically and in a way that takes into account interrelationships. Spring

Ecosystem services are nature’s contributions to humanity’s needs, such as providing clean water, regulating local air and climate, and protecting against hazards and diseases – nature also provides inspiration and a sense of place. Biodiversity – the variety of genes, species, landscapes and their interactions – supports these ecosystem services and is one of the most powerful tools for achieving sustainable development goals. (More on weforum.org)

Frank Wugt Larsen, EEA expert on biodiversity knowledge and networks, is part of the European Union delegation to the plenary session of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES). We spoke to him to understand what IPBES does and how this work connects to other international efforts to improve the state of nature. (More on eea.europa.eu)

When most people think of climate change, images of melting glaciers or rising sea levels come to mind. But the reality is much more complex and urgent. The effects of climate change, such as wildfires, droughts, and extreme weather events, are not just environmental threats, but also crises that directly impact human well-being and the survival of wildlife. In reality, it is a complex web that affects both humans and animals, and vice versa, with each playing a key role in supporting resilient ecosystems that can withstand these challenges. (PETER LALAMPAA AND JEAN-GAËL COLLOMB, more at news.mongabay.com/)

Call for proposals under the BioProtect project for local/regional authorities and organisations to obtain financial and technical support for the implementation and improvement of Area-Based Management tools in order to protect and restore biodiversity.

goal(s) :

Increase the impact and increase the resilience and adaptability of solutions to protect and restore biodiversity.

• Improve tools for protecting and restoring biodiversity.

• Gather feedback from regions to refine and strengthen these solutions.

Eligibility:

• Local/regional authorities, local and/or regional organisations from EU Member States and countries associated to Horizon Europe.

• Local and/or regional authorities from associated regions from EU Member States and countries associated to Horizon Europe, except those that are part of the project consortium.

• Any other type of third party under the terms of the Horizon Europe programme, such as private profit-making organisations, higher education organisations or non-governmental organisations, are not eligible.

• In addition, it must be ensured that participating facilities are registered on the Funding & Tenders portal and have a 9-digit Participant Identification Code (PIC).

• Entities subject to EU restrictive measures pursuant to Article 29 of the Treaty on European Union (TEU) and Article 215 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU (TFEU) are not eligible to participate as beneficiaries of the FSTP.

• The application must involve a local/regional authority.

Details:

We are looking for 5 regions to receive grants of up to €100,000 each and technical support for implementation and improvement (More on eufundingportal.eu)

The COP16 conference in Colombia brought together global leaders and experts to discuss critical biodiversity issues. Despite some setbacks and the failure to achieve some of the goals set, the event contributed to advancing discussions on nature conservation and biodiversity. Key outcomes of the conference include:

1. Financial challenges and commitments: Despite the lack of full funding for biodiversity conservation, the conference highlighted the need for increased financial commitments. Leaders stressed the need for immediate financial action to address the biodiversity crisis, with the EU pledging a €160 million package to support international efforts.

2. Impact on indigenous peoples and local communities: COP16 recognized the importance of engaging IPLCs in biodiversity solutions, creating a new “Cali Fund” to equitably share benefits from genetic resources.

3. Management of invasive alien species: The conference highlighted the need for regulations and guidelines to control invasive species, which are major contributors to biodiversity loss.

4. Policy consolidation: Countries agreed on the need for better coordination of biodiversity and climate change policies, which could bring a more integrated approach to addressing these global challenges.

COP16 confirmed that achieving biodiversity targets requires intensive cooperation and significant financial investments, with emphasis on protecting the rights and participation of indigenous and local communities. Antonio Guterres warned that protecting biodiversity is critical for the survival of our planet and humanity. Spring

The document "G20 High-Level Principles on Bioeconomy" presents ten voluntary and non-binding bioeconomy principles developed by the G20 Bioeconomy Initiative (GIB). These principles aim to support a sustainable future and economic growth for all.

Here is a summary of the key points:

• Principle 1: Bioeconomic activities should integrate and promote sustainable development in all its economic, social and environmental dimensions. They should contribute to eradicating hunger and poverty, improving health and well-being, while ensuring global food security and nutrition.
• Principle 2: The bioeconomy should be inclusive and fair, respect the rights of all persons, including indigenous peoples and members of local communities, promote gender equality and the participation of all stakeholders.
• Principle 3: Bioeconomy activities should support climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts in line with relevant multilateral climate agreements such as the Paris Agreement.
• Principle 4: The bioeconomy should contribute to the conservation of biodiversity, the sustainable use of its components and the fair and equitable distribution of benefits arising from the use of genetic resources and related traditional knowledge, in accordance with national legislation and relevant international agreements and instruments, such as the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF).
• Principle 5: The bioeconomy should support sustainable models of consumption and production and the efficient and circular use of biological resources, while supporting the restoration and regeneration of degraded areas and ecosystems.
• Principle 6: The development of the bioeconomy should take place through the safe, secure and responsible use of science, technology, innovation and traditional knowledge, with a scientific assessment of potential benefits, risks and impacts.
• Principle 7: The bioeconomy should benefit from strong and coherent policy frameworks that support trade in bioeconomy products and services, market conditions, sustainable business models, decent work, local value creation and the participation of the private sector and civil society.
• Principle 8: Transparent, comparable, measurable, inclusive, science-based and context-specific criteria and methodologies should be used to assess the sustainability of the bioeconomy throughout the value chain.
• Principle 9: The bioeconomy should be supported by international cooperation that addresses global challenges, exploits complementary strengths, innovation and entrepreneurship, and supports financing, capacity building and the exchange of best practices.
• Principle 10: The bioeconomy should be based on country-specific approaches and implemented in accordance with national priorities and regional and local conditions.

The document emphasizes the importance of a holistic and inclusive approach to the bioeconomy that takes into account economic, social and environmental aspects. Co2AI

The UN Conference on Biodiversity COP16, held in 2024 in Cali, Colombia, brought important decisions and commitments for the protection of global biodiversity. At this conference, leaders and experts from more than 190 countries met with the aim of a new strategy for dealing with biodiversity, which is becoming more and more relevant. The talks in Cali were held under the theme "Restoring nature for the future", which highlighted the need for rapid action to protect nature and ecosystems threatened by human activity, climate change and deforestation. In this article, we take a closer look at the key agreements and their significance for the future of biodiversity.

---

The importance of COP16 for biodiversity

Biodiversity is the cornerstone of life on Earth – it supports ecosystems that provide people with food, clean water, pollination, and helps regulate the climate. Yet biodiversity is under threat more than ever. The rapid furniture of species, which is focused on the area of forestry, agricultural expansion, extraordinary, and pollution, has disastrous effects on the world. The COP16 conference therefore set potential targets that are intended to halt and reverse biodiversity losses by 2050.

---

Key outcomes and agreements from COP16

The Cali conference produced several fundamental commitments that have a major impact on the protection of biodiversity at the global level:

1. Protection of 30 % of the world's land and oceans by 2030

One of the main objectives of COP16 is to protect 30 % of the world's land and oceans by 2030 . This initiative, known as "30×30", aims to create a network of protected areas that provided a safe haven for plants, animals and ecosystems. The move is expected to help improve biodiversity and support the recovery of ecosystems that are key to combating climate change. States have pledged to increase investment in the protection of these areas and to protect ecological and scientific monitoring.

2. Reduction of pollution by plastics and toxic substances

The impact of plastics and toxic substances on ecosystems is considerable, especially in aquatic environments. At COP16, countries agreed on a reduction pollution with plastics and toxic substances on a global level. The agreement includes measures to limit single-use plastics and introduce ecological alternatives. Stricter regulation is also expected of chemicals used in industry and agriculture, which often end up in water and soil, damaging local ecosystems and endangering animal and human health.

3. Program for the restoration of degraded ecosystems

One of the important results of the conference is the regular program on restoration of degraded ecosystems . It is estimated that there are about 20 % and many water bodies are seriously damaged by human activities. This program aims to restore these areas through reforestation, wetland protection and improved soil health. Countries have pledged to invest in projects that support sustainable land and water management and contribute to the restoration of natural habitats for many species.

4. Sustainable agriculture and conservation of native species

Intensive agriculture is one of the main causes of biodiversity loss, which is why COP16 emphasized support of sustainable agriculture . They agreed to support techniques that minimize chemical inputs, improve soil health and use pesticides. this commitment also includes the protection of native and local species that are threatened by the intensive cultivation of commercial crops.

5. Securing the rights of indigenous and local communities

Indigenous communities and local people are key custodians of biodiversity, living close to many important ecosystems and their traditional knowledge of nature is invaluable. At COP16, a commitment was made to secure their rights and guarantee that their voice is valid in nature conservation. This commitment also includes guarantees that local communities will have access to the lands that belong to them and will have the opportunity to participate in the protection of natural resources.

---

Challenges and the need for cooperation

Despite the possible goals from COP16, the implementation of these measures will not be without challenges. Achieving commitments such as protecting 30 % planets or halting ecosystem degradation requires enormous efforts not only from governments, but also from the private sector, non-profit organizations and society as a whole. Funding is a critical element, especially for the development of countries that often have the most valuable natural resources, but at the same time lack the means to protect them.

Educating the public has the same no value. Awareness of the importance of biodiversity is necessary for people to support an initiative that helps protect nature and remains the impact of human activity on the environment.

---

Conclusion

The COP16 conference in Cali produced major results and decisions that can help reverse the biodiversity crisis. However, the agreed steps and commitments are only the first step on the long road to a sustainable future. If these plans can be implemented, they can lead to the restoration of ecosystems, the protection of species and the improvement of the quality of life for current and future generations. COP16 sent a clear signal that the world is ready to protect the planet and biodiversity, and showed the way how we can contribute to its preservation. Spring

As COP16 draws to a close, there is still a significant gap between ambition and funding needed to achieve the target of protecting 30 % of the world's ecosystems by 2030 ("30 x 30"). Although private funding for nature-based solutions has grown significantly in recent years, it still exists a $700 billion biodiversity funding gap.

In this context, voluntary carbon markets (VCMs) appear to be a promising mechanism to bridge this gap, especially given that markets for biodiversity credits are still in their early stages of development.

VCMs offer several key advantages:

• They provide immediate financial flows for conservation initiatives.
• They have the potential to provide up to 32 % of the global potential of nature-based solutions by 2030.
• By incorporating biodiversity considerations into carbon offset projects, VCMs can address both climate change and biodiversity loss.
• They provide a model for biodiversity credit markets to learn from and accelerate their own development.

The Rimba Raya project in Indonesia is an example of how VCMs can bring benefits to both climate and biodiversity.

Although VCMs are not flawless, their management is much more advanced than the management of biodiversity markets, allowing them to provide a basis for the development of credible biodiversity credits.

VCM also emphasized the importance of:

• Strong management and transparency.
• Robust methodologies for accurate measurement and monitoring of impacts on biodiversity.
• Involvement and strengthening of local communities.

By harnessing the dynamics of VCM, we can begin to close the gap in biodiversity financing, accelerate ecosystem protection and lay the foundations for sustainable financial mechanisms such as biodiversity credits.

While we still have a long way to go to ensure high integrity in carbon markets, their potential to generate dual benefits for climate change mitigation and biodiversity makes them a powerful tool in the fight against both crises. (CO2AI)

While climate change is hugely important and demands our attention, we seem to be forgetting about another major issue: biodiversity loss. While the COP29 climate change conference attracts the attention of the media and politicians, the COP16 conference on biodiversity has gone largely unnoticed. As many as 80% countries have not even submitted plans to achieve the goals of the UN Biodiversity Agreement.

However, the consequences of biodiversity loss are dire. Since 1970, the wildlife population has declined by 73%. Many species have already become extinct and others are on the verge of extinction. Nevertheless, it seems that the world's attention is mainly focused on climate change.

This trend is also reflected in British politics. While Prime Minister Rishi Sunak faced strong public pressure to attend the COP27 climate change conference, he sent only a "natural science envoy" to the COP16 biodiversity conference. The media also devotes much more space to the climate crisis than to the loss of biodiversity.

Although these two problems are linked, and solving one helps to solve the other, completely ignoring biodiversity is dangerous.

Furthermore, focusing solely on climate change can be counterproductive. While climate change data is important, its abstract nature may not be enough to motivate people to change their behavior. More emotionally compelling stories about the human and animal sacrifices of climate change and biodiversity loss could be more effective. An example of a successful species conservation campaign is "Save the Whales", whose success was partly due to the use of a charismatic whale as a symbol.

In order to save the planet, it is necessary to pay attention to both crises - climate change and biodiversity loss. We need a comprehensive approach that takes into account all aspects of the environment and is communicated in a way that appeals to the general public. (Co2AI)

Biodiversity and climate are interconnected. The loss or deterioration of ecosystems and their plants or animals leads to the release of stored carbon into the atmosphere, which accelerates climate change. At the same time, worsening climate change is causing further loss of biodiversity (viac…)

The 16th Conference of the Parties (COP16) of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity began on Monday in the city of Cali and will last until November 1. With the theme of "Peace with Nature," it has an urgent task to come up with monitoring and funding mechanisms to achieve the 23 UN conservation goals agreed in Canada two years ago.

COP16 President Susana Muhamad, Colombia's environment minister, said on Friday that there had been "very good progress" in the negotiations, adding that "a lot of work has progressed this week".

Mobilizing resources remains "one of the most difficult issues," she told reporters in Cali, "because of the very different views of the parties."

UN chief António Guterres on Sunday called on the 196 signatories of the biodiversity convention to "turn words into action" and support the Global Framework Fund for Biodiversity created last year to meet the UN's goals. (More on phys.org)

Global atlas of ecosystems is the first harmonized resource for mapping and monitoring all the world's ecosystems. The Global Atlas of Ecosystems, convened by the Group on Earth Observations and launched at the United Nations Conference on Biodiversity (COP16) in 2024, will serve as an essential tool to support the conservation, restoration and sustainable management of ecosystems that are critical to addressing global environmental challenges. crisis.

Policymakers, financial institutions, private companies and even local communities will use Atlas to make informed decisions, promote sustainability and manage risk.

The Global Atlas of Ecosystems will be a game changer in how we understand, monitor, protect and manage ecosystems.

The 16th opens this week in Cali, Colombia. ^conference UN on Biodiversity (COP16), which brought together 190 participants from around the world to focus on the issue of nature and preventing its loss. What can we expect to be at the top of the agenda when the first sessions open? How does the conference aim to drive change and what should businesses be on the lookout for?

This year's Biodiversity COP will revisit one of the key outputs of COP15 two years ago - the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, also known as the Biodiversity Plan. The agreement marked a significant milestone at the COP15 conference and established four high-level goals, which are generally: preserving ecosystem integrity, substantially increasing the area of natural ecosystems by 2050, halting the extinction of known endangered species caused by human activity, and reducing extinction rates tenfold. It also set 23 targets, including the oft-discussed 30×30 target – a commitment to protect and conserve at least 30 % of land and sea for biodiversity by 2030. (Ben Stansfield, more at lexology.com)