Important steps forward at COP28: nature crucial ally in tackling climate change

IUCN NL welcomes the recognition of nature’s contribution in the “Outcome of the first stocktake” of the UN Climate Conference (UNFCCC COP28). We believe that, alongside a rapid and equitable energy transition, investing in healthy ecosystems and nature-based solutions is essential to keep the earth’s temperature manageable. Ecosystems can make a powerful contribution to climate adaptation and mitigation, provided we take ambitious steps to drastically reduce our CO2 emissions.

Header photo: © IUCN

UNFCCC COP28, which ended on 12 December, explicitly recognised the importance of nature. Compared to previous climate conferences, this was exceptional. In addition, there was strong support for a joint approach to the climate and biodiversity crises. Progress was also made on several key initiatives on, among others, nature-based solutions, nature-positive financing, and agriculture.

Lack of attention to important ecosystems

Despite the aforementioned positive results, we cannot speak of a high level of ambition in the agreed goals, mainly because they do not contain sufficient concrete and detailed formulations. Although the importance of meeting the targets in the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework was stressed in the final text, it is disappointing that IPCC’s recommendation to protect 30 to 50 percent of all ecosystems is not included as a target.

Important ecosystems were not highlighted as climate solutions. Wetlands and mangroves, for example, play a major role in holding greenhouse gases and mitigating the effects of climate change, but they were barely brought to the fore in the negotiations.

Wetlands and mangroves play a major role in holding greenhouse gases and mitigating the effects of climate change, but they were barely brought to the fore in the negotiations.

Climate change threatens species and ecosystems

Science tells us that any increase in temperature will lead to increasing damage to both humans and nature. The latest IUCN Red List update, launched in Dubai, emphasised that climate change is already affecting species and ecosystems, with catastrophic consequences for human well-being. The role of wildlife in climate mitigation remained underexposed in the COP discussions.

Energy transition must not come at the expense of nature

IUCN NL sees the decision to move away from fossil fuels as a positive development, but we continue to call for more climate action and a complete phase-out of fossil fuels. This phase-out is essential to avoid the worst effects of uncontrolled climate change and to allow nature to play its full role in addressing the climate crisis.

We welcome the decision to triple the amount of renewable energy by 2030, but we also see emerging risks biodiversity. The energy transition should not mean that more forest biomass can be burned. More renewable energy is good, but not in the form of wood pellets. Moreover, it must be ensured that biodiverse areas pressured by mining expansion to mine minerals for electric cars, solar panels and wind turbines remain protected.

By recognising the role of nature, we are taking steps in the right direction.

Effective climate finance remains a focus

Another outcome of COP28 was the entry of the “loss and damage fund“, and the first funding commitments. Yet, we remain concerned about the lack of progress in effectively contributing to climate finance, especially for climate adaptation at the local level.

We welcome the recognition of the important role of Indigenous people around the globe in protecting healthy, biodiverse ecosystems. Within the Forests for a Just Future programme, IUCN NL works to recognise their rights and strengthen their capacity to protect and manage nature. In addition, we advocate for more climate funding provided directly to people living in biodiverse areas, among others through Mobilising More for Climate.

Sustainable future for all life on Earth

By recognising the role of nature, we are taking steps in the right direction. Combined with scaled-up climate finance and the phasing out of fossil fuels, this will help achieve a sustainable future for all life on Earth.