“Unlocking the Power of Ecosystem Integrity: Why Biodiversity and Climate Action Must Work Together”
The biodiversity and climate crises are intricately linked, with the loss or degradation of ecosystems leading to the release of stored carbon into the atmosphere, exacerbating climate change. Conversely, protecting and restoring ecosystems can help combat climate change by sequestering carbon. Despite this connection, governments continue to address these issues separately, missing out on the potential for collaborative solutions.
At the heart of this issue is the need to protect and restore high-carbon ecosystems like peatlands, mangroves, wetlands, forests, and marshes, which are crucial for storing carbon and preserving biodiversity. These ecosystems play a vital role in sequestering carbon and maintaining ecosystem integrity, which is essential for long-term carbon storage.
The lack of recognition of the importance of biodiversity and ecosystem integrity in international discussions, including at climate and biodiversity COPs, is hindering progress. Biodiversity is often seen as a secondary benefit of climate action, rather than a critical component. Without addressing the biodiversity crisis alongside the climate crisis, we cannot effectively combat climate change.
National-level efforts also fall short, with a lack of collaboration between biodiversity and climate focal points, and a failure to account for the impact of certain climate solutions on biodiversity. Global discussions at the UNFCCC also overlook the importance of protecting and restoring carbon stocks in ecosystems, leading to a flawed interpretation of “net zero” emissions.
A joint work program between the CBD and UNFCCC is needed to harmonize biodiversity and climate actions, avoiding negative trade-offs between NDCs and NBSAPs. This program could pave the way for more effective management of natural carbon sinks and innovative finance mechanisms for ecosystem protection and restoration.
As the impacts of climate change become increasingly severe, the need for integrated solutions that prioritize both biodiversity and climate mitigation is clear. Decision-makers must act swiftly to address these interconnected crises before it is too late.