International Animal Rescue CEO urges leaders at Cop28 summit to embrace the connection between protecting wildlife and mitigating climate change.
Gavin Bruce, the chief executive of International Animal Rescue, is calling on leaders at the Cop28 summit in Dubai to recognize the vital link between protecting wildlife and combating climate change. Bruce emphasizes that efforts to restore and preserve habitats not only benefit wildlife but also have a positive impact on climate change. By highlighting the interconnectedness of these two issues, Bruce aims to promote a solve-two-problems-at-once approach that benefits both humans and nature.
Restoring Habitats: A Dual Solution:
Bruce provides examples that illustrate the symbiotic relationship between habitat restoration, wildlife conservation, and climate change mitigation. Rising sea levels due to climate change threaten farmers, but by restoring mangroves, natural defenses are rebuilt, reducing the need for farmers to illegally log forests for additional land. This approach simultaneously helps farmers, protects forest wildlife, and slows down climate change by preserving carbon-absorbing trees. Another example is the exacerbation of extreme weather events linked to the El Nino phenomenon due to climate change. Hot and dry weather conditions result in increased emissions and forest fires, worsening climate change and negatively impacting wildlife.
Nature, People, Lives, and Livelihoods: A Cop28 Priority:
Cop28 organizers have identified “nature, people, lives, and livelihoods” as one of the event’s four priorities. On December 9, a themed discussion on “nature, land use, and oceans” will take place. Bruce hopes that the summit will recognize the crucial role nature plays in mitigating climate change and the adverse effects of climate change on biodiversity and nature.
The Global Stocktake and Biodiversity Targets:
The upcoming Cop28 summit in Dubai will mark the first “global stocktake,” during which countries will assess the progress made in the fight against climate change. Last year, 23 biodiversity targets were adopted at a summit in Canada, heralded as a breakthrough for nature conservation. Although non-binding, these targets provide a framework for protecting nature.
The “One Health” Approach:
Bruce advocates for a “one health” approach that considers the well-being of both humans and the natural environment. He highlights the need for greater cohesion between organizations such as the World Health Organization, climate agendas, and biodiversity initiatives. Land use is a significant issue for both nature and biodiversity, closely followed by climate change, which exacerbates the situation.
The Impact on Oceans:
The ocean serves as a bellwether for climate change, with coral reef loss and record-high sea temperatures affecting fish stocks and livelihoods. The changing chemistry of the water due to rising temperatures poses a threat to marine ecosystems. The resulting extreme weather events, such as El Nino, further contribute to the cycle of climate change and its impact on wildlife.
Mitigation and Adaptation:
Bruce emphasizes the importance of both mitigating climate change and preparing for its impact. In addition to reducing carbon emissions, he believes in the necessity of adaptation measures. International Animal Rescue works with coastal farmers who are forced to encroach on forests when their land becomes submerged. By implementing resilience and adaptation strategies, such as mangrove restoration, farmers’ livelihoods are safeguarded, the forest is protected, and climate change is mitigated.
The Political Battle:
While the connection between climate and nature conservation is clear, conflicts can arise. Wind turbines, for example, designed to reduce CO2 emissions, can pose risks to passing birds. However, many activists argue that these risks are often exaggerated. The Campaign to Protect Rural England has expressed concerns about the potential harm to the countryside from onshore wind development in the UK. Additionally, an EU law on protecting nature was weakened during negotiations, with targets on protecting farmland removed from the final agreement.
Conclusion:
Gavin Bruce’s call to recognize the interdependence between protecting wildlife and mitigating climate change is a crucial step towards a sustainable future. By restoring the relationship between humanity and nature, we can achieve a win-win solution that benefits both humans and the environment. The Cop28 summit provides an opportunity for global leaders to acknowledge the pivotal role of nature in combating climate change and safeguarding biodiversity. It is imperative that we prioritize the restoration and protection of habitats, ensuring the well-being of both people and wildlife while addressing the challenges posed by climate change.
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