Note from the CoEB Director:
Climate change and biodiversity decline are major challenges of
our time. Both are predominantly caused by human activities, with
profound consequences for people and the ecosystems on which
we depend. In 2021 and 2022, major United Nations conferences
on biodiversity (COP15) and on climate change (COP26) will be held,
providing an opportunity for governments to focus international
attention on the interconnectedness and interdependence of climate
change and biodiversity. Some policy measures are beneficial in both
areas, helping to mitigate and adapt to climate change as well as
to conserve and restore biodiversity. However, this is not guaranteed,
and some climate actions can undermine biodiversity goals. This
IAP Statement examines interconnections between biodiversity and
climate change and outlines how measures that benefit biodiversity
have the potential to support climate action, and how some aspects
of climate action can support biodiversity. It also discusses instances
where addressing climate change can undermine efforts to enhance
biodiversity
