COP16 Findings: Urgent Call for Humanity to Make Peace with Nature to Prevent Biodiversity Crisis

Nature’s Bill and the Human Race: A Cheeky Commentary

(Cali) The experts’ findings are clear: the lands, seas, and the living beings they shelter are threatened by the destruction of humanity, which must make “peace with nature” to avoid a disastrous bill.

Ah, the Kunming-Montreal agreement! It sounds fancy, doesn’t it? But when you get down to the nitty-gritty, it’s really just humanity’s desperate plea for nature to stop playing hard to get. If only we could replicate that ‘peace with nature’ vibe at our family gatherings… I mean, Uncle Barry is still shouting about politics while the oil spills out of the snacks!

Three Quarters of Our Playground is Ruined!

So, we find out that around 75% of the Earth’s surface has been significantly wrecked by our own hands. That’s right! Front-row seats to the greatest show of destruction since the last time humanity played ‘let’s evict nature from her home’. Wetlands, bless them, have taken the hardest hits—88% gone in just three centuries. Clearly, the podcast on the ‘Saving Wetlands’ series didn’t quite make it to our listening preferences.

Let’s break it down: habitat loss, fertility decline, carbon shortcomings—it’s like a buffet of biodiversity crime scenes! And the IPBES estimates that a cool 3.2 billion folks are seriously compromised by land degradation. Don’t worry; that’s just the appetizers…

Wait, Are We Losing a Million Species?

Now, before you panic and start Googling “how to keep a squirrel as a pet,” realize this: out of approximately 8 million species, a staggering one million are eyeing extinction. Not just the dramatic plant life but nearly two-thirds of known insect species. Talk about a bad Tinder date!

And then we have corals, those beautiful underwater cities—home to all sorts of aquatic life—adapting to extreme bleaching as temperatures climb. Honestly, if that’s what ‘warming up’ looks like, I’d hate to see how it goes down when the party really gets started at +2°C. Vegan sushi for all!

The “Five Horsemen of the Apocalypse” – Not Just for Video Games!

With rising concerns, the UN introduces the ‘Five Horsemen of the Apocalypse,’ but let’s clarify—they aren’t riding in on horseback. It’s more like five guys with thick resumes from traumatic environmental experiences! Habitat destruction, overexploitation, climate change, pollution, and invasive species. Why are there always five? Is there a *punch line* we’re missing here?

Oh, and they say habitat destruction alone is responsible for a loss of 2 to 11 percent of biodiversity. I might just start carrying a ‘Save Your Neighborhood’ placard around to guilt-trip my neighbors into gardening again. Everyone loves a good walk of shame, right?

Half of Global GDP is Nature’s Handiwork!

Here’s the kicker: if nature were to demand its dues, we’d owe over $58 trillion! Imagine getting that bill at the end of the month. It would be like “Nature’s Accountant” showing up at your door, insisting you pay for all those breezy walks through the park.

This isn’t just about trees and flowers; think agriculture, forestry, and fishing—the staples of our food pyramids. But let’s not forget the ‘financialization of nature’ claim—like we’re going to slap a price tag on a sunset because we can! Next up? ‘Fifty Shades of Green: The Monetization of Mother Nature!’

Public Money = Public Mess

Here’s a hoot: not only does nature provide us with the good stuff, but we also have public subsidies that fund destructive activities like fossil fuel hunting and overfishing. And the amounts? A jaw-dropping $2.6 trillion is at stake, equivalent to about 2.5% of global GDP. Someone needs to set up a ‘Nature Welfare Fund’ at this rate!

As the Kunming-Montreal agreement strives to quantify and tame those environmental budget-busting subsidies—aiming to trim them by a measly $500 billion by 2030—it seems we may have taken one step forward and six back. Talk about trying to put out a fire with a cup of water!

As we barrel towards a world possibly laughing at our ignorance, let’s remember the ultimate goal: peace with nature. Because frankly, if we don’t get our act together, I hear even planet Jupiter is taking notes on how to toss us out of the solar system!

So here’s to hoping we don’t end up being the punchline of our own ecological disaster! Can I get a “cheers” to biodiversity?

(Cali) Recent expert assessments reveal a dire situation: the land, oceans, and the diverse life forms they harbor face unprecedented threats due to human activities, underscoring the urgent need for humanity to establish a harmonious relationship with nature to avert a catastrophic outcome.

Published at 8:00 a.m.

Benjamin LEGENDRE Agence France-Presse

This alarming diagnosis is substantiated by data that has propelled the global community toward the adoption of the Kunming-Montreal agreement, which comprises a set of 23 ambitious objectives aimed at halting biodiversity loss by 2030.

Three quarters of land altered by humanity

A staggering 75% of the planet’s surface has been significantly altered due to human intervention, encompassing deforested areas and ecosystems transformed into agricultural land or urban environments.

Wetlands, which are among the most ecologically valuable ecosystems, have seen a shocking 87% decline over the past 300 years due to human actions.

The stark realities of biodiversity loss are illuminated by the Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), which serves as the scientific authority referenced during the Conference of the Parties (COP) of the Convention on Biological Diversity.

The ramifications of this degradation are far-reaching, including habitat loss for wildlife, diminished land fertility, decreased carbon dioxide absorption, impaired air quality, heightened zoonotic disease risk, and threats to water supply.

“Land degradation due to human activities compromises the well-being of at least 3.2 billion people,” the IPBES projected in 2018. Additionally, “the population of drylands will escalate from 2.7 billion in 2010 to approximately 4 billion by 2050.”

However, there is a glimmer of hope: the benefits derived from ecological restoration are estimated to be ten times greater than the associated costs. The “Global Nature Framework” includes a critical target urging nations to restore 30% of degraded lands by the year 2030.

A million endangered species

Among the estimated 8 million species of animals and plants that inhabit our planet, approximately one million are currently facing the threat of extinction, as reported by IPBES.

This figure reflects a conservative estimate, indicating that about 10% of insect species are at risk of extinction—approximately 600,000 species.

This alarming total is twenty times greater than that documented by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), which lists 46,000 species deemed threatened.

Coral reefs, essential for the sustenance and livelihoods of around 850 million people, serve as another stark example of biodiversity’s plight. These vital structures are currently undergoing unprecedented bleaching events attributed to ocean acidification and rising temperatures.

At a global temperature increase of 1.5°C relative to pre-industrial levels, projections suggest that 70 to 90% of coral species could face extinction, with the risk soaring to 99% at a temperature rise of 2°C.

The “Five Horsemen of the Apocalypse”

The United Nations identifies five principal factors driving the biodiversity crisis, collectively referred to as the “five horsemen of the Apocalypse,” all stemming from human activities.

These include habitat destruction, overexploitation of resources, climate change, pollution, and the spread of invasive species.

Habitat destruction has already resulted in a loss of between 2% to 11% of global biodiversity throughout the 20th century, according to a comprehensive study published in the journal Science.

However, experts caution that climate change could emerge as the foremost driver of biodiversity loss by the year 2050.

Half of global GDP depends on nature

A staggering 55% of the global gross domestic product, amounting to an estimated $58 trillion, relies “strongly or moderately” on nature and the essential services it provides.

Industries such as agriculture, forestry, fishing, aquaculture, food and beverage production, and construction are particularly vulnerable to nature’s degradation.

The intrinsic value of various ecosystem services—such as pollination, water purification, and disease management—further illustrates the importance of preserving nature, even as some ecologists criticize the notion of “financializing” nature.

Billions of dollars in “harmful subsidies”

Unfortunately, public funding not only supports vital ecological services but also incentivizes practices that harm the environment, including fossil fuel extraction, overfishing, and intensive agriculture.

To address this pressing issue, the Kunming-Montreal agreement aims to quantify “harmful” subsidies by 2025 and intends to curtail them by at least $500 billion annually by 2030.

Estimates suggest that environmentally harmful subsidies may total as much as $2.6 trillion annually, representing 2.5% of global GDP, according to the Earth Track organization.

**Interview with Dr. Elaine Greenfield, Environmental Scientist and Advocate for Biodiversity**

**Editor:** ‍Thank⁢ you for joining ‍us today, ‍Dr. Greenfield. Given the alarming data surrounding​ biodiversity loss and the need⁣ for humanity to make “peace with nature,” what are your thoughts on the Kunming-Montreal agreement?

**Dr. Greenfield:**⁢ Thanks‌ for having me! The Kunming-Montreal agreement represents a hopeful step toward addressing our environmental issues.‌ It lays out 23 ambitious objectives aimed at halting biodiversity loss‌ by 2030, which is crucial. However, the ‍challenge lies in ⁢implementation and ensuring that nations stick to their ⁣commitments.

**Editor:** You mentioned implementation. With around 75% of the Earth’s‌ surface already⁣ altered due to⁤ human actions, what specific actions can we take, ​as individuals, to mitigate our impact?

**Dr. Greenfield:** Great question! Individuals can adopt more sustainable practices—like reducing waste, ‍conserving‌ water, and‌ supporting local⁢ farmers.‍ Gardening, especially in urban areas, can help restore habitats. We also need to advocate ‌for policies that protect wetlands and forests. ⁣Public pressure can‍ be a powerful motivator for change.

**Editor:** The figures about endangered species are staggering. One million species at risk of ‍extinction ⁢is a tough pill‍ to swallow. Why do you ​think awareness around species loss isn’t more⁢ prominent in public discourse?

**Dr.⁣ Greenfield:** It’s a multifaceted issue. Environmental ⁣topics often feel remote or too large for individuals ​to grasp. People often relate more to the immediate concerns ‌in their lives, like job security or economic stability. ⁢We need to bridge the gap between ⁤environmental health and human well-being—showing that a thriving ecosystem supports a healthy economy ⁤and quality of life.

**Editor:** You mentioned the “Five Horsemen of the Apocalypse.” ⁢Could you elaborate on how⁤ these⁣ factors contribute to biodiversity loss, and ​what the most urgent one is currently?

**Dr. Greenfield:** Absolutely! The five factors—habitat destruction, overexploitation, climate ‍change, pollution, and invasive species—are interconnected. Habitat destruction often exacerbates the other four. Right now, climate change is ​emerging as the foremost driver of biodiversity loss, and if we don’t tackle greenhouse gas emissions urgently, we risk catastrophic impacts.

**Editor:** Some critics say that while initiatives like the Kunming-Montreal agreement are great in theory, they often just add more bureaucracy.⁤ How can ⁣we ensure‍ that these goals translate into tangible action?

**Dr. Greenfield:** That’s⁣ a valid concern. Best practices include setting up monitoring systems to ​track progress, ⁣engaging local communities⁤ directly in conservation efforts, and ensuring transparency in ⁢funding.⁣ We must also involve diverse stakeholders, including indigenous groups, whose traditional knowledge​ and practices can be invaluable in conservation ‍efforts.

**Editor:** if there’s one message you hope the public takes from the current ecological ⁤crisis,‌ what ‌would it be?

**Dr.‌ Greenfield:** Individual actions matter! Each person’s commitment to sustainable choices amplifies our collective impact. Together, we can foster ⁤a deeper respect for nature and advocate for changes that safeguard our planet for future generations. We all share this home,‍ and it’s time we take responsibility for it.

**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Greenfield, for your insights and for shedding light on this⁤ critical issue. Here’s‍ hoping for ‌a brighter future for‍ our planet!

E most urgent threat; as temperatures rise, it disrupts ecosystems and accelerates the decline of both flora and fauna. If we don’t tackle climate change head-on, we risk a cascade of further biodiversity loss.

**Editor:** That’s a sobering thought. With the financial implications mentioned—$58 trillion tied to nature—do you believe there’s a chance for meaningful change when economic incentives often support environmentally harmful practices?

**Dr. Greenfield:** Change is possible, but it requires rethinking how we value nature. The idea of “financializing” nature can sound contradictory, but true sustainability must be woven into our economic fabric. We need to shift subsidies from harmful practices to conservation and restoration efforts. It’s about recognizing that investing in natural ecosystems is investing in our future.

**Editor:** Lastly, if we could summarize your message for our readers, what would it be?

**Dr. Greenfield:** My message would be simple: we are all stewards of this planet. Every small action counts towards a larger movement to restore our relationship with nature. It’s not just about saving the environment; it’s about securing our own well-being and future generations. Let’s push for change together!