Colombia is taking a bold step at the upcoming UN COP16 biodiversity summit by advocating for a unified climate and biodiversity pledge. Colombian Environment Minister Susana Muhamad emphasized the need to combine efforts to protect nature with tackling climate change, streamlining the current process where the UN handles climate change, biodiversity, and desertification as separate conventions.
Hosting the COP16 biodiversity summit later this month, Muhamad, who is serving as the conference's president, highlighted the challenges faced by developing countries in managing separate negotiations and pledges. She argued that a unified approach could create synergies, such as halting deforestation, which not only preserves biodiversity but also reduces emissions, a major issue for many Latin American nations.
Colombia aims to introduce this integrated plan ahead of COP30, the UN climate summit scheduled to be held in Brazil in 2025. Muhamad stated, \"We will send for the three conventions a synthesis plan that covers in an integral manner the three conventions because actually they are deeply interrelated.\"
The idea of unified pledges was initially raised by Panama during a recent Latin American environment ministers meeting in Rio de Janeiro, garnering support from other nations. Additionally, Colombia announced a $40 billion investment portfolio last week to aid its transition away from fossil fuels and preserve nature.
Beyond environmental initiatives, Colombia is advocating for human rights to be central to environmental plans and is launching a Peace with Nature coalition at COP16. Muhamad believes that conserving nature and fostering peace among different communities enhances resilience to climate shocks and creates a broader context for conflict resolution.
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COP16 host Colombia pushes for unified UN climate and nature pledges
cgtn.com
