The United Nations has named 2026 the “International Year for Rangelands and Pastoralists.” This decision highlights the importance of grasslands, which are often overlooked in discussions about climate change.
A group of scientists from various countries, including Tanzania and Canada, urged the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change (FCCC) to include more biomes, particularly grasslands and savannahs, in climate conversations. Despite being better carbon sinks than forests, grasslands have not received the attention they deserve. Sadly, even three years after their letter, the annual climate summits still focus heavily on forests without addressing the urgent needs of other ecosystems.
At the recent COP30 climate talks in Belém, Brazil, the spotlight remained on forests. While the announcement of the Tropical Forest Forever Facility (TFFF) aimed to support tropical forest conservation, there was a noticeable absence of plans for grassland protection. Samantha Murray, CEO of the Indigenous Desert Alliance, emphasized that communities in desert areas are facing extreme climate challenges, criticizing the focus on forests to the detriment of other key ecosystems.
Grasslands, one of the world’s most at-risk ecosystems, suffer from habitat loss due to agriculture, invasive species, and fossil fuel extraction. These ecosystems are not just vital for biodiversity but are also key to fighting climate change. The Australian desert grasslands, for example, are experiencing harsh impacts from climate change, including severe droughts and floods, which are compounded by invasive plant species that worsen fire risks.
Organizations like the Indigenous Desert Alliance are taking action by promoting sustainable management practices. Their work involves traditional land management techniques to protect grasslands, but the struggle is far from over. Many people still don’t connect climate change to these often-unnoticed ecosystems, leaving them underfunded and unprotected.
The situation in Australia mirrors that of Brazil’s Cerrado, a biodiverse savannah that is crucial for water supply. It faces greater threats from human activities than even the Amazon rainforest. Activists and local communities in Brazil are starting to highlight the importance of the Cerrado, paving the way for recognition and funding at international forums like COP30.
The Cerrado’s plight underscores a broader issue. Agricultural expansion, mining, and neglect of indigenous land rights are endangering both ecosystems and local communities. According to Dandara Tonantzin, a Brazilian congresswoman, protecting these areas is a social justice issue. Recognizing the rights of indigenous people is essential for effective management of these ecosystems.
Efforts are underway at various international conferences to advocate for grasslands, especially at the UNCCD where they are recognized for their role in combating land degradation. Integrating the goals of different U.N. bodies, like the UNFCCC and the CBD, could lead to a more cohesive approach to managing ecosystems.
For instance, India’s approach to grasslands involves many government ministries, which often have conflicting policies. A unified strategy that recognizes grasslands as essential carbon sinks could enhance climate goals, benefiting both the environment and local communities.
The fight for grassland recognition and protection is also gaining traction in Brazil, where researchers are pushing for policies that include these ecosystems in national climate action plans.
Ultimately, the key to preserving grasslands lies in cooperation. By aligning global efforts and prioritizing grassroots input, we can bolster the fight against climate change while respecting the rights and needs of local communities. This vision is achievable if global leaders commit to multilateralism and prioritize science over corporate interests.
In summary, the call for grasslands to receive their due attention in climate discussions is more urgent than ever. By recognizing their critical role in our ecosystem and involving local communities in their management, we can help safeguard the future of these vital landscapes.
Author: Sutirtha Lahiri, a PhD student at the University of Minnesota, focuses on conservation science.
