As WWF International gears up for its 65th anniversary, its director general, Kirsten Schuijt, reflects on the ongoing struggle against climate change. Fresh from COP30 in Belém, Brazil, she emphasizes the need for hope despite a lack of significant commitments at the conference.
We’re now a decade past the Paris Agreement, which aimed to limit global warming to 1.5°C by 2100. Unfortunately, greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise, and the latest talks in Brazil didn’t deliver the breakthroughs many hoped for.
Kirsten recalls the excitement surrounding the Paris Agreement. “It was a big moment,” she says. “But today, we see the harsh reality of climate change. Many communities are suffering from severe flooding in Asia.” Still, she finds reasons to be optimistic. Thanks to the Paris Agreement, we’re now on a path to a 2.5°C rise instead of nearly 4°C. The green energy movement also shows promise; renewable energy is becoming significantly cheaper, making it a viable alternative.
At COP30, while formal negotiations fell short, some noteworthy progress was made. There’s a commitment to triple funding for climate adaptation, alongside the establishment of a just energy transition mechanism. “For the first time, forests took center stage,” Kirsten points out. Our planet’s biodiversity relies heavily on tropical forests, and protecting them is critical for carbon storage.
Positive initiatives emerged outside the official discussions too. WWF supported the Tropical Forest Forever Facility, which funds countries to preserve their tropical forests in critical areas like the Amazon and Congo Basin. This fund will help local communities protect their land while also improving their livelihoods.
Indigenous groups, however, raised concerns about their representation at the conference. Although the Brazilian government ensured some Indigenous voices were heard, many felt sidelined in broader discussions. Bridging this gap is crucial for effective environmental solutions.
People living near these ecosystems have invaluable knowledge. “They are the best guardians of nature,” Kirsten explains. By involving them in conservation efforts, we can achieve far more sustainable results. Historically, humanity has often distanced itself from nature, but reconnecting is essential to building a planet-friendly economy.
When it comes to endangered species, the news isn’t much better. The latest Living Planet Report reveals that global wildlife populations have plummeted by 74% in the past 50 years. Yet, there are bright spots. Conservation efforts have led to the giant panda moving from endangered to vulnerable status, and tiger populations in Asia are making a comeback.
WWF faces criticism for partnering with multinationals, but Kirsten believes it’s essential to include everyone in the conversation. Many corporations are beginning to see that sustainable practices can be good for business and the planet. “If a company isn’t serious, we won’t work with them,” she adds.
Financial initiatives are also key. WWF aims to ensure banks and investors prioritize biodiversity and climate-friendly projects. It’s essential that money flows to those areas in need of protection. Redirecting subsidies in agriculture and fisheries can help rather than harm biodiversity.
Looking at the current political landscape, it’s clear times are tough for environmental advocates. With the US withdrawing from the Paris Agreement and Europe lagging on climate actions, the path seems challenging. Yet, Kirsten remains hopeful. “Nature is a universal issue that can bring people together,” she says.
As more diverse global voices emerge in the fight against climate change, she believes we have the potential to create a collaborative force for good.
Recent surveys show that public concern for climate change remains high, especially among younger generations. They’re rallying for urgent action, proving that the people’s momentum can lead to change.
Overall, it’s a tough journey, but every step counts. Nature can heal if we allow it the chance.
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WWF,Paris agreement,Conservation,Cop30
