The world’s nations have agreed on a new funding plan to reverse the decline of nature and address the “sixth mass extinction” threat facing Earth. The deal, reached at UN talks in Rome, aims to mobilize $200 billion by 2030 to protect biodiversity action and combat climate change.
Countries struggled with deep divisions last year’s COP16 summit in Colombia but eventually came together, agreeing on a new strategy that includes:
– National funding strategies
– A permanent fund for nature
– Dedication of funding for indigenous groups
The agreement is seen as a success for international cooperation despite some countries’ absence and the US not attending. Environmental charities welcome the deal but emphasize the need to see actual money delivered immediately.
The plan builds on last year’s landmark deal, which aimed to halt biodiversity decline by protecting 30% of the world’s land and seas. The current rate of species decline is alarming, with many scientists warning that humans could be causing a mass extinction event.
The UK has finally submitted its national strategy for tackling biodiversity loss, although only 6.5% of the country’s land is adequately protected. With over half of global GDP dependent on nature, and up to 4 billion people relying on ocean resources and forests, the stakes are high in this fight to save the planet.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cg5ddnmnypvo