What nature can do for the climate in a post-COVID world
Publication year
Resource type
UNCCD Library
Material Type
Web resource
In a year of global setbacks – coronavirus, delayed conferences, failed targets – climate action has still been on the rise;
A race to zero CO2 emissions needs to be coupled with nature-positive investment to both tackle environmental challenges and support an economic recovery;
Nature-based solutions, including natural climate solutions, can address both climate and nature goals. The Natural Climate Solutions Alliance is working to unlock the potential of working with nature to fight climate change.
Businesses are in a race to zero
It was expected that 2020 would set the agenda for environmental action for the next decade. But with the postponement of the UN Biodiversity Conference (CBD COP 15) and the UN Climate Change Conference (COP26), along with the enormous fiscal pressures created by COVID-19, this year threatens to disrupt investment in our sustainable future instead.
However, in a year of setbacks, positive momentum is still building. There has been strong international support to invest in climate change actions as part of the economic recovery. Much of this has been driven by the private sector making strong commitments to reducing emissions.
Groups including the oneworld Airline Alliance and companies such as Walmart have recently announced their commitment to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. At time of writing, 1,146 businesses and investors have joined the Race to Zero initiative ahead of COP26 – a coalition that covers nearly 25% of global CO2 emissions. This momentum created by business commitments can serve as a strong signal for governments that the private sector is united in meeting the Paris climate goals through sustainable growth strategies.
Investing in natural capital as part of a green recovery, through ecosystem resilience and restoration of carbon-rich habitats and climate-friendly agriculture, promises to deliver both economic and climate positive goals. As outlined in The Future of Nature and Business Report, there are significant financial gains to be made by transitioning to a nature-positive economy, namely an estimated $10.1 trillion in additional annual business revenues or cost savings and 395 million new jobs by 2030.
Read further the whole article from the link above
A race to zero CO2 emissions needs to be coupled with nature-positive investment to both tackle environmental challenges and support an economic recovery;
Nature-based solutions, including natural climate solutions, can address both climate and nature goals. The Natural Climate Solutions Alliance is working to unlock the potential of working with nature to fight climate change.
Businesses are in a race to zero
It was expected that 2020 would set the agenda for environmental action for the next decade. But with the postponement of the UN Biodiversity Conference (CBD COP 15) and the UN Climate Change Conference (COP26), along with the enormous fiscal pressures created by COVID-19, this year threatens to disrupt investment in our sustainable future instead.
However, in a year of setbacks, positive momentum is still building. There has been strong international support to invest in climate change actions as part of the economic recovery. Much of this has been driven by the private sector making strong commitments to reducing emissions.
Groups including the oneworld Airline Alliance and companies such as Walmart have recently announced their commitment to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. At time of writing, 1,146 businesses and investors have joined the Race to Zero initiative ahead of COP26 – a coalition that covers nearly 25% of global CO2 emissions. This momentum created by business commitments can serve as a strong signal for governments that the private sector is united in meeting the Paris climate goals through sustainable growth strategies.
Investing in natural capital as part of a green recovery, through ecosystem resilience and restoration of carbon-rich habitats and climate-friendly agriculture, promises to deliver both economic and climate positive goals. As outlined in The Future of Nature and Business Report, there are significant financial gains to be made by transitioning to a nature-positive economy, namely an estimated $10.1 trillion in additional annual business revenues or cost savings and 395 million new jobs by 2030.
Read further the whole article from the link above
Keywords
nature-based solutions
business opportunities
financial incentives
economic recovery
ecosystems resilience
Documents