A watershed moment for nature as a weighty deal is inked among the reps representing 196 countries. These forward-looking people have shown a similarity in intent and vowed to preserve and dedicate some portion of the earth to nature. Environment news updates in India.
The greater vow is that this ought to be completed by 2030. Environment news updates in India.
In the same league, they have also agreed to cut down on discounts that harm the environment by $500 billion a year at the very least and to restore about 30% of the area where the ecosystems have been impoverished over the years. Environment news updates in India.
Such a mesmerizing series of promises have been traded at UN Biodiversity Summit (COP-15) in Montreal.
Toweringly significant is the fact that no one from the US was present to bless the occasion and partake in the proceedings. We are among the veterans of environment news updates in India.
Those with a resounding knowledge, call the development “Paris Moment” for biodiversity. Environment news updates in India.
The Kunming-Montreal Global biodiversity Framework seeks to present the loss of areas that are critical to biodiversity and this practice also pinpoints an ecosystem of high ecological virtues, while keeping in mind the rights of the natives, and the deadline of 2030 is set for this purpose. Environment news updates in India.
Nevertheless, there has been a clamour for a new funds from the countries of the global south, particularly from India and this demand is not fully met under this agreement. Environment news updates in India.
There are indications though that some fund is stated to e created under the garb of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) which is a fund controlled by the UN fund created for biodiversity while talks about some exclusive funds can also be had in the coming time. Environment news updates in India.
Developed countries agreed to shell out $30 billion every year to less developed countries for the sake of biodiversity protection. We are steadfast to bring you environment news updates in India.
Indian Perspective: We cover environment news updates in India.
The Indian side has been irked at the outcome of the agreement on many counts, such as:
- General agreement on the new fund is fragile. Environment news updates in India.
- The target for subsidies is also not clearly defined.
- Absence of any roadmap to bring pollution to zero.
Clearing the air on this issue, Bhupendra Yadav, in the capacity of Union Environment Minister said, “The Global Biodiversity Framework sets out to respond to several assessments that provide ample evidence that, despite ongoing efforts, biodiversity is deteriorating worldwide at rates unprecedented in human history. This framework outlines an ambitious plan to implement broad-based action to bring about a transformation in our societies’ relationship with biodiversity by 2030 and ensure that, by 2050, the shared vision of living in harmony with nature is fulfilled.” Environment news updates in India.
He further explained, “India had negotiated strongly and had discussions with the COP Presidency and the CBD Secretariat before placing the final Global Biodiversity Framework for adoption. The suggestions from India for keeping all the goals and targets, globally, were accepted, along with other propositions. The most significant contribution of the Indian interventions was that all the targets are kept global and countries will be free to adopt them as per their circumstances, priorities, and capabilities. India could also successfully negotiate that the Ecosystem-based approaches should be given due place in all mitigation processes.” Environment news updates in India are critical to us.
Referring to spot-on sustainable consumption he said, “The concept of Lifestyle for the environment was also given the due place and it was recognized that for achieving the goals of biodiversity conservation enhancing and effective implementation of all the action concept of behavioural change, sustainable lifestyles is important.”
Regarding Biodiversity Loss: Environment news updates in India.
This phenomenon, the agreement outlines numerous aspects and has set four major goals alongside 23 targets.
It calls for 30% of the terrestrial, inland water, and coastal and marine areas, to be brought under the careful vision of purposeful conservation by 2030. Environment news updates in India.
This also includes the lands of immense biodiversity importance which need to be sustained by 2030.
Truly readers, such as the testier agenda that was discussed by 196 countries and is also termed as 30×30 target. Environment news updates in India are right here.
Members Left In Cross Hair And Heated Debate Ensued: Environment news updates in India.
As was expected, many countries failed to decipher the spirit of the agreement fully and some African nations regarded it with disdain. UN officials trashed any such gross negligence. Environment news updates in India.
Harjeet Singh, in the capacity of head of the global political strategy with Climate Action Network, accentuated, “This is a challenge with the UN process which follows a principle of consensus. It delays the process but it makes sure all countries are treated equally irrespective of their size and economies.”
On a demanding basis, the framework has also laid down an executive action plan on the following:
- if any of the species face extinction. Environment news updates in India.
- to lower pollution exposure. Environment news updates in India.
- to undermine the negative impact of pollution from whatever sources identifiable by 2030,
- to prevent subsidies that are toxic for biodiversity by 2025.
- To promote sustainable consumption options among the people,
- To scale down the danger from pesticides and other hazardous chemicals. Environment news updates in India.
At this point, Vishaish Uppal, director of governance, law, and policy at World Wildlife Fund (WWF) India and who was also an attendee at COP15, said, “These are global targets and each party as per their national circumstances and priorities will strive to achieve them. India understands the importance of biodiversity conservation and will take the required steps to implement the GBF.”
Passage Of The Agreement: Environment news updates in India.
As for the draft of the agreement, this has been a result of the sheer hard work of four long years done with a focus on the Global Biodiversity Framework and the Convention on Biological Diversity had to use multiple meetings for this purpose. We simplify the environment news updates in India.
COP15 commenced on Dec 15 in Montreal and witnessed about 10,000 members and included envoys from 196 countries. Evidently, all these visionaries contributed to the spirit of the organization, and overwhelmed by such constructive proceedings, Elizabeth Maruma could not hold back saying that the meet was a “Paris Moment For The Nature”. We unclog environment news updates in India.
Ms. Elizabeth is the executive secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity and this was in reference to the 2015 Paris Climate Accord where countries wholeheartedly asserted to not allow a rise in temperature globally above 2 degrees Celsius, in the backdrop of pre-industrial times and to further put efforts to pull it under 1.5 degree Celsius. Environment news updates in India.
By regarding the COP15, we can identify its central objective as to embrace an approach towards global biodiversity with new determination as the Aichi Biodiversity Targets became void in 2020 and experts called them inadequate.
Paris Moment For Nature: Environment news updates in India.
The move has won accolades from all over the world. Georgina Chandler, in the capacity of Senior International Policy Advisor at the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, issued a statement, “Unlike the World Cup, there isn’t just one winner at COP15. People and nature should both be better off thanks to the deal struck in Montreal. Now it’s done, governments, companies, and communities need to figure out how they’ll help make these commitments a reality. That’s the only way to win the ultimate goal: a healthy planet for us all.”
Then, during the closing session, Canadian Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault said, “Tonight, together we take a bold step forward to protect nature, to protect the air we breathe and the water we drink…” Environment news updates in India.
Then, Oscar Soria who is Campaign Director, Avaaz, also jazzed up the occasion by adding, “Extinction doesn’t negotiate — the science is clear that we need to protect at least half the Earth by 2030. This text is a step forward from where we are, but nature needs a giant leap. Governments should scale up protections, and deliver a clear plan for the full $1 trillion a year that is needed to make this agreement real.” Environment news updates in India.
Indian Performance In Global Biodiversity Framework: Environment news updates in India.
India identified certain loopholes which appear to have been considered in the GBF though India has not confirmed its support for the new fund for global biodiversity. Environment news updates in India.
India does not support the numerical target to disqualify harmful subsidies and this aspect has found a little ground in the declaration:
“Identify by 2025, and eliminate, phase out or reform incentives, including subsidies, harmful for biodiversity, in a proportionate, just, fair, effective and equitable way, while substantially and progressively reducing them by at least 500 billion United States dollars per year by 2030, starting with the most harmful incentives.” Environment news updates in India.
Mr. Uppal made an addition, “The subsidies provision is not just about eliminating but about repurposing. It is to encourage positive steps to say in agriculture. India is already working on soil health and encouraging the adoption of organic agriculture.” Environment news updates in India.
Just past Saturday, Bhupendra Singh Yadav, Union Environment Minister, called for an earnest plan of action to take on this issue. He said, “The goals and targets set in the global biodiversity framework should be ambitious, yet realistic and practical. Conservation of biodiversity must also be based on common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities, as climate change processes affect biodiversity.”
Dear readers, let’s see how far the deal would go and how much would be achieved through such brainstorming sessions.
Finally, this is frustrating that the US chose to remain away from such a meeting that would have a bearing on human existence in the future including Americans.
