In a world where impacts of climate change are hard-hitting and becoming increasingly evident, Biodiversity, through its functions, are aiding to address the critical climate crisis. From Carbon sequestration, to ecosystem services, nature is pivotal in addressing the climate crisis. To this effect, conventions are owing up to the linkage between the crises, with recent spotlight on the joint statement on Climate, Nature and People at the UNFCCC COP28.
In an event we co-hosted with the Global Youth Biodiversity Network Uganda, Biodiversity Hub International and the US mission in Uganda, the day packed session delved into the relationship between biodiversity and climate change delivered through presentations, a Nature-climate clinic, and an introductory presentation on Nature-climate storytelling. Over 60 youth participants including students and young environmentalists engaged through the interactive sessions.
According to Mr. Derrick Emmanuel Mugisha, CEO at Biodiversity Hub International, the linkage between the crises cannot be overlooked with biodiversity as the core pillar of life and biological systems within which we thrive. His presentations shed light on the linkage between both climate and biodiversity conventions- further enlightening the role of Nature as a livelihood support mechanism through associated ecosystem services. Later this year, both the climate and biodiversity conventions will be bracing up to reassess commitments from previous Conferences of the Parties (CBD COP15 and UNFCCC COP28). With both conventions set to take place one after the other, it is anticipated that there will be a stronger synergy between the Nature and Climate discourse. Several countries are fast on course updating their Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans while taking into account Adaptation mechanisms rooted in Nature.
Through the presentation made by Aiita Joshua Apamaku, Y4N Global Ambassador on Nature-based Solutions, he highlighted the current state of the discourse in the policy space, shared key finding from the first-ever Global youth position while challenging participants to engage and keep a critical eye out for false solutions and co-opting tendencies.
In the fight against the climate crisis, international policy fora is increasingly gaining consensus on the role of Nature. This presents a huge opportunity to reverse the trend of biodiversity loss by protecting and conserving the ecosystems. As explored in the event, youth and young environmentalists are tasked to identify their niche, further playing their part in addressing the twin crises.
A list of resources used for delivery in this session can be accessed here.
