As the world grapples with urgent environmental challenges, four significant United Nations conferences are set to take center stage in the coming months. These gatherings aim to tackle issues ranging from biodiversity loss to climate change and plastic pollution, marking a pivotal moment for international cooperation and action.
Kicking off this series of conferences is the COP16 dedicated to biodiversity, scheduled to take place in Cali, Colombia, from October 21 to November 1. This summit will assess progress made since the historic commitments reached at COP15 in Montreal in 2022, where nations pledged to protect 30% of the planet’s land and oceans by 2030. This goal, known as the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, is crucial for reversing biodiversity loss and restoring ecosystems.
In Cali, participants will present national strategies aimed at meeting these ambitious goals, emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts to safeguard the rich variety of plant and animal life on Earth. Observers hope that Colombia, as the host nation, will set an example for other countries to follow. While COP16 may not introduce groundbreaking new agreements, it will serve as a critical platform for evaluating the effectiveness of existing initiatives and encouraging nations to enhance their commitments.
Following the biodiversity conference, attention will shift to COP29, the most significant climate change summit, hosted by Baku, Azerbaijan, from November 11 to 22. This year’s agenda is particularly pressing, with discussions expected to focus on climate finance—the financial support that wealthy nations owe to developing countries vulnerable to climate impacts.
The need for a robust financial framework is underscored by the ongoing climate crisis, as developing nations advocate for significantly more support than the previously pledged $100 billion. This pledge was first made in 2009 and was only fully realized in 2022, illustrating the gap between promises and delivery. The outcome of the U.S. presidential election, occurring just days before the summit, could also influence negotiations and participation from global leaders.
COP16 on Desertification will draw attention in December, running from December 2 to 13 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This conference will address the critical issue of land degradation and desertification, particularly in dry regions facing threats from climate change and unsustainable land use practices. Desertification not only threatens biodiversity but also impacts food security, water resources, and the livelihoods of millions.
Talks will center on developing approaches for the restoration of 1.5 billion hectares of degraded land by 2030 and promoting better drought management strategies. Experts stress the urgency of this issue, as desertification threatens food security and livelihoods across many vulnerable communities. The conference is expected to produce actionable commitments that nations can adopt to combat desertification at local and national levels.
The global community will convene in South Korea on November 25 for the final session, with the aim of establishing a treaty to combat plastic pollution. In 2022, representatives from 175 nations agreed to accelerate negotiations to combat the staggering amounts of plastic waste damaging ecosystems worldwide. Plastic pollution has become one of the most pressing environmental issues, affecting oceans, wildlife, and human health.
While some countries advocate for stricter regulations on plastic production, others—particularly those reliant on oil and gas—are pushing for a focus on recycling and waste management solutions. Activists emphasize the importance of prioritizing reductions in plastic production to effectively tackle this global crisis. The outcome of this treaty could set the framework for how nations manage plastic use and waste in the future.
These upcoming conferences represent not only an opportunity for countries to reaffirm their commitments to environmental protection but also a crucial moment for the global community to address interconnected challenges. As biodiversity, climate change, land degradation, and plastic pollution threaten the planet, the outcomes of these summits will be pivotal in shaping a sustainable future.
The emphasis on cooperation is more critical than ever. With many countries facing the dual challenges of economic recovery post-COVID and escalating climate impacts, the need for innovative solutions and collaborative frameworks is urgent. Civil society, including NGOs and grassroots movements, will also play a vital role in holding governments accountable and ensuring that commitments made in these summits translate into real, measurable actions.
With the world gearing up for these crucial events, the message is unmistakable: it's time to act now. Only through unified efforts can we hope to address the complex environmental challenges we face and secure a sustainable future for generations to come.
Julien Mivielle, The Japan Times, “Environment takes center stage as global summits loom,” October 7, 2024. Link
