September news update: Momentum builds ahead of the “other” COP on nature

 
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Over the past few weeks, we have been busy taking part in the latest discussions organized by the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) on the new draft 1 of the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework (i.e. the Paris Climate Agreement equivalent for Nature, hopefully some of these terms are becoming more familiar!). This new agreement is due to be adopted in May 2022 at the CBD 15th Conference of the Parties (COP15). 

It was positive to see many more countries participating and contributing during the third “Open-Ended Working Group” meeting (OEWG-3). Our focus was to demonstrate and amplify a credible business voice and to reassure negotiators that leading companies stand ready to act. We were delighted to get an invitation to speak at the Biodiversity Pre-Conference of the Parties, hosted by the government of Colombia where we urged governments to adopt a clear mission to reverse nature loss by 2030. Read our highlights story, take a look at the statement we gave during the Biodiversity PreCOP or read this Forbes article which gives a good summary.  

Ahead of these meetings, we shared our latest position on the draft Framework and hosted a webinar with Capitals Coalition, UNEP-WCMC and WBCSD where business leaders from FirstRand, Holcim, Mahindra, Natura &Co, Sompo and Walmart provided concrete examples of how an ambitious outcome at COP15 will accelerate business action towards a nature-positive future. 

While this engagement has all been constructive, there is more work to do. Just last week at the IUCN World Conservation Congress, Business for Nature alongside 100+ organizations representing all corners of society came together and issued an unprecedented call for governments to strengthen the Global Biodiversity Framework. This call very much supports what Business for Nature is asking for: 

  • A clear mission to reverse nature loss by 2030 equivalent to the 1.5 degree global goal for nature.  

  • Ambitious and actionable targets that commit governments to: 

    • eliminate and redirect all harmful subsidies 

    • align all financial flows towards a nature-positive world 

    • embed the value of nature in decision-making and disclosure 

    • ensure production and consumption footprints are within planetary boundaries

Updated CBD Timeline

 
 
Updated CBD Timeline
 
 

We expect momentum to grow at the COP15 Official Opening Ceremony taking place from 11-15 October when China will assume the Presidency and Ministers are expected to adopt a Kunming Declaration. Deliberations will then continue in January 2022, where the OEWG-3 will be resumed for in-person negotiations in Switzerland, ahead of the COP15 now scheduled in April and May 2022. 

New report: how governments can drive business action on nature and climate 

Addressing nature and climate together is an imperative to build an equitable, nature-positive and net-zero future, and businesses need a clear pathway to get there. This is why We Mean Business and Business for Nature launched a new publication “Building Integrated Policies for the Planet” outlining the integrated policy recommendations needed to address the twin crises of climate change and nature loss. Take a look at this opinion piece, written by Eva Zabey, Executive Director of Business for Nature and Maria Mendiluce, CEO of We Mean Business.  

Pushing for 1,000 CTA signatories by 24 September 

At the opening of COP15 in October, we want to show the continued momentum from businesses and are pushing to reach 1,000 signatories of the ‘Nature Is Everyone’s Business’ Call to Action. If you’re a business, please sign up if you haven’t done so and help us reach this important milestone.  

We need to amplify our message and demonstrate business action on nature so please stay tuned for communication opportunities. We’ll be in touch in due course with more detailed plans.  

COP26 

From 31 October to 12 November 2021, the UK and Italy will co-host the 26th UN Conference of the Parties on Climate Change in Glasgow. It’s set to be one of the most important COPs since the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement.  

We’re working closely with partners to make sure the drumbeat on nature is visible throughout COP26 and with companies to make sure nature is built into the conversations on climate and supported by business examples taking an integrated approach to climate and nature.   

News and updates 

  • A report produced by the Global Commons Alliance shows that three in four people (73%) in G20 countries agree that Earth is approaching potentially abrupt or irreversible tipping points because of human action. 

  • WWF issued a report on the need for bold action to halve the footprint of production and consumption by 2030.  

  • Ahead of COP26, We Mean Business launches a new campaign All In for 2030 that aims to raise the voice of business on climate change and shine a light on actions that companies are already taking to reduce emissions.  

  • The CBD has launched their new Action Agenda platform where you can explore how non-state actors are taking action or submit your own commitments.  

  • Take a look at TNC’s series of new infographics that demonstrate pathways that businesses and governments can take to address species loss and help close the nature funding gap.  

Events and articles 

The Business for Nature team is also hiring – we’re looking for a Business Engagement Associate to join the team. Please do share with your networks or apply by 30 September! 

We look forward to your continued support in what we hope is a momentous year for nature, climate and people.  

With many thanks and kind regards, 

Eva Zabey

Executive Director – Business for Nature

 
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