IUCN WCPA at COP26: Protected areas as solutions for climate change and biodiversity crises

We know that reducing fossil fuel production and emissions and protecting nature are the keys to a sustainable and thriving future. Protecting, conserving, better managing, and restoring our world’s lands and waters has the potential to deliver over one-third of the cost-effective climate mitigation that we need.

Functioning and effective protected and conserved areas are key to the solution, and help address the climate and nature crises at the same time. When well-managed, protected and conserved areas can also reduce the risk of zoonotic disease emergence, support livelihoods, and provide other global and local benefits.

To have a liveable future for the next generations, we also need to transform our economy and create a nature-positive economic system. This includes repurposing government fossil fuel and other subsidies that destroy nature toward actions that protect it.

We can live within planetary boundaries and fully support thriving human and non-human life on Earth. The window is narrowing to take action that will ensure a stable climate and ecological future, but it’s not too late. All citizens can help by joining and supporting organizations that advocate for climate and conservation, including Indigenous-led efforts, and everyone can use their voice to help. 

And most importantly, governments now have the opportunity to take bold climate action by reducing fossil fuel production and emissions, protecting nature, and transforming economic systems.

Now is the time to act to secure a livable future for all life on Earth. There is no time to waste.