Medhini Kumar, medhini.kumar@sierraclub.org
Montreal, Canada – Today, governments from around the world agreed to adopt the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, in conclusion of the United Nations’ Biodiversity Conference (COP15). The framework includes a pledge to protect 30 percent of lands and waters by 2030, along with increased funding for biodiversity efforts. While the United States sent a delegation to the talks in Montreal, it is not a party to the Convention on Biological Diversity, and is notably the only nation, apart from the Holy See, that did not sign this agreement to conserve biodiversity.
In response, Bonnie Rice, Sierra Club’s Wildlife Campaign Manager released the following statement:
“This global agreement to protect 30 percent of our lands and waters by 2030 marks a milestone in international conservation efforts. We are only as healthy as our planet is, and this agreement marks the first step in a global effort to ensure a livable planet for all.
“Scientists say that we are currently in the midst of the sixth mass extinction. We have lost nearly 70 percent of our global wildlife populations in the last 50 years, with human actions to blame. In the face of this alarming loss of nature and the unprecedented threats to our planet and the species we share it with, the urgency and importance of this agreement cannot be overstated.
“Notably, the US is shamefully not a signatory to the Global Biodiversity Framework agreed upon by over 190 nations today. This does not mean that we cannot - or should not - do our part to fund biodiversity efforts and continue to make progress to reach our own nationwide conservation goals. One of President Biden’s first actions when taking office was to establish our own goal to conserve 30 percent of our lands and waters by 2030. With only eight years until we reach this critical deadline, the Biden administration must dramatically accelerate concrete actions to protect biodiversity and to protect and connect habitat that species need to survive – for ourselves and for all other beings we share this planet with.”
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.