Canada’s moment of truth at the UN biodiversity conference: Ecojustice

By Charlotte Dawe, Ecojustice Canada
The National Observer
October 31, 2024
Category: Forestry
Region: Canada

This week, global leaders are gathered in Colombia for COP16 to discuss implementation of the Global Biodiversity Framework, signed less than two years ago in Montreal. This framework is a lifeline, offering the only realistic path to reverse the catastrophic loss of species and ecosystems while stabilizing human societies. Its key targets — protecting 30 per cent of the planet’s land and oceans and restoring 30 per cent of degraded ecosystems by 2030 — are not negotiable. They are the bare minimum needed to keep Earth habitable for all life. For millions of species, including humans, achieving these targets is a matter of survival. But this global ambition means nothing without action at home. Canada’s commitments to global biodiversity are at risk unless they are enshrined in law. A bill that holds Canada accountable to meet these targets is now tabled in parliament. Yet, it sits in legislative limbo, stalled by political squabbling.

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