Environment protection and nature conservation
As civilization has ruined nature by deforestation and pollution for their ambitious urbanization and industrialization goals. Simultaneously, the world is trying to save the environment with protection and conservation efforts. But how close of our targets we are now, is the big question. Despite making significant progress for environmental protection areas over the decade, the world could not make to maintain committed quality, revealed in a report.
The study conducted by UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and partners gives the final “report card” on 10-year nature protection goals. The target was to protect at least 17 percent land and inland waters and 10 percent marine environment by 2020. As per UN report, at least 16.6 percent on the first target and 7.74 percent of marine target have been protected so far, though with low quality.
Environment protection and nature conservation goals
Over 22 million square kilometres of land and inland water ecosystems made it to total documented protected and conserved areas. Also, 28.1 million square kilometres of coastal waters and ocean found place in protected and conserved areas over decade-long efforts. Overall, total environmental protection rose by over 21 million square kilometres, or 42 percent of current coverage, since 2010.
The authors expressed concerns on the protection not being effective as it’s important to include biodiversity. However, one-third of the key biodiversity areas have not been protected yet, signifying major insufficiency. This data was published in the report of UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP-WCMC) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), in association with the non-profit National Geographic Society.
Put more actions, finance to achieve climate targets
Earlier in January, UNEP had reported that countries have made progress in also in planning for climate change adaptation. However, it found that the nations could not make it to implementation. They could not provide real protection against droughts, floods and rising sea levels due to financial shortfalls. Climate change adaption cost for developing nations is projected at $70 billion. That could be reaching up to $300 billion in 2030, and $500 billion in 2050.
The intensifying global warming impacts will hit hard the most vulnerable nations even if we manage to keep temperature well below 2 Degrees Celsius and pursue 1.5 Degree Celsius, said UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen. The agency also warned the nations against facing serious implications, damages and losses if they could not take urgent action to adapt to new climate reality. For adaption, countries need to put more public and private finance.
Take huge slice out of greenhouse gas emissions
In December last year, the agency revealed that the planet experienced a brief dip in global carbon dioxide emissions due to Covid-19 lockdowns, but it’s still seeing a rise in warming by 3 Degrees Celsius this century. In its Emissions Gap Report 2020, UNEP suggested speedy and strong climate action to change the temperature trajectory. Andersen suggested more investment and huge cut in greenhouse gas emissions for a real green recovery from pandemic.
Andersen urged the governments to take full advantages of green recovery from pandemic shutdowns. He expected cut in emissions by up to 25 per cent in 2030. This will strengthen the chance of keeping global warming increase to below 2-degree Celsius, up to 66 percent, he said. According to UNEP report, combined emissions of the richest 1 percent account for over twice the combined emissions of the poorest 50 percent of the global population.
