Global leaders face pressure to address biodiversity and climate policy

Global leaders face mounting pressure to address environmental degradation ahead of the COP17 biodiversity summit in Yerevan, Armenia. Current data from the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity suggests the planet is off track to meet the 2030 goals established by the Paris Agreement for Nature, which aims to protect 30 percent of land and oceans and reverse nature loss.

Astrid Schomaker, executive director of the UN biodiversity convention, noted that while 2030 targets remain reachable, significant changes are required, including reducing incentives for fossil fuels and agriculture. Greenpeace International has also called for concrete actions rather than repeated promises.

In Europe, the WWF is urging EU environment ministers to resist efforts to weaken the Emissions Trading System (ETS). The organization argues that a strong, predictable carbon price is essential for industrial decarbonization and competitiveness. A survey of 350 executives found that 91 percent believe the transition to a low-carbon economy will strengthen long-term EU competitiveness, while many businesses expressed concern over recent regulatory simplification efforts.