Source: World Wildlife Fund
New analysis, commissioned by WWF, finds a clear increase from 82% to 92% in the proportion of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) that include nature. The report, NDCs – A Force for Nature?, finds that 105 out of 114 enhanced Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) submitted by 12 October included nature-based solutions. NDCs are the way the parties to the Paris Agreement communicate their climate plans and are critical to achieving its goal to limit global warming to 1.5°C. It’s estimated that they could provide up to 30% of the climate change mitigation needed to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement.
In response to the report, Marcene Mitchell, World Wildlife Fund’s Senior Vice President for Climate Change, issued the following statement:
“The crises of climate change and nature loss are deeply connected, and nature offers a win-win solution that can protect and restore ecosystems while also providing benefits to the communities in and around them. The report issued by WWF today demonstrates that national governments are realizing the vital role nature-based solutions play in reaching our climate goals. We welcome the Biden administration’s announcement this week of both its Plan to Conserve Global Forests and its draft USAID Climate Strategy, which includes a goal to protect, restore, or manage 100 million hectares for the benefit of the climate over the coming decade. If fully funded, these commitments will help mobilize the power of nature as a climate solution and could strengthen NDCs in over 80 countries. That is why we call on Congress to appropriate the funding needed to support the President’s climate finance commitments, including significant new funding for global conservation efforts.
“It is essential that these efforts be financed and implemented in the right way. The power of nature can only truly be unlocked when it is harnessed appropriately, using the best science, measurements and metrics, with a clear vision for ensuring stable and sustained funding and local management and ensuring everyone has a seat at the table. We’re pleased to see that the Biden Administration’s announcements at COP include public and private finance for climate and support for structural changes to improve participation and leadership for Indigenous Peoples, local communities, women and youth in climate action.
“In the meantime, the clock is ticking. Every minute we fail to invest in the power of forests, grasslands, and marine ecosystems to tackle climate change is a minute that leaves them more vulnerable and less able to strengthen our response. We must firmly embed Nature-Based Solutions in national strategies to curb climate change and fully unlock their power to help us turn the tide on this global crisis.”
