Isha S.’s Post

Today, on Earth Day and International Mother Earth Day, I am pleased to share my editorial published in The National News, where I discuss the pivotal outcomes of COP28 and our collective journey towards a more sustainable future. COP28 set new benchmarks in integrating nature within our climate strategy. We secured a global commitment to halt and reverse deforestation by 2030 and mobilized significant financial support, totaling $2.7 billion for nature-focused initiatives. These steps underscore our dedication to protecting crucial ecosystems around the world. This year’s summit also celebrated the indispensable contributions of Indigenous communities, whose deep-rooted knowledge and practices are key to advancing our climate goals. From the Mangrove Alliance for climate to innovative seagrass conservation efforts, we are taking strides to protect and restore vital habitats that not only sequester carbon but also shield biodiversity and support local communities. As we look towards significant UN meetings this year, the editorial in The National calls for continued momentum and collaboration. It’s a moment to reflect on our progress and the essential actions needed to forge a resilient and sustainable path forward. Let us all stay committed to this cause and ensure that the spirit of Earth Day and International Mother Earth Day is reflected in our actions every day. Please read and share the full editorial to join in this crucial dialogue. Read my full editorial here: https://lnkd.in/d9xkna2u #EarthDay #COP28 #Sustainability #ClimateAction #NatureConservation #TheNational #GlobalCooperation

Inspiring words from IUCN's President on #EarthDay - "The realisation that #naturebasedsolutions can contribute significantly to climate mitigation and adaptation is a paradigm shift, emphasising the need for a holistic approach to environmental and climate policies. This approach is not just about reducing emissions; it is about creating sustainable interaction between humans and the natural world, where each action in favour of #nature is also a step towards climate resilience and sustainability."

COP16: Taking Action for a Sustainable Future The 16th Conference of the Parties (COP16) brought together global leaders and environmental advocates to address climate change and build a sustainable future. Here’s a quick recap of the major steps taken at this important gathering: 🔹 Strengthened Climate Commitments – Countries increased their pledges to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, moving us closer to the goal of limiting global temperature rise to 1.5°C. 🔹 Funding for Vulnerable Communities – New commitments were made to support communities most affected by climate change, focusing on adaptation, disaster resilience, and sustainable development. 🔹 Biodiversity & Conservation Efforts – COP16 emphasized the importance of protecting biodiversity, with plans to restore natural habitats, conserve endangered species, and promote sustainable land use. 🔹 Empowering Indigenous Knowledge – Indigenous communities were recognized for their role in climate resilience, with initiatives aimed at protecting traditional knowledge and supporting sustainable practices. 🔹 Transition to Clean Energy – A strong push for renewable energy sources was highlighted, with investments aimed at phasing out fossil fuels and transitioning to green energy. Together, these steps are paving the way for a healthier planet and a more sustainable future. 🌱💧 #COP16 #ClimateAction #SustainableFuture #Biodiversity #GreenEnergy #IndigenousKnowledge #ProtectOurPlanet #NaturebasedSolutions #NaturePositive

As #COP29 reaches its midway point, the pressure is now on for countries to switch from discussing what they WANT, to what they're willing to GIVE. It's time for bold action. 🔗 Read more about the state of play at COP29: https://nature.ly/3OgTxPG

Tough news (under) from the UN. I am with BIA Sustainability Ambassador Lisa Blair who is right in calling for Climate Action Now as the clock is ticking. This is why BIA is supporting ICOMIA and its research into decarbonisation and its campaign Propelling Our Future ... see the report at https://lnkd.in/gf_xSYqK Transport is a significant global contributor with 20% of all greenhouse gas emissions. In contrast, the boating sector contributes less than 0.1%; however, there is much boating can do to contribute to the challenge; from electrification to alternative fuels such as sustainable drop in fuels. Propelling Our Future reveals there is no one size fits all solution. That is why BIA has been putting this report in front of policy makers across the nation. #sustainability #boatingindustry #climateaction https://lnkd.in/g7icZrMD

Week 1 of #COP29 has revealed the tough road ahead for finance and nature. But while progress has been slow, there’s still hope. The #UK and #Brazil have stepped up with ambitious new Nationally Determined Contributions, laying the groundwork for bolder actions. The call to action is clear: 🌿 25% of financing must be directed to Indigenous Peoples. 🌳 Funding for nature must triple by 2030 to hit the 1.5°C target and restore vital ecosystems. With the future of our planet at stake, it's no longer about promises—it's time for bold, decisive action. Watch the video below for an overview of Week 1 👇 #NatureFinance #IndigenousPeoples #ClimateAction #NatureRestoration

Nature-based solutions could create over 390 million jobs by 2030. Razan Al Mubarak, COP28 Climate Change High Level Champion, explains what's needed now to invest in nature. Razan Al Mubarak IUCN High-Level Climate Champions #GenerationRestoration https://lnkd.in/d4ukY-n8

#Brazil will host the upcoming #Horasis Global Meeting in #Vitoria, the state capital of #EspiritoSanto, from October 25-26, 2024. This two-day event will gather leaders from businesses and governments to address pressing global challenges, including climate change, inequality, and peace. One of the panels: Brazil’s Continuing Work for Climate Change 📗 Brazil has been a significant player in the global fight against climate change. Since hosting the pivotal Earth Summit in 1992, formally known as the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), Brazil has demonstrated its commitment to environmental sustainability and climate action. 📗Brazil’s nationally determined contribution (NDC) targets a 53% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 compared to 2005 levels, and aims for carbon neutrality (net-zero emissions) by 2050. The NDC also focuses on enhancing water, energy, and food security, as well as improving social and environmental security. Additionally, it seeks to boost social benefits to ensure the climate resilience of the population and infrastructure. 📗“The success of this initiative can be attributed to several factors, including Brazil’s strong commitment to sustainability, the robust framework established for the bond, and the collaborative efforts between the World Bank, the Inter-American Development Bank, and the Brazilian government. From tackling deforestation and protecting biodiversity to supporting clean energy access and combating poverty, the bond’s proceeds directly align with Brazil’s National Determined Contributions and its broader development agenda,” says Johannes Zutt, World Bank Country Director for Brazil. 📗This commitment is underscored by its active participation in annual UN Climate Change Conferences (COP) and its forthcoming role as host for the COP30 meeting in Belém in November 2025. This event is particularly crucial as nations are expected to present their updated national plans to combat climate change. 📗Belém holds strategic importance as it hosted a two-day summit in August 2023. Leaders from South American nations such as Brazil, Colombia, and Bolivia, which are home to the Amazon, called on developed countries to take greater action in halting the extensive destruction of the world’s largest rainforest. They emphasized that this responsibility should not rest solely on a few countries, especially when the crisis has been driven by many. 📗“The forest unites us. It is time to look at the heart of our continent and consolidate, once and for all, our Amazon identity,” said Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. “In an international system that was not built by us, we were historically relegated to a subordinate place as a supplier of raw materials. A just ecological transition will allow us to change this.” https://lnkd.in/esG7XX3c

World leaders gather at #COP29 today and tomorrow. Each year brings fresh hope that the world can unite to restore our planet. My area of work might normally be helping vulnerable people in the UK to maximise their income, but we all need a functioning planet for people to live on, no matter what! I never feel helpless with my area of work. Every day we’re changing lives at IncomeMax. But when it comes to habitats, biodiversity and the natural world I definitely feel like a beginner, never knowing exactly what to do or how to make a difference. I’m starting small. Firstly, educating myself on what can make a difference. There are some incredible people to learn from; here’s two to get you started: Natalie Fleming Madhukar Swayambhu Natalie and Madhukar both explain the need to put WATER at the forefront of climate change policy. Sequestration in particular is a critical process where plants, trees, and soil absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, storing it and helping reduce overall greenhouse gases. Water is essential to this cycle, as healthy, hydrated ecosystems allow plants to grow and thrive, maximising their ability to store carbon. Wetlands, forests, mangroves etc all play an essential role in sequestration by capturing carbon and fostering biodiversity. When water is prioritised in climate policy, these ecosystems become more resilient, supporting plant growth and strengthening their carbon-storing capacity. Healthy water cycles not only help stabilise climate but also protect habitats and wildlife, creating a sustainable environment for future generations. There’s so much talk in the media and in Government about climate change, energy and carbon but the way I see it, the solutions lie IN NATURE. The next thing I’m doing is learning who’s leading on climate action in the UK. That way we can all help bring WATER on to the agenda, connecting like minds together. Here’s my list of ‘LinkedIn Climate Change Leaders’ to follow and connect with; Sarah Jones Minister of State at the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, and the Department for Business and Trade. Lord Philip Hunt Minister for Energy Security and Net Zero Miatta Fahnbulleh Fahnbulleh MP Minister for Energy Consumers Chris Stark Head of Mission Control for Clean Power 2030 Piers Forster Climate Change Committee Interim Chair Keith Bell Co-Director of the UK Energy Research Centre (UKERC) Nigel Topping, CMG UN Climate Change High Level Champion for COP26 Swenja Surminski Chair of the Munich Climate Insurance Initiative Lorraine Whitmarsh MBE Professor of Environmental Psychology, University of Bath Rebecca Willis Professor in Practice at Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University Justin Rowlatt BBC Climate Editor There is understandably so much talk about ‘energy’ but we need an equal focus on WATER. Our water systems are in a mess in the UK. Let’s bring WATER on to the climate agenda NOW.

Last week, the Convention on Biological Diversity COP16 was held in Cali, Colombia, where critical discussions were had to commit to meaningful actions that will halt and reverse nature loss by 2030. As we face the escalating climate crisis, the risks of inaction on nature have never been clearer. The UN’s latest report warns that we are on course for a catastrophic warming of up to 3.1°C. This stark reality underscores the urgent need for comprehensive and immediate action to protect and restore our natural world. Despite the challenges, there have been notable successes in reversing biodiversity loss. From transforming industrial wastelands into thriving wildlife oases to establishing Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), these efforts demonstrate that positive change is possible. However, these successes are just the beginning. The global economy continues to inflict more harm than good on nature, with biodiversity finance continuing to fall short of what is needed. In England, Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) offers a promising pathway to restore our habitats and biodiversity. By ensuring that any development leaves the natural environment in a better state than before, BNG can help reverse the trend of biodiversity loss and create resilient ecosystems. With the catastrophic consequences of our actions becoming clear across the globe, there has never been a more urgent call for action. Collaboration across multiple sections is not just vital for Biodiversity Net Gain, but for addressing all climate and nature action. We must work together in order to achieve a Net Zero and Nature Positive future. #BiodiversityNetGain #ClimateAction #Sustainability #NatureRestoration #Biodiversity #COP16 #NaturePositive