With New York Climate Week now in our rearview mirror, our hope at EcoAdvisors is that all those connections made will lead to more progress and action. As we prepare for the Biodiversity Conference of the Parties (COP16) in Cali, Colombia (starting tomorrow!), it’s important to continue those discussions, engage in new ones, and keep the momentum going.
Below is a little dose of #OptiMisty on the Climate Week that was and what’s to come at COP16.
It's Time was the theme of Climate Week. It’s time, between now and the next 6 years, for everyone – as humans on our planet – to do their part (including the items on The Global To-Do List for governments and businesses, announced by Climate Group). Yes, there is an urgency to act. The good news is that we have the agency to do so. Why? Because it’s personal.
For me, I love spending time at our fishing camp on the Miramichi River with family and friends. Throw in a guitar and I am beyond a happy camper. Another part of me loves to be on stage. As a kid, I had the opportunity to perform all over the world singing and dancing. While I’ve always been drawn to nature, the bright lights of Broadway beckoned... even amidst all the Climate Week events!
In SIXty seconds (or slightly more), I’d like to take some creative license to shine a light (and maybe a few lyrics) on SIX broad ways we can all make an impact to help protect the things we love. Here we go!
1. Start spreading the news. And not the news of doom and gloom. Turns out, numbers and fear don’t move people to action. Instead, move people to action with stories of hope and optimism. This was a refreshing and common theme woven throughout Climate Week.
2. (Say or sing) Hello Nature, my old friend. There was lots of discussion about Climate. This year, with arms wide open, we welcomed Nature into the expanding Climate conversation including events hosted at The Nature Hub and by our friends at Ethic. And we’re just getting started. What to watch for at COP16:
Our partners at Pollination Foundation and Ampliseed have compiled the key topics being discussed at COP16 to help transform the commitments of the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) into actionable plans. Ultimately, the decisions made at COP16 will shape our planet’s future.
Nature House, an event space which is part of the Goals House family, will host multiple discussions including a Nature2 workshop. Nature2 is a movement designed to drive 2% of globally managed assets to nature-positive efforts. More to come on this!
Conservation International, the Biodiversity Credit Alliance and EcoAdvisors will be hosting a high-level discussion on enabling policies for high-integrity nature markets (watch for our nature markets report to be posted here).
Release of paired down nature metrics to help companies set and implement Science-Based Targets for Nature for the Global Biodiversity Framework’s Target 15 (check out WBCSD’s Roadmaps to Nature Positive).
3. You can’t have one without the other. Recall Frank Sinatra’s song “Love and Marriage”? The same goes for People and Nature. They are not separate things. Chances are that what you care about is closely linked to Nature: food, water, economic security, stable climate for you, your family and friends to enjoy [insert your favorite activity here]. On food, the great connector, see next point.
4. It’s all about that base. Soil health is critical for the food we eat. As you gather with family and friends around the table, picture the food system: land, practices and people. This American Farmland Trust video shines a light on the farmers who steward the land with regenerative practices that support wildlife and biodiversity, clean our water, increase resilience to natural disasters like floods and fires, and help draw carbon from the air. I also love this example that marries land-intensive farming with solar: Agrivoltaics. By raising solar panels, you can allow agricultural activities below (think: plant crops, livestock to graze, greenhouses, and wild plants for pollination). Just think if we looked at each sector with this systems’ view.
5. Let’s give’ em something to talk about... how about progress and solutions! Solutions House was a perfect place to kick-off my Climate Week. Solutions give us informed optimism that can help us close the nature finance gap as quickly as possible. Let's talk about:
Energy – The energy transition is dependent on a suite of renewable energy solutions. The good news is that the cost of renewable energy has fallen dramatically over the last decade. Germany’s energy grid is currently made up of around 60% renewables. As a leader in offshore wind and solar PV, the country has already phased out nuclear power and will phase out coal by 2030 aiming to get to 80% renewable power by 2030. And more countries are following suit. Check out the IEA's Renewable Energy Progress Tracker.
Water – What if you could create water out of thin air? SOURCE water system, along with this Kenyan start-up, Majik Water, does just that and supplies clean water in arid regions, regardless of the climate.
Nature Restoration and Conservation – Restor maps funding opportunities for nature restoration and conservation projects. Check out their map platform that is already getting a lot of traction with companies such as Salesforce and Manulife.
Tourism & Transportation – For those who like to travel, Google’s sustainability platform helps you search for ways to be more sustainable. Also, what if the plane you took to get to your destination was fueled by renewable biofuel created from the waste collected from the hotel you stayed at and the restaurant you dined at? Well, it’s possible and I’m excited to keep tabs on EcoCeres.
6. Don't stop believin'. As we Journey forward, weaving sustainability into our daily lives is becoming more and more mainstream thanks to Netflix’ Sustainability Stories collection, Good Energy stories, climate science humor, and shining a light on the growing number of sustainability solutions mentioned above.
Let’s start spreading the good news. One of opportunity and progress. Together, we can make a big impact in a broad way and help protect the things we love.
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