UN Biodiversity Summit begins in China

United Nations Biodiversity Summit started in China, on October 12, 2021.

Key Points

• The key U.N. summit has been tasked with protecting biodiversity.
• Summit started in the backdrop of meeting among countries to tackle pollution and prevent mass extinction, before the COP-26 climate conference.
• Online session has set the stage for a face-to-face meeting and will involve parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) who are working out with the details of new document. This new document will set targets to protect ecosystems by 2030.

30 by 30 Plan

During the summit, countries will also be debating “30 by 30” plan in order to give 30% of lands and oceans protected status. This measure is supported by a broad coalition of nations. Countries will also set goal for stopping the creation of plastic waste. Though, China has not yet committed for this plan.

Background

Though Beijing is the world’s biggest polluter, it has sought to position itself as “world leader on climate issues” in the backdrop of USA’s withdrawal from international commitments under Donald Trump administration.

COP-15 Gathering

In the year 2021, COP-15 gathering was hosted in southwest city of Kunming. It was originally set for 2020 but got postponed due to Covid-19 pandemic.

Impact of Human encroachment on habitats

About one million animal & plant species are threatened with extinction because of human encroachment on habitats, pollution, over-exploitation, climate change and spread of invasive species.

Division on targets

• China recently noted that, it has given high priority to protection of biodiversity by setting a network of protected areas and national parks.
• France and Costa Rica are supporting to declare 30% of oceans & lands protected areas before 2030.
• 30 by 30 plan is being strongly opposed by Brazil and South Africa.

Month: Current Affairs - October, 2021