IUCN – Nature + climate: Can Nature save us? | Strøtanker om bæredygtighed

IUCN – Nature + climate: Can Nature save us?

7. september 2012

Nature + climate: Can Nature save us? – Den første af fem “World Leaders Dialogues” ved IUCNs biodiversitetskonference i Korea 07.09.2012 – 104:19 min. video.

Ved den igangværende IUCN-konference i Korea er det muligt at følge en række biodiversitetsdialoger, som det i bakspejlet har været en fornøjelse af følge, så jeg gradvist har lagt alle fem dialoger op. De udfolder sig som dialoger mellem først og fremmest politikere og statsoverhoveder, men man finder også fremtrædende forskere og virksomhedsledere som Marvin Odum fra Shell, og Sir Richard Branson fra Virgin.

Fællestemaet er Nature + – naturen plus noget, naturen set i kontekst, i forhold til den verden uden for reservaterne, som også er natur, men i dag ofte nødlidende natur, stærkt presset af den menneskelige tilstedeværelse. Og faktisk er det virkelig spændende ved disse dialoger, at det at tage naturen som udgangspunkt for klima-diskussione, grøn vækst-diskussionen, fødevare-diskussionen osv. tilfører dem en vigtig perspektivering.

Alle konferencens tilhørere har små tablets – IUCNs konference er stort set papirløs – og under vejs inddrages konferencedeltagernes spørgsmål til panelet, som hele vejen igennem er projiceret op på den store digitale bagvæg.
.

Oplægget til Nature + climate

Human-induced climate change continues unabated, and some of its impacts are irreversible. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is the only long-term answer to stabilising the global climate. But as a new wide-ranging global climate deal remains elusive, many are turning to nature-based solutions, like REDD+ (reducing emissions from deforestation and ecosystem degradation), to help stave off the worst effects of climate change. Nature has often been portrayed as the victim of climate change but healthy natural ecosystems such as forests, peatlands and wetlands are critical for absorbing and storing carbon and helping us adapt.

♦ But are these measures enough?
♦ Can ecosystems really make a difference before it is too late?
♦ What have we learnt already about nature-based solutions to climate change
♦ and what are the challenges for the future?
.

Key messages from the dialogue¹

Using ecosystems as nature-based buffers to reduce the impact of climate-related disasters

With increasing scope, scale and intensity of climate-related disasters, such as hurricanes/typhoons, cyclones, and droughts, there is growing recognition of the role ecosystems can play in reducing the impact of such disasters. Where ecosystems are resilient, environmental and socio-economic impacts are substantially reduced; ecosystems are more likely to sustain delivery of essential services.

Guidance is needed to promote sound ecosystem-based management; to communicate techniques to promote greater resilience of ecosystems.

Tools are needed for ecosystem managers to monitor the state of their ecosystems; to assess the risk to an ecosystem’s capacity to sustain delivery of needed services.

There is a need for research to assess the cost effectiveness of ecosystem-based solutions to climate change- UNEP is already considering this and funds are available.

Promoting solutions to environmental problems linked to climate change by drawing on skills of diverse disciplines

Solutions to complex problems related to climate change require cross-disciplinary skills that can effectively address a wide range of environmental and socioeconomic issues.

Synergies between professional expertise in biodiversity conservation, climate mitigation and adaptation strategies will lead to solutions that are more resilient to the dynamic conditions associated with climate change.

Leadership, as well as tools, are required to identify commonalities between different sectors and to demonstrate how environmental, economic and social sectors can work together through partnerships and networks to implement nature-based solutions.

An incentive structure is needed to encourage the private sector to invest in innovations that facilitate adaptation to the effects of climate change.

Strengthen nature-based livelihoods

In the context of climate change, sustainable livelihoods cannot be achieved without consideration of such fields as adaptation and mitigation, restoration, resource management, and conservation. Communities can play a key role in in addressing these areas as they are often reliant on natural resources for their livelihoods.

Applying an ecosystem approach that takes into account human/societal needs balanced with sustainable approaches to production could provide the critical link between these areas.

To achieve adaptation, mitigation and conservation goals, it is necessary to promote diversity in livelihoods in communities (such as through REDD+ initiatives) to reduce local dependence on primary carbon resources. REDD must use a decentralized approach focused on benefit sharing of natural resources as well as contribute to poverty reduction with clear proof while promoting techniques on sustainable agriculture away from shifting cultivation.

Community-based approaches to biodiversity management (such as forest management and locally managed marine areas) lead to more effective protection as well as achieve broader development goals.

Promote local solutions to adapt to climate change

Traditional knowledge, local experience, and community involvement in healthy ecosystems are successful, and cost effective, in providing ways to overcome the negative impacts of climate change, particularly disasters and their social impacts.

Local implementation and monitoring of environmental policies are the surest ways to enforce compliance with nature-based solutions to climate change.

REDD and REDD+ policies must focus on ensuring the rights of forest people, particularly those related to gender, local communities and equitable access to natural resources.

When linked, traditional knowledge, capacity building and technology clean lead to powerful nature-based solutions.¹
.

Panellists

Mr. Henri DJOMBO – Minister of Sustainable Development, Forestry Economy and the Environment, Republic of Congo.
Mr. Bharrat JAGDEO – Former President of Guyana.
Dr. Maan-ee LEE – Former Minister of Environment of Republic of Korea, Chairman of Lifestyle of Health and Sustainability Forum.
Ms. Ruksana MIRZA – Head of Sustainable Development, HOLCIM.
Mr. Marvin ODUM – President of Shell Oil Company, Director Upstream Americas of Royal Dutch Shell.
.

Moderator