Colombia Proposes Unified UN Climate and Biodiversity Pledge

Colombia, renowned as the second most biodiverse country globally after Brazil, is spearheading an initiative to streamline international environmental efforts. The South American nation, home to over 51,000 species, including 1,921 bird types, is proposing a unified climate and biodiversity pledge for United Nations negotiations.

Susana Muhamad, Colombia's Environment Minister, emphasized the potential benefits of this approach in a recent interview. She stated, "Combining efforts to protect nature with those addressing climate change could create valuable synergies." This proposal comes as Colombia prepares to host the UN COP16 biodiversity summit later this month, with Muhamad serving as the conference president.

Currently, the UN operates three separate environmental conventions focusing on climate change, biodiversity, and desertification. Each issue requires individual negotiations and pledges, a process that can be resource-intensive for developing nations. Muhamad argued that a unified plan could more efficiently allocate these limited resources.

The proposed unified approach could tackle interconnected issues such as deforestation, which not only destroys biodiversity but also contributes significantly to emissions in many Latin American countries. Colombia, with its commitment to zero deforestation in the Amazon by 2030, recognizes the importance of addressing these challenges holistically.

Colombia's biodiversity, which includes over 300 different ecosystems and 10% of the world's species, is under threat. Since 1970, the country has lost over 17% of its Amazon rainforest. This loss not only impacts the environment but also affects Colombia's economy, as biodiversity contributes significantly to sectors such as ecotourism.

The nation has already taken steps to combat climate change and protect its natural resources. Colombia ratified the Paris Agreement in 2018 and has pledged to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 51% by 2030, aiming for carbon neutrality by 2050. The country has also implemented a carbon tax since 2017 and is part of several international environmental initiatives, including the High Ambition Coalition for Nature and People and the Tropical Forest Alliance 2020.

Muhamad suggested that Colombia could launch its unified plan ahead of COP30, the UN climate summit scheduled to be held in Brazil in 2025. She explained, "We will submit a synthesis plan that comprehensively addresses the three conventions, recognizing their deep interrelation."

The idea of unified pledges and plans was initially raised by Panama during a meeting of Latin American environment ministers in Rio de Janeiro last month. Two other nations strongly supported the concept, although Muhamad did not specify which countries.

In addition to this proposal, Colombia recently announced a $40 billion investment portfolio aimed at facilitating the energy transition away from fossil fuels while preserving nature. This investment aligns with Colombia's broader environmental goals and its commitment to integrating human rights into environmental plans.

"We truly believe that caring for nature, reconnecting with it, and conserving it collectively among different peoples is a form of peace-building. It will also make us more resilient to climate change shocks, which could otherwise create a broader context for conflict."

Colombia plans to launch a Peace with Nature coalition at the upcoming COP16 summit, further emphasizing the interconnectedness of environmental protection, human rights, and conflict resolution. This initiative reflects Colombia's holistic approach to addressing environmental challenges while promoting peace and resilience.

As the host of the COP16 biodiversity summit and a key player in international environmental efforts, Colombia's proposal for a unified climate and biodiversity pledge could potentially reshape global approaches to environmental conservation and climate action. The country's rich biodiversity, including over 3,000 orchid species and 20% of the world's butterfly species, serves as a powerful reminder of what's at stake in these crucial negotiations.