Biodiversity action is climate action
Biodiversity loss and climate change are interconnected, one crisis worsening the next. The current rate of climate change is outpacing life’s ability to adapt. It is crucial to take action to build more resilient habitats and species. In return, healthy ecosystems will help us reduce our GHG emissions and adapt to extreme climate events.
The simplest solutions can be found in nature: it is much more effective, profitable and eco-friendly to protect ecosystems than to build infrastructure or develop technology. However, nature is much more than a climate-based asset. Ecosystem-based climate solutions must recognize nature’s intrinsic value and involve the communities that depend on nature spiritually, culturally and economically.
International
- GHGs and adaptation: It is estimated that improved protection, restoration, and management of ecosystems could account for 37% of global climate efforts by 20301.
- Impact on species and habitats: An estimated 47% of terrestrial non-volant threatened mammals and 23% of threatened birds have likely been impacted in at least part of their distribution by climate change2.
- Safety: According to the UN, climate-related natural disasters could displace over 150 million people per year by 20303. Ecosystems can help build more resilient communities.
- Energy transition: A transition based solely on technology and electrification exacerbates biodiversity loss, notably by over-reliance on strategic metals (mines).
1) Bronson et al. 2019
2) https://ipbes.net/es/node/35236#_By_the_Numbers
3) https://news.un.org/fr/story/2020/10/1079732
Quebec and Canada
- GHG emissions: In Canada, improved protection and management of forests and wetlands could help reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 27 megatonnes of CO2 equivalent per year by 20304.
- Managing peatlands: Not only are peatlands home to a wealth of biodiversity, they also store almost half of Quebec’s soil carbon stock. Projects that destroy these ecosystems are still being approved today.
- Adapting to extreme events: protecting natural areas is an effective way to counter the impact of climate change, which could cost Quebec municipalities an additional $2 billion per year5.
4) Drever, D. R., Cook-Patton, S. C., Akhter, F., Badious, P. H., Chmura, G. L., Davidson, S. J., et coll. Natural climate solutions for Canada. Sci. Adv. 7, eabd6034 (2021)
5) https://umq.qc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/2022-09-13-version-finale-etudeimpactsccsurfinancesmunicipales.pdf.
Solutions
Preserving and restoring ecosystems protects biodiversity, reduces GHG emissions, and helps us adapt to the effects of climate change. Many projects and initiatives are already underway. However, it is important that these projects involve communities, respect human rights, and obtain the free and informed consent of peoples affected.
- En mode solutions nature
- Revegetation to combat erosion at Pointe moisie, Côte-Nord
- Wetland restoration in Sainte-Marie, Beauce
- Quebec Ecological Corridors Initiative
© Joanie Jacques
Our demands
- Deploy an action plan for implementing robust and inclusive nature-based solutions for climate change
- Combat greenwashing and oversee private sector activities