Our thinking

Close of play for COP16

1 November, 2024

Struggling to find a clear summary of what’s been going on at COP16? Glad we’re not the only ones… 

As you’re reading this, the United Nations Biodiversity Conference (COP16) will be heading into its final day in Cali, Colombia. Set to take stock of progress towards reversing the rapid decline of biodiversity by 2030 and restoring harmony with nature by 2050 (which we cover in more detail in our recent Friday 5 Nature special), expectations were high for this year’s discussions.  

Although some highlights have trickled through – with the first-ever science-based targets for both freshwater and land adopted by Kering, GSK and Holcim – at the time of writing (a week and a half into discussions), the lack of clarity on progress towards goals and commentary on discussions underway is notable. It’s true that in COPs gone by (both climate and nature) the hard-hitting stuff often comes at the 11th hour. Nevertheless, considering the expectations and rise of nature up political and private sector agendas, we had expected more headlines to reach the mainstream news, other than the questionable accommodation that delegates have found themselves in. 

There is a lot going on in the world – elections, wars, budgets and floods. It’s understandable that COP16 might not grab the front page. However, it’s not being given the best chance possible to cut through and reach the public. Past COP successes provide the playbook to follow – a clear narrative of what we’re trying to achieve, commentary on how discussions are unfolding, welcoming NGOs into the discussion to challenge, a location that encourages the private sector to pile in, and the infrastructure to support that engagement. Without these things, it’s difficult to build the public awareness and media scrutiny that is critical to put pressure on governments and delegates to make the tough decisions needed.  

Let’s hope the 11th hour saves us once again… 

 

By Budd Nicholson