A recent study highlights challenges in implementing biodiversity targets and climate mitigation due to limitations in the available land.
Key Findings of the Study:
The study raises concerns about potential conflicts between land-based carbon dioxide removal (CDR) strategies and the global biodiversity conservation goal of “30×30.”
Land-Based Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR):
- Countries aim to deploy land-based CDR activities covering 120 million square kilometers to achieve Net Zero goals.
- CDR involves removing and storing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through geological, terrestrial, or ocean reservoirs.
- Nations have committed to additional CDR activities ranging from 100–650 carbon dioxide equivalent (Mt CO2) annually by 2030 in their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
- Land-based CDRs include afforestation, reforestation, peatland management, and soil carbon sequestration.
- CDR activities alone cannot fulfill the Paris Agreement goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 or 2 degrees Celsius.
- Doubts raised about countries’ commitments to allocate additional land for protected areas while expanding food production and CDR.
Biodiversity “30×30” Target:
- The adoption of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) in 2022 marked a crucial milestone to combat and reverse biodiversity loss.
- Nations agreed on the “30×30” target to safeguard 30% of the world’s terrestrial and marine areas by 2030.
- Current protected areas cover 16% of terrestrial and 8% of marine areas, falling short of the 30% goal.
Land Use and Protected Areas:
- Climate change and biodiversity policies dependent on land use may face conflicts.
- As of 2023, 12.3 Mkm2 of land is under protected areas, targeting an increase to 23 Mkm2 by 2030.
- Researchers estimate that 44% of global land (64 Mkm2) should be under protected areas to effectively conserve biodiversity.
Recommendations:
- Emphasis on land-based CDR approaches that benefit biodiversity, such as ecosystem restoration and protection of existing sinks.
- Governments are advised to prioritize degraded lands for CDR activities to minimize competition with biodiversity-rich areas.
Ref: Source
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