Climate change and biodiversity Interlinkages and policy options

Abstract

Climate change and biodiversity decline are major challenges of our time. Both are predominantly caused by human activities, with profound consequences for people and the ecosystems on which we depend. In 2021, major United Nations conferences on biodiversity (COP15i ) and on climate change (COP26ii) will be held, providing an opportunity for Governments to focus international attention on the interconnectedness and interdependence of climate change and biodiversity. Some policy measures are beneficial in both areas, helping to mitigate and adapt to climate change as well as conserve and restore biodiversity, while others can be positive in one sphere but negative in the other. This briefing examines these interconnections and outlines how measures that benefit biodiversity have the potential to support climate action, and how some aspects of climate action can support biodiversity. It also discusses instances where addressing one issue inappropriately can undermine efforts to enhance the other.