19 December 2022

Press Release

For immediate release

'VITAL' DEAL TO HALT AND REVERSE NATURE LOSS BY 2030 REACHED AT COP15, NOW NATIONS MUST DELIVER ON PROMISES - WWF CLOSING STATEMENT

Commenting on the outcome of the COP15 biodiversity summit, Mike Barrett, Executive Director of Science and Conservation at WWF-UK, said:

“The global ambition agreed at COP15 to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030 is vital if we are to bring our planet back from the brink.

“The tripling of international finance for developing countries, conservation targets to halt species extinction, and the rights of indigenous peoples being placed front and centre are crucial cornerstones of the deal.

“But the science is clear. We cannot save nature without tackling the underlying drivers of biodiversity loss, and on that front Montreal has left the job half done, with a vague and unambitious target to reduce our global consumption footprint. Loopholes in the implementation mechanisms will also mean that nations won’t be properly held to account if their progress is not on track.

“We can only bring our world back to life if nations step up the urgency on ambition and delivery, otherwise the Montreal deal will just be words on paper. The UK Government must now lead the way at home and abroad with actions that deliver on its promises and make the ambition of COP15 a reality.”