Climate crisis inextricably linked to species loss and resource consumption

COP29: financing nature and biodiversity conservation through the International Climate Initiative

At the UN Climate Change Conference in Baku, Germany is again stressing the need to recognise the role of nature as an essential ally in efforts to tackle climate change. 

Federal Environment Minister Steffi Lemke: 

“The climate crisis, species loss and plastic pollution are destroying the very things that keep us alive. Healthy forests, clean water and an intact natural environment are safeguards for the climate and humans alike. As negotiations in Baku enter the final phase, I call on my fellow delegates to acknowledge the importance of a healthy natural environment for climate change mitigation and adaptation to climate change – as affirmed by COP28 in Cali. This must influence decision-making at COP29 and so also lay the groundwork for COP30 in Brazil next year. With key negotiations in Busan now just days away, we must send a clear signal to the global community for a global treaty on plastic pollution.”

In Baku, Lemke is talking to stakeholders from policymaking, research, business and civil society about ways in which the circular economy can help mitigate greenhouse gas emissions – and especially with regard to plastics. As part of discussions at COP29, Lemke is making the case for a strong, global treaty on plastic pollution, to be agreed during the last negotiating session in Busan at the end of November.

Lemke is also an active participant in the Baku Dialogue on Water for Climate Action, a flagship initiative of the Azerbaijani COP presidency. All over the world, water is making the climate crisis visible: drought and catastrophic flooding causes immense human suffering as well as damage to property. Yet water can also be part of the solution: Nature’s contribution to climate action. This new dialogue aims to ensure water is given greater recognition as part of climate processes.

Funding for the conservation of nature and biodiversity via the IKI 

At a minister event organised by the Azerbaijani COP presidency and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Lemke addressed the topic of funding for the conservation of nature and biodiversity. With this year’s contribution of EUR 8 million to the High Impact Partnership on Climate Action (HIPCA) fund, provided through the International Climate Initiative (IKI), Germany is reminding the global community of the need for stronger integration between international conventions on climate and biodiversity.

Press release by BMUV (in German)

Topic page on the World Climate Change Conference