This year, two very important UN conferences are taking place: 

1) COP27 (7th - 17th Nov) in Egypt will discuss the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change

This convention aims “to achieve […] stabilization of greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that would prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system. Such a level should be achieved within a time-frame sufficient to allow ecosystems to adapt naturally to climate change, to ensure that food production is not threatened and to enable economic development to proceed in a sustainable manner.”

In other words, the aim of this convention is to reduce emissions so that we do not negatively impact our global climate system and buy ourselves time to adapt and build resilience to the impacts of a changing climate e.g. building flood defences, using drought-resistant crops.

2) COP15 (7th - 19th Dec) in Canada will discuss the UN Convention on Biological Diversity

This convention's objectives "are the conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable use of its components, and the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising from commercial and other utilization of genetic resources. The agreement covers all ecosystems, species, and genetic resources.”

In other words, the aim of this convention is to maintain and restore biodiversity around the world.

We will be encouraging all of our members and supporters to take action throughout these two UN conferences and beyond. Keep an eye on our social media to find out about what we are doing in Kent to tackle the climate and nature crises and how you can get involved.

We have several key messages for the upcoming conferences:

COP27: 

• Time is running out to avoid catastrophic warming above 1.5C. 

• Prioritising resilience is even more critical in the wake of global extreme weather events in 2022.  

• The agreements made at COP27 must be integrated with the decisions made regarding biodiversity at COP15. 

• For both COP15 and COP27: If the UK wants to be a world leader on climate and nature, it must ensure it is taking the same action at home it is encouraging others to take internationally. 

COP15: 

• COP15 must agree a landmark legally-binding global treaty to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030. 

• The UK must provide effective financial and practical support to global majority countries and indigenous communities. 

• For both COP15 and COP27: If the UK wants to be a world leader on climate and nature, it must ensure it is taking the same action at home it is encouraging others to take internationally.