Conservation International Statement on the 12th Petersberg Climate Dialogue
May 6, 2021
Brussels, Belgium (May 6, 2021) – Conservation International’s Senior Vice President and Managing Director for Europe Herbert Lust today released the following statement on the 12th Petersberg Climate Dialogue and the announcement by the German government of more ambitious climate targets.
The dialogue was co-hosted with the presidency of the next Climate Change Conference, the United Kingdom, and focused on preparing for COP 26, planned for November 2021.
“As the global community aims to build back better from the COVID-19 pandemic there is opportunity to invest in solutions that collectively address some of the biggest challenges facing humanity today — pandemic prevention, biodiversity loss and climate change. The Petersberg Climate Dialogue provided much-needed political momentum to continue stepping up climate and biodiversity action.
“We commend Germany’s increased ambition to achieve climate neutrality by 2045, five years faster than originally planned and to include natural climate solutions in the mix. Globally, natural climate solutions can provide a third of the action needed by 2030 to keep global temperature rise below 2°C. Our global climate goals, and so Germany’s goals, simply cannot be achieved without the protection and restoration of nature.
“We also recognize Germany’s commitment to reinforce its climate protection law, with an enhanced greenhouse gas emissions reduction target of 65% by 2030, a new target of 85 to 90% GHG emissions by 2040. This ambition now needs to be leveraged outside of the German borders and translate into successful global climate action.
“Following on the heels of the recently announced European Union and United States climate targets, this momentum must continue as we approach COP 26 and the COP 15, scheduled for later this year. These events and the conversations that take place there are needed to help ensure our climate ambitions are backed by climate action.
“It is more urgent than ever to harness the potential of nature to mitigate climate change and adapt to its adverse impacts, while benefitting people, including the world’s most vulnerable. Conservation International looks forward to working with Germany and other leaders in Europe to deliver on the Paris agreement and design a strong post-2020 biodiversity framework this year.”
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About Conservation International
Conservation International works to protect the critical benefits that nature provides to people. Through science, partnerships and fieldwork, Conservation International is driving innovation and investments in nature-based solutions to the climate crisis, supporting protections for critical habitats, and fostering economic development that is grounded in the conservation of nature. We work in 30 countries around the world, empowering societies at all levels to create a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable planet. Follow Conservation International’s work on Conservation News, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
