Nature day (part 1)

COP26 has been bringing together parties from across the world to accelerate action towards the goals of the Paris Agreement and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. The Open University has official observer status at COP26 and is learning from the conference to inform the university’s wider sustainability mission and inspire students and staff to take action. Here are some of the conference’s highlights, as told by our Open University observers. 

COP26 Diary - 7 November: Dr Clive Mitchell, Associate Lecturer.

By far the quietest day so far. Was that because it was Saturday? Had people opted to take to the streets and join the protest? Is nature considered a rest day?  Probably all three. But, 5 years ago nature would hardly have got a look in, never mind having a themed day. Progress – but still some way to go before an integrated nature and climate COP, despite the role of nature in regulating climate.

I attended Facing the Facts: Unpacking the Forest, Agriculture & Commodity Trade (FACT) Dialogue to Tackle Deforestation outlined progress made on the tricky subject of deforestation for farming. Deforestation is driven by a growing middle-class diet (especially meat) in emerging economies. Translating the FACT Dialogue into action, WWF is now working with five UK supermarkets (Sainsbury, Tesco, Waitrose, M&S, Co-op) to slash food footprints. 100 steps to green supply chains and protect nature and, potentially, transform food systems. This was supported by strong statements on behalf of indigenous peoples and the forests, not only for the ecological and environmental functions valued by developed countries, but as the source of culture and identity for indigenous peoples. Forest use must be within the context of indigenous people's needs, first safeguarding people and forests – including protection against land grabs. We are part of nature and need to live within it to live: developed countries need to recalibrate our relationship with nature. Nature rebounds quickly once pressures are removed: reduce emissions and other pressures then use nature to absorb residual emissions, by letting nature do what it does. Farmers must receive a fair price both for the food they produce and conservation of forest – smallholders must be included in decisions. Ensure money, including through NGOs gets to smallholders rather than siphoned off for bureaucrats and administration. Innovation in governance is at least as important as innovation in technology.

Although this was all on a relatively quiet Saturday, it was here and, at last, nature is beginning to get the profile it deserves at the centre of the climate agenda. Reasons to be cheerful.

See IISD daily briefings for the technical detail.