Razan Al Mubarak Emphasises Collective Action To Achieve Global Goals For 2030 At COP29

Razan Al Mubarak, the UN Climate Champion for COP28, highlighted the urgency of collective action to meet global objectives by 2030. These goals include reclaiming 350 million hectares of degraded land and transforming land use, food, energy, and industry systems to safeguard Earth's ecosystems. Her remarks were made during an event by the Marrakech Partnership for Global Climate Action titled "Achieving a Paradigm Shift in Land Use: Developing Land and Protecting Ecosystems to Support Nature by 2030."

Al Mubarak emphasised that the world is at a crucial juncture, necessitating the use of all available change tools. This year, conferences for the three Rio Conventions on biodiversity, climate, and desertification are taking place. She stressed aligning global climate efforts with the "Climate Breakthroughs for 2030," which are essential for advancing land-based climate solutions in accordance with the "Global Biodiversity Framework" aiming to protect 30% of lands and oceans by 2030.

COP28 marks a pivotal moment in recognising nature's vital role in fighting climate change. For the first time, a global target of zero deforestation by 2030 was agreed upon by all member states. However, Al Mubarak pointed out that current figures fall short of what's needed. To achieve our 2030 goals, restoring at least 350 million hectares of degraded land is crucial for protecting livelihoods and enhancing carbon sequestration.

Despite these targets, global deforestation increased by 2% last year. A reduction of 10% is necessary to meet net-zero goals. Current forest restoration efforts are also inadequate; only 6.5 million hectares of tree cover are restored annually instead of the required 22 million hectares per year. If action is not taken promptly, irreversible ecological damage may occur.

Al Mubarak noted that nature-based solutions must be grounded in scientific evidence and traditional ecological knowledge to be effective. However, robust monitoring and accountability systems for these solutions are lacking. Establishing rigorous frameworks to track progress is crucial to meet the 2030 restoration and deforestation targets; without them, we risk falling into the trap of empty promises.

She further explained that systemic transformation requires breaking down silos and strengthening the science-policy-practice interface. This transformation demands collaboration among policymakers, investors, financial institutions, businesses, scientists, Indigenous Peoples, and grassroots communities.

The Importance of Indigenous Peoples

Al Mubarak highlighted that Indigenous Peoples play a central role in making ecosystems nature-positive. Although they represent less than 5% of the global population, they manage one-quarter of Earth's terrestrial surface and encompass 37% of natural lands. Their inclusion in nature-based solutions and recognition of their rights is essential.

"Together," she stated, "as High-Level Champions, Nigar and I are committed to working with leading non-State actors and the Marrakesh Partnership to accelerate a transition away from fossil fuels." She added that overcoming resistance and vested interests remains critical while transforming food, energy, and industry systems is vital for protecting terrestrial ecosystems.

A Call for Collective Action

Al Mubarak concluded by stressing that now is the time to upscale efforts supported by adequate finance and strong scientific foundations while working closely with communities on the ground. Scientific evidence shows non-State actors can address interconnected crises through nature-based solutions. The 2030 Climate Breakthroughs provide a pathway for advancing land-based climate solutions aligned with the "30x30" target.

With inputs from WAM