In the face of escalating environmental emergencies, the European Economic and Social Committee is convening a debate on ‘the intertwined realms of biodiversity and climate though the lens of sustainable finance as an enabler for systemic change‘ during the meeting of its Section for Agriculture, Rural Development and the Environment (NAT) planned on Tuesday 21 May (14:30 -17:30 CEST).
Biodiversity loss and climate change are interconnected phenomena with common root causes and cumulative impacts on ecosystems and human wellbeing. A holistic approach that addresses their interlinkages is imperative and should also integrate a strong social dimension, ensuring that new investments and environmental measures don’t come at the expense of social equality. By addressing biodiversity, climate and social justice together through sustainable finance, we aim to foster synergistic solutions that promote resilience, equity, and sustainability across the EU and beyond. This is also essential to accelerate the implementation of the Agenda 2030 on sustainable development.
Recognizing sustainable finance as a critical element in the pursuit of sustainability, this event aims to explore the intersectionality between biodiversity conservation and climate finance, providing input to the EESC own-initiative opinions (A comprehensive strategy for biodiversity at COP16 and Climate finance).
In particular, the debate seeks to:
- Identifying opportunities for policy change and innovation to address biodiversity, climate and social challenges simultaneously;
- Facilitating knowledge exchange and collaboration towards a new international sustainable financial architecture for biodiversity conservation, climate action and social justice;
- Contributing to shaping the agenda of the upcoming UN COPs on biodiversity and climate, as well as of the Summit of the Future, ensuring that sustainable finance remain a central theme in international negotiations and agreements.