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COP15 deal is good for oceans, bad for endangered species

A global agreement pledging to protect the world’s biodiversity is a ‘big step’ but not ‘enough’ to stop species extinction.

In Montreal at 3:30 a.m. local time on Monday, 190 countries reached final agreement at COP15 calling for them to take responsibility for protecting 30% of the world’s land and 30% of the world’s oceans by 2030. Did.

It also pledges to end the extinction of known threatened species by 2050, but this target has been criticized for being too weak.

A global biodiversity framework has taken years to reach, partly due to the impact of Covid-19 and intense negotiations between countries.

There have been discussions between countries over the past two weeks about the target, but Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek said Australia led the negotiations and reached an “ambitious deal”.

But Plibsersek and environmental groups agree the framework is far from perfect.

Kelly O’Shanacy, CEO of the Australian Conservation Foundation, said the world should have taken a piece of paper out of Australia’s book.

“Many of the world’s endangered species, including Australia, are on track to become extinct well before 2050,” she said.

“It is unacceptable that the biodiversity framework allows extinctions to continue for another 28 years. Australia has a goal of no new extinctions. This is a goal that the world should support.”

camera iconEnvironment Minister Tanya Plibersek said Australia is a leader when it comes to biodiversity protection.Dan Peredo credit: News Corp Australia

Plibersek admitted he didn’t get everything he wanted at the negotiating table.

“We didn’t get everything we wanted. Neither did others. But with a little cooperation, compromise, and common sense, we can do a lot for the world.” has been achieved.

“We are now back in Australia to implement our own ambitious plans to protect and restore nature.”

Independent Senator David Pocock, who visited Montreal with Privasek, said the deal was “mixed”.

“Like most things, like the commitment to protect 30% of the land and 30% of the ocean by 2030, there are some really good things,” he said.

“There is some disappointing news that ambition to stop species extinction soon is waning. We all know 2050 is too late.”

World Wildlife Fund Australia Chief Conservation Officer Rachel Rowley said the deal was nature’s ‘Paris’.

“It is heartening to see Australia taking a leading role on the world stage.

“They didn’t always land what they asked for, but they had many internationals say ‘Australia is back’ in recognition of their leadership.”

https://www.perthnow.com.au/technology/cop15-agreement-good-for-oceans-terrible-for-endangered-species-c-9217305 COP15 deal is good for oceans, bad for endangered species

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