As the world’s leaders prepare to gather in Glasgow, Scotland, for the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26), the global geography community has come together to urge action on the closely-linked crises of climate change and biodiversity loss.
Eighty geography societies and organizations from 59 countries have put their names to a joint declaration calling on the global community to place the protection of nature and a liveable climate at the forefront of economic and political decision-making.
The declaration calls on leaders to commit to enhanced reduction targets for greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and recognize the critical role of nature in climate change mitigation and adaptation. Accordingly, the signatories pledge to redouble their own efforts to tackle these global environmental challenges through the teaching, learning and practice of geography.
“Geography is the study of our planet and humankind’s relationship to it,” said Michael L. Ulica, President and Chief Operating Officer of the National Geographic Society, “and as such, geographers have a front row view of the impacts of climate change and biodiversity loss on our world.”
Global leaders can no longer address the climate and biodiversity crises separately, but must treat them as one planetary emergency, added Ulica.
“Our future depends on preventing the collapse of the natural systems that provide our food, clean water, clean air and stable climate.”
Geography as a discipline intersects with the social sciences, natural sciences and humanities, giving those engaged in the study and practice of geography unique insight into the relationship between climate change, habitat loss and species loss.
“Geographers, explorers, educators, researchers and travellers worldwide recognize the dire impacts of the climate and biodiversity crises,” said John Geiger, Chief Executive Officer of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society. “I am very proud to stand together today with my global colleagues to call for concerted and collaborative efforts to make the coming decade one of positive action in pursuit of a better future for humankind and our home.”
In response to the joint declaration, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau reiterated Canada’s commitment to tackling the twin crises of climate change and biodiversity loss through ambitious climate actions.
“At home and around the world, Canada is stepping up to find real solutions to fight climate change and prevent the loss of nature,” he said. “We’re protecting 30 per cent of our lands and oceans by 2030, putting a price on pollution, phasing out coal-fired electricity, and planting two billion trees. But we need to be bolder and act faster to build a cleaner world for our kids and grandkids. And only together will we achieve this necessary goal.”
Harvey Locke, co-founder of the landmark Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative and chair of an IUCN committee fashioning new global targets for nature conservation, expressed his gratitude for the leadership of the global geography community in helping humanity understand the challenges we face.
“This is the most pressing problem of the 21st century,” he said. “We must protect and restore nature for our own health and well-being — to stabilize the climate, and because it is the right thing to do for the rest of life.”
Read the full text of the declaration and see the list of signatories below.