World leaders are gathering (virtually of course) for the High-Level UN Climate Change Roundtable which has been organised to rally momentum for more ambitious actions to ensure post-pandemic recovery plans are sustainable and to limit global warming.
As part of this event, world leaders will sign the 10-point Leaders’ Pledge for Nature to counteract the damage done to systems that underpin human health and wellbeing. Reducing deforestation, stopping unsustainable fishing practices and sustainable food production systems are just some of the commitments outlined in the pledges.
Today, Boris Johnson will pledge to protect 30% of the UK’s land by 2030 to support the recovery of nature. Currently, 26% of land in England comprises national parks and other protected areas. This pledge will see an additional 4% being protected which equates to 400,000 hectares. Nevertheless, chief executive of WWF-UK Tanya Steele has commented on the announcement, calling for “strong legislation to avoid damaging trade deals and to stop the food we eat from destroying the environment”. Earlier this month, the UN announced that the world had failed to meet a single target to stop the destruction of nature. More pressure is needed for governments to meet climate targets and put nature on the path to recovery.
The full article can be found here: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/boris-johnson-climate-crisis-pledge-protect-land-united-nations-b669070.html