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Canada’s moment of truth at the U.N. biodiversity conference

November 1, 2024

This article by Charlotte Dawe was first published as an op-ed in the Canadian National Observer on 31st October, 2024.

Instability seems to be the new normal in this country lately. In the East, record-breaking floods destroyed hope of a normal summer for several affected communities. In the West, last winter’s low snowpack and warm temperatures left ski resorts closed, while fires smoldering underground re-ignited in the spring. These aren’t isolated incidents — they’re becoming daily realities, fueled by the rapid decline in biodiversity. Meanwhile, the political landscape is just as fragile. In Parliament, political infighting has stalled legislative action, jeopardizing a critical moment for nature in Canada: the passing of a landmark Nature Strategy and Nature Accountability Act.

This week, global leaders are gathered in Colombia for the 16th Conference of the Parties (COP16) to discuss implementation of the Global Biodiversity Framework, signed less than two years ago in Montreal. This framework is a lifeline, offering the only realistic path to reverse the catastrophic loss of species and ecosystems while stabilizing human societies. Its key targets—protecting 30 per cent of the planet’s land and oceans and restoring 30 per cent of degraded ecosystems by 2030—are not negotiable. They are the bare minimum needed to keep Earth habitable for all life. For millions of species, including humans, achieving these targets is a matter of survival. 

But this global ambition means nothing without action at home. Canada’s commitments to global biodiversity are at risk unless they are enshrined in law. A bill that holds Canada accountable to meet these targets is now tabled in parliament. Yet, it sits in legislative limbo, stalled by political squabbling. This delay not only blocks the bill’s passage through the parliamentary process but prevents the crucial amendments needed to strengthen it. With 70 per cent of the public supporting a federal accountability nature law, political leaders must make sure this bill is passed before the next election. Political leaders need to set aside their differences and deliver what the people—and the planet—need.  

Political parties have a unique chance to prove they can put people and the planet first by passing this crucial biodiversity law before the next election. History shows that voluntary action won’t cut it. In 2010, governments worldwide missed the biodiversity targets set at the Aichi conference. Since then, species extinction and habitat destruction have only escalated. The impact is not just on wildlife—humans are in the crosshairs too.  . 

A recent expert panel ranked biodiversity loss as the second greatest threat facing Canadians today, warning that the collapse of ecosystems will trigger a domino effect: clean air, safe drinking water and food security are all at risk. The dire reality of this crisis was underscored by a historic court decision in which seven youth activists launched a landmark climate case against Ontario, highlighting how urgent and personal these environmental threats have become. 

 If a threat as severe as this can’t rally political parties to unite for a common cause, then what will? Politicians have a historic opportunity to prove that they care more about the safety of communities and healthy ecosystems than political games.  

Thankfully, the ability for ecosystems and wildlife to recover is remarkable. Over 10,000 wild salmon returned to Hada creek in the Broughton Archipelago, up from a staggering all-time low of 47. The elusive pine marten has now reached the thousands. Bison re-introduction in Banff led by Tsuut’ina Nation has increased the herd from 16 to 370 in just six years. These remarkable recovery stories remind us that when ecosystems are protected and restored in consultation with Indigenous communities and land defenders, native biodiversity bounces back. Hope lies in the will of species to survive. Do political leaders have this same will? Now is the moment to prioritize nature over politics — this is a fight for survival and for the safety and prosperity of future generations, and Canada must step up now.