🌍 COP30 kicked off on Monday, 10 November in Belém, Brazil, bringing nature and climate to the same table. At this milestone meeting, WWF International director general Kirsten Schuijt highlights how China’s recent moves are lighting the path for global action. Let’s dive in! ⬇️
Why unite nature & climate? 🤝
Schuijt reminds us that nature and climate aren’t separate issues. Healthy ecosystems—from mangroves in the Sundarbans to coral reefs in Raja Ampat—play a vital role in soaking up carbon, protecting communities, and boosting food security.
The “two mountains” philosophy 🌱🏔
China’s “lucid waters and lush mountains” idea—often called the “two mountains” concept—frames nature as an economic asset, not a burden. This approach shows how growth can go hand-in-hand with conservation, a lesson for countries across South and Southeast Asia.
Biodiversity victories 🐼🐯
China’s giant pandas and tigers are more than adorable icons—they’re proof that targeted conservation works. Protected areas and species recovery programs have reversed wildlife declines, inspiring similar efforts to save Asian elephants, orangutans, and more.
Global goals in 2025 🔭
As host of the 2022 COP15 biodiversity talks, China helped seal the Kunming-Montreal framework and seed the Global Biodiversity Fund. With its Nationally Determined Contributions boosting renewables over coal, China is powering ahead toward the “30 by 30” pledge to protect 30% of land and seas by 2030.
For young change-makers from Mumbai cafés to Manila co-working spaces, COP30 is a reminder: nature-based solutions are here to stay. Let’s channel this momentum and push for greener policies, cleaner energy, and thriving ecosystems across our region. 🌿
Reference(s):
WWF chief: China paves the way for COP30's nature-climate action
cgtn.com
