Nature protection cannot wait for better times, says environment minister
Steven Guilbeault argues that biodiversity action must remain a priority despite global crises and economic pressures.
At a glance
- Nearly 200 countries agreed in 2022 to halt and reverse nature loss by 2030
- Guilbeault argues nature protection is critical for health, food security and economies
- Global crises and economic pressures risk diverting attention from biodiversity action
Steven Guilbeault, who helped negotiate an international biodiversity agreement in 2022, has urged continued focus on nature protection despite competing global challenges. He argues that nature is a critical asset for health, food security and economies, and that protecting it has broad public support.
Guilbeault reflects on his childhood experience witnessing woodland destruction and connects it to the global agreement reached by nearly 200 countries to halt and reverse nature loss by 2030. He suggests that upcoming climate negotiations must deliver concrete action on biodiversity.
Why it matters
Biodiversity loss is a major environmental challenge alongside climate change, and international coordination is needed to meet conservation targets.
Original reporting
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