MEPs want global CO2 binding targets to save biodiversity

Members of the European Parliament want the upcoming global biodiversity conference COP 15 to agree on legally binding targets, as was the case for the Paris agreement on climate change.
On 15 January, the European Parliament in Strasbourg adopted its position in view of the 2020 UN biodiversity conference (COP 15), in Kunming (China) in October by show of hands, the European Parliament said in a press release.
“For Parliament, the crucial points will be defining European and global objectives for biodiversity that should include better protection of natural ecosystems, reducing pesticide use in Europe and making the agriculture and the fishing sector sustainable. 2020 will be a key year for biodiversity with the IUCN in June in Marseille and the COP15 in October in China.”, said French MEP Pascal Canfin, who is the chair of the Environment Committee.
To stop the current trajectory of biodiversity loss, the conference needs to agree on legally binding targets with timelines, performance indicators and reporting mechanisms based on common standards, the resolution read.
The Parliament wants the upcoming EU biodiversity strategy for 2030 to ensure that the EU leads by example by ensuring that at least 30% of EU territory consists of natural areas, by restoring degraded ecosystems by 2030, by taking biodiversity objectives into account in all EU policies, and by earmarking a minimum of 10% of the 2021-2027 long-term budget for efforts to improve biodiversity.
MEPs also underlined the need for more sustainable agricultural and forestry practices, including EU-wide binding reduction targets on pesticide use.
The European Parliament has consistently prioritised biodiversity, and repeatedly warned of its continuing, unprecedented loss.
The UN Biodiversity Convention entered into force on 29 December 1993. A delegation from the European Parliament will attend its 15th meeting in Kunming, China, from 19 October to 1 November 2020.
COP 15 is expected to adopt a post-2020 global biodiversity framework setting the global biodiversity course for the next 10 years and beyond.