Over the past decade, as the urgency of addressing environmental challenges has grown more apparent, nations, organizations, and global leaders have increasingly made commitments to foster sustainability and protect our planet. From landmark international agreements to grassroots initiatives, these environmental declarations signify a collective effort to confront issues such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation. In this article, we explore 15 significant environmental declarations from the last 10 years that are shaping our path towards a more sustainable future.
Paris Agreement (2015): The Paris Agreement, adopted during COP21 in 2015, stands as one of the most pivotal environmental declarations of the decade. Signed by 196 countries, the agreement aims to limit global temperature increases to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, with efforts to limit the increase to 1.5 degrees.
Aichi Biodiversity Targets (2010-2020): The Aichi Biodiversity Targets, part of the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020, were adopted at the Convention on Biological Diversity’s (CBD) 10th meeting. Although not fully achieved, these 20 ambitious targets aimed to address biodiversity loss and promote sustainable practices globally.
New York Declaration on Forests (2014): Leaders from governments, companies, and indigenous groups came together in 2014 to endorse the New York Declaration on Forests. This declaration commits to halving deforestation by 2020 and restoring 150 million hectares of degraded landscapes by 2020 and an additional 200 million hectares by 2030.
Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol (2016): The Kigali Amendment, adopted in 2016, strengthens the Montreal Protocol’s efforts to phase out hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), potent greenhouse gases widely used in refrigeration and air conditioning. By reducing HFC use, this amendment contributes to global climate mitigation.
2030 Water Resources Group’s Declaration (2009): Launched in 2009, the 2030 Water Resources Group’s Declaration emphasizes the importance of sustainable water management. It advocates for innovative solutions to address water scarcity, improve water quality, and enhance efficiency in water use.
Sustainable Development Goals (2015): Although not a single declaration, the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, encompassing 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), serves as a comprehensive roadmap for addressing global challenges. Several goals directly relate to environmental sustainability, including clean water, climate action, and life below water and on land.
Talanoa Call for Action (2018): Originating from the Talanoa Dialogue, a Fijian concept emphasizing inclusive and transparent dialogue, the Talanoa Call for Action emerged during COP24 in 2018. It underscores the need for increased ambition in climate action, inviting nations to enhance their climate pledges.
Plastic Waste Declaration (2019): Adopted by over 350 organizations, the Plastic Waste Declaration, introduced at the 2019 Our Ocean Conference, commits signatories to eliminate plastic pollution at the source, ensuring a circular economy for plastics and preventing marine litter.
EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 (2020): The European Union’s Biodiversity Strategy for 2030, unveiled in 2020, outlines ambitious targets to protect and restore biodiversity. Key goals include protecting 30% of the EU’s land and seas, promoting sustainable agriculture, and reducing pesticide use.
Climate Pledge (2019): Launched by Amazon and Global Optimism, the Climate Pledge is a commitment to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2040, a decade ahead of the goals set by the Paris Agreement. Companies joining the pledge commit to measuring and reporting their greenhouse gas emissions.
Lancaster House Principles (2010): In 2010, leaders from various countries endorsed the Lancaster House Principles, emphasizing the importance of forest governance and addressing issues such as illegal logging. This declaration seeks to promote sustainable forest management and combat deforestation.
Bonn Challenge (2011): Launched during COP17 in Bonn, Germany, the Bonn Challenge is a global effort to restore 150 million hectares of deforested and degraded land by 2020 and 350 million hectares by 2030. This initiative aims to promote biodiversity, climate resilience, and sustainable land use.
Cancun Agreements (2010): Agreed upon during COP16 in Cancun, the Cancun Agreements established a framework for global climate action, including commitments to limit temperature increases, establish the Green Climate Fund, and advance technology transfer for climate mitigation and adaptation.
Global Methane Pledge (2021): Launched at COP26, the Global Methane Pledge brings together over 100 countries, including major methane emitters like the United States and Russia, committing to reduce methane emissions by 30% by 2030 compared to 2020 levels. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, and this pledge addresses the urgency of its reduction.
Ocean Plastic Charter (2018): Announced during the G7 Summit in Charlevoix, Canada, the Ocean Plastic Charter commits nations to take concrete actions to prevent and reduce plastic pollution in oceans. It emphasizes a life-cycle approach to plastics and encourages innovative solutions to address the plastic waste crisis.
Conclusion:
In recent past has witnessed a surge in global environmental declarations, reflecting a collective acknowledgment of the pressing need to address climate change, biodiversity loss, and other environmental challenges. These declarations demonstrate a shared commitment to sustainable practices, conservation, and the creation of a healthier planet for future generations. As we move forward, the implementation of these commitments will be critical in turning declarations into tangible, positive outcomes for our global environment.