Brian Kernohan’s Post

As COP29 gets underway, it is crucial to remember that there is no net zero without nature. 🌳   This understanding hasn't been reflected in countries’ implementation of the Global Biodiversity Framework however, which currently falls short. Outside of multilateralism, more promising trends have emerged in nature-related disclosures, transition planning, science-based targets and private finance. Read A&O Shearman's latest article, for an overview of key developments surrounding the recent United Nations Biodiversity Conference (COP16): https://lnkd.in/eCn8hGgW   #COP29 #transitionplans #privatefinance

The private sector is increasingly recognising the importance of nature and biodiversity in our economy, and the necessity of aligning climate change efforts to reach net-zero targets. These relationships are critical in Ireland as well as worldwide. Our KPMG experts - Emmet Lowry, Dr Stephanie Maher, Ellen Cunningham, and Thomas Ball - have analysed the topic and developments from the last thematic day at this year’s COP, which focused on Nature & Biodiversity, Land Use & Marine. Explore the full article at kpmg.ie/cop29 and reach out to discuss what these developments mean for your business. #COP29

ICYMI Morning Briefing 1 Our trio of nature pundits presented the first of our briefings live from Cali this afternoon UK time with their first impressions of #COP16 👍 Overall a very positive feeling. Lots of excitement in the air. Even though it is only day 2, it already feels busier than at Montreal. More people & more events. The same contrast between the procedural aspects of the negotiations, and the buzz of side events. But the role of these side events is clear. To show the negotiators that we care, all of society cares. As Paul put it "business is serious about COP16" 🏛 The negotiations are starting with the easy wins. The less controversial stuff to get them going. Of note were discussions on the process of identifying EBSAs (important marine areas basically) & process for states to assess the impact and risk of invasive alien species. Also one to watch in coming days is a paper about the links between climate and biodiversity, and the respective UN treaties. 🦊 Discussions about the state of the UK's NBSAP. The line is that it is 'coming soon' but that the fact it is not yet quite finished is not a barrier to UK taking action. 💷 Another important growing discussion is about finance. Who should fund global conservation efforts, and how much should this be private or public. Or both. Catch our next briefing at 14 00 BST on Friday 25th for the latest. Hopefully with special guests. https://lnkd.in/eC_PcQnN Thank you Mark Johnston Paul Harrison and Tom Butterworth. Hosted by Casa Britanica.

Latest from #COP16Colombia. Protecting our forests and shifting global financial flows towards nature-positive outcomes were the focus of H.E. Razan Al Mubarak's, High-Level Champion for COP28 UAE engagements in Cali on Monday. During the “Leaders Protecting Forests to Global Biodiversity and Climate Goals” ministerial event, organized by the Forest and Climate Leaders’ Partnership, Razan joined government representatives to discuss how the protection, conservation and restoration of forest ecosystems is a priority issue that cuts across all three #RioConventions. Real economy actors and government representatives came togther for the panel “Leveraging Disclosure, Data and Precision: Unlocking Opportunities to Align and Enhance Responses to Nature-Related Risks”. They delved into the latest developments on the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD), the nature-climate nexus and the power of data to meet the goals of the #GlobalBiodiversityFramework. Nature-related risks and their implications for both public and private organizations, the economy and society as whole, were also central topics of the discussion, building on the achievements of COP28 where nature was placed at the heart of the #UAEConsensus. Stay tuned for more #COP16Colombia news.

Moving into the fourth day of COP16, the urgency for action to combat both the climate and ecological crises has been recognised by investors. Yesterday, in response to and coinciding with COP16, global investors representing $2.5 trillion in assets published a joint letter urging governments to take immediate action on the global biodiversity crisis. The letter recommends that governments set ambitious national targets, publish sector transformation plans, mandate nature-related disclosures, and establish stronger nature-focused financial mechanisms and regulations. Today's COP16 schedule is packed with sessions guiding global leaders on the necessary actions to improve biodiversity. We are particularly looking forward to the session 'Reconciling Nature Conservation and Development: How to Build an Enabling Environment and Meet Biodiversity Targets,' which will encourage compliance with nature targets. If you wish to discuss any of the COP16 themes or content, please contact one of our experts: Matthew Germain, Caroline Bush, Julian Wolfgramm-King, Arthur Hopkinson, or Lauren Gardner. 🌱 Find out more here > https://lnkd.in/eaCkDk2B #OCBiodiversityBrief #COP16 #GlobalBiodiversity #BiodiversityFramework

The record attendance for #COP16 sparked vital progress on investments in biodiversity. Over 21,000 delegates gathered in Cali to mark the largest meeting in the history of the biodiversity summit. Now, the pressure is on #COP29 to build on this progress. World leaders must envision and enact more effective ways to invest in the solutions that work—especially nature-based solutions. Our advisor Sabrina Nagel teamed up with the Climate Champions team's Puninda Thind and Amal Ridene to develop a series of case studies. These studies explore effective examples of financing for nature-based solutions. As the world converges on Baku, Azerbaijan, it is increasingly necessary to scale public and private investments in nature and resilience. Learn more and read the full report today. 🌱 https://bit.ly/4fiUNOa

As COP16 unfolds in Cali, Colombia, policymakers, business leaders, scientists and activists are coming together to tackle one of the most pressing global challenges – biodiversity loss. This marks the first major biodiversity-focused meeting since the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework was signed in 2022, making it a pivotal moment for international collaboration. Colombia, the host nation, has also taken a significant step by signing the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty, reflecting its commitment to transitioning from fossil fuels and embracing clean energy. The treaty reinforces the need for coordinated global action on decarbonisation, which is vital for achieving the Paris Agreement targets. For businesses and investors, COP16 is a call to action – integrating biodiversity into strategies is essential as nature-based solutions will play a central role in both preserving ecosystems and reducing emissions. Now is the time to invest in a sustainable, resilient future. #COP16 #Biodiversity #Decarbonisation #CleanEnergy #Sustainability #EnergyEquityEnvironment

This year’s COP16 will be held under the theme “Peace with Nature”, a call for reflection on improving our relationship with the environment and to rethink how we can avoid the extraction, overexploitation, and pollution of nature. As highlighted by Matt Haddon, ERM’s Global Leader, Biodiversity, Water & Nature, the focus of COP16 will be on implementation and how we can accelerate progress towards the goal of improving biodiversity by 30% by 2030. It’s time to step up. It won’t be easy, but acting now is the best way to realize commercial value and ensure societal progress. Follow our activities at COP16 here: https://www.erm.com/cop16/ #Biodiversity #Nature #COP16

Implementation. Get started - the message is clear.

Movements gain inordinate strength when they combine. This year's COP summit has the potential to be among the most impactful as the #biodiversity, #climatechange, and #socialjustice movements find more and more common ground. And while #COP16 is largely focused on countries, here is to all the #conservation #organizations taking on this work in the absense of sufficient governmental leadership--the small-but-mighty; the big-and-bold; the boots-on-the-ground; and the international heroes inspiring us all.