The State of the Environment 2016

The world witnessed a historic moment in Paris when leaders from around the globe came together during the COP21 meeting and negotiated a climate accord. Just last month leaders in industry and finance continued the focus on climate in Davos Switzerland at the World Economic Forum. This attention from government, industry and financial sectors shows that we are turning the corner toward a low-carbon future. It also opens the door for greater adoption of nature-based solutions to be used in place of or as a complement to manmade infrastructure in solving engineering and development challenges.

Global managing directors at The Nature Conservancy respond to the recent events and opportunities coming out of Paris and Davos with their perspectives on The State of the Environment in 2016.

Lynn Scarlett, Global Managing Director for Public Policy

The recent adoption of the historic Paris Agreement has sent a clear signal into 2016 that the world has turned the corner toward a safer, healthier and more prosperous low-carbon path. This year, the world will focus on delivery. This brings unprecedented opportunities for innovation, particularly in the financial and investment sectors, but there are also some looming tensions surrounding renewable energy siting, hydropower river impacts and the continued role of fossil fuels. All of this will heighten focus on science and policies that can drive action. In 2016, we will work with communities, policymakers and the private sector to drive on-the-ground strategies that advance a low-carbon economy and deploy nature-based solutions that reduce emissions and bolster resilience.

Justin Adams, Global Managing Director for Lands

Transforming how land is developed, used and conserved has never been more urgent. The impacts of a changing climate coupled with the need to double production of food, fiber and fuel by 2050 is placing unprecedented pressures on forests, grasslands and wetlands. But it is possible to create a new paradigm, one where nature and conservation play an integral part of the sustainable development agenda. The world can mitigate 20 percent — and possibly more — of total anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions by protecting, restoring and improving management of ecosystems. This year is about beginning to maximize that potential. We are focused on ramping up sustainable land-use collaborations with governments and resource-intensive industries, advancing indigenous and local community-led landscape planning, improving the functioning of crop and rangeland soils and establishing new community business models in key tropical forest landscapes.

“Proliferation of hydropower dams will continue on rivers around the world, and we will work to ensure that, during this expansion, conservation of river resources is balanced with energy generation.

Giulio Boccaletti, Global Managing Director for Water

This year, water issues will continue to rise to the top of the global agenda. Under El Niño conditions, we expect to see increased rain and flooding along the Western United States and drought in Australia. Flooding and drought will heavily impact many parts of the world, including India and Africa, forcing cities and agriculture to adapt. Additionally, proliferation of hydropower dams will continue on rivers around the world, and we will work to ensure that, during this expansion, conservation of river resources is balanced with energy generation. In 2016, we will unveil new research on water scarcity, and continue our efforts to maintain river connectivity and bring cleaner water to cities and nature.

“Following the Paris climate summit, we are focused on further elevating the role of natural systems in protecting communities from storms and floods, and mitigating climate change.

Maria Damanaki, Global Managing Director for Oceans

Oceans continue to be developed and exploited rapidly around the world, too often with inadequate or ineffective governance. This year, we expect to see renewed international attention on illegal fishing as governments face decisions on the ratifications of global fisheries trade policies. New technology, management reforms and increased data will bring opportunities for innovative approaches to recovering endangered fisheries. And following the Paris climate summit, we are focused on further elevating the role of natural systems in protecting communities from storms and floods, and mitigating climate change. This includes redirecting future investments in coastal infrastructure to include natural capital such as oyster reefs, corals, mangroves and wetlands. We know that natural infrastructure — in addition to reducing risk from climate change impacts — also helps to secure biodiversity and bring profits to local communities.

“In 2016, we will provide city leaders with new data and tools and empower city dwellers to help them plan a more resilient, livable, flourishing future.

Pascal Mittermaier, Global Managing Director for Cities

This is the year that cities lead on climate change. More than 300 mayors attended the recent climate meetings in Paris, and they are returning home to implement commitments that are needed to meet global climate targets.

Ecodistricts and other green developments that incorporate natural solutions will demonstrate what a thriving green city can look like — and how nature can reduce urban pollution and health risks. Empowering city youth to learn, act and lead in conservation efforts in their communities and ensuring that neighborhoods are involved in developing nature-based solutions are critical steps for achieving long-term success.

Technology also increasingly provides new solutions, with “smart city” projects collecting data and changing people’s lives. In 2016, we will provide city leaders with new data and tools and empower city dwellers to help them plan a more resilient, livable, flourishing future for their city — harnessing the power of nature to manage the impacts of a changing climate and other environmental challenges.

The Nature Conservancy is a leading conservation organization working in all 50 U.S. states and in 35 countries around the world. Visit www.nature.org/global for our latest science, opinion and policy recommendations.

Originally published at www.environmentalbusiness.org.