A global coalition to protect at least 30% of the planet's land and ocean by 2030 has swelled its ranks to about 50 countries, as governments said at a summit hosted by France Monday that biodiversity loss and climate change should be tackled jointly.
The coalition is aiming to ensure that a new global framework to protect the Earth's natural systems, plants and animals - due to be finalised and adopted at a U.N. summit in China in May - includes the "30x30" goal.
"Protecting 30% of the planet will undoubtedly improve the quality of life of our citizens, and help us achieve a fair, decarbonised and resilient society," said Andrea Meza, minister of environment and energy for Costa Rica, which co-chairs the coalition with France and Britain.
A growing body of scientific research has shown that half of the planet must be kept in a natural state to address the dual crises of climate change and biodiversity loss, with an interim goal of a minimum of 30% protection by 2030, it...
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