Combating global challenges – climate change, biodiversity loss and poverty simultaneously: Unachievable goal or the only way forward?

Abstract

Research background: Globally climate action is gaining momentum. Most significant players on global political arena including the US, the EU and China are actively engaging in addressing the problem of climate change. Sustainable development agenda implies the need to simultaneously reduce harmful impacts of anthropogenic activity on natural ecosystems, reduce poverty and combat global heating. However, when pursuing these three targets often complicated trade-offs emerge. These trade-offs are especially pronounced when competing land-uses are considered. Recent global assessments suggest that the world is failing to slow down biodiversity loss, poverty is going to soar in the nearest future, and global heating is likely to reach temperature limit. All these problems need to be addressed in nearest few decades. The task may seem overwhelming, especially without a clear roadmap.Purpose of the article: The aim of this study is to critically evaluate approaches to climate mitigation, detect trade-offs and synergies with biodiversity conservation and poverty alleviation goals and find the optimal strategies capable to resolve all these problems together.Methods: Conceptual research approach - theory adaptation was used.Findings & Value added: Findings of present study suggest that in order to achieve sustainable development only climate actions that benefit biodiversity conservation should be implemented. In case biodiversity is supported by global initiatives it is likely that poverty will be reduced due to sustained provision of ecosystem services, underpinning human wellbeing. Policy recommendations are provided that could help tailoring climate actions to support biodiversity conservation and reduce poverty.