As 2024 progresses, the urgency to protect our planet intensifies. This fall, global leaders will convene to tackle critical issues like plastic pollution, biodiversity loss, and climate change. The coming months will be crucial in shaping the future of our natural world. Here’s a guide to the three vital steps lawmakers must take to make a real difference.
1. Combat Plastic Pollution
Addressing the plastic pollution crisis is imperative for safeguarding nature. Effective solutions require coordinated efforts across all levels of government, from local to global.
In the United States, the federal government plays a pivotal role. The Biden-Harris administration’s initiative to eliminate single-use plastics from federal agencies by 2035 and in food services by 2027 represents a significant move. By leveraging the government’s substantial purchasing power, this commitment aims to drive large-scale change.
At the state level, Minnesota has set a notable precedent. In May, the state passed a groundbreaking law mandating that all packaging must be reusable, recyclable, compostable, or managed through an approved collection system by 2032. This law marks a major victory in the push for Extended Producer Responsibility, encouraging businesses to minimize their plastic impact and helping consumers manage waste sustainably.
Despite these advancements, a global effort is essential. In November, world leaders will gather in Busan, Korea, for potentially the final round of negotiations on an international treaty to address plastic pollution. WWF will advocate for an ambitious agreement that sets a high standard for reducing plastic waste worldwide.
2. Secure Resources for Biodiversity Conservation
Halting nature loss requires strong leadership and adequate funding. It is crucial for Congress to support robust conservation programs both domestically and internationally.
Thanks to advocacy efforts, Congress has maintained or increased funding for key conservation programs through agencies like USAID and the US Fish and Wildlife Service. As Congress approaches the end-of-September deadline for spending bills, bipartisan support remains strong for conservation priorities.
These funds are vital for projects like the USAID Biodiversity Conservation initiative in Vietnam, which recently achieved global sustainability standards for protected area management. Domestically, new grants from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will support food waste recycling education in cities like Baltimore, Memphis, Nashville, and Atlanta.
However, more action is needed. Congress must pass the bipartisan US Foundation for International Conservation Act by the end of the year to leverage additional resources for long-term nature protection.
On a global scale, nearly 200 countries will convene at the UN biodiversity summit in Colombia this October. The focus will be on implementing a framework to halt and reverse nature loss, including the goal of conserving at least 30% of the planet’s land, freshwater, and oceans by 2030. The Biden-Harris Administration’s America the Beautiful Freshwater Challenge, launched in April, aims to restore US wetlands, rivers, and streams by 2030, advancing these goals nationally. The October summit will be crucial for ensuring all countries fulfill their commitments.
3. Fulfill Climate Change Commitments
With the planet’s temperature rising, accelerating the transition to a sustainable future is crucial. Implementing robust policies and innovative technologies is essential for protecting communities and nature.
The Biden-Harris administration has already introduced over 100 funding and executive actions to combat climate change. These include investments in clean energy through the Inflation Reduction Act and new EPA regulations for power plant and vehicle emissions.
Food waste also contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. Congress must renew the Farm Bill by September, which outlines critical food and agriculture policies. The recently advanced Farm Bill falls short of necessary investments in conservation efforts led by farmers and foresters.
Additionally, conserving forests is vital. In May, New York passed the Tropical Rainforest Economic & Environmental Sustainability (TREES) Act, requiring companies to certify that their products do not contribute to tropical forest destruction. Governor Kathy Hochul has until the end of the year to sign this legislation into law, setting a precedent for other states.
Yet, more global action is needed. At the upcoming UN General Assembly, Climate Week summits in New York City, and COP29 in Azerbaijan, WWF-US will urge governments to uphold their ambitious climate and nature commitments.
A Critical Moment for Action
Significant progress has been made in protecting nature this year, but the work is far from complete. The last few months of 2024 offer crucial opportunities for leaders to unite and take the necessary actions to protect our planet. The time to act is now. Join WWF in our mission to safeguard the natural world for future generations.
