ESA Urges All Nations to Take Climate Action at COP27

The Ecological Society of America (ESA) calls on world leaders attending the United Nations Climate Change Conference of Parties (COP27) in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, to pledge immediate action to reduce carbon dioxide (CO₂) and other greenhouse gas emissions that limits rising temperatures to 1.5⁰ C and to expand efforts to promote adaptation efforts in vulnerable regions of the world.

Scientists continue to observe unprecedented changes in the Earth’s climate system due to human activities. Current climate trends are bringing extraordinary disruption to human and natural ecosystems and the many species with which we share this planet.

We depend on ecosystems for life:  the pollination of our crops, the support of our fisheries, the cleanliness of our water and air—and the integrity of wild areas enjoyed by fishers, hunters, hikers, and boaters. Intact ecosystems build healthy soils, filter water, store carbon, and cycle nutrients. Global environmental changes are overwhelming the ability of ecosystems to protect us with grave consequences for nature and the wellbeing of humanity.

Science-based evidence tells us immediate action is needed to limit rising temperatures to 1.5⁰ C to prevent catastrophic changes caused by climate change. ESA commits to advancing the science of ecology that presents solutions for decision makers to mitigate climate change and strategies for practitioners to adapt, especially in vulnerable regions. Ecology shows us that nature-based solutions are important tools for policymakers to consider because they enhance resilience and sustainability.

As we start the UNCCC COP 27 in Sharm El-Sheikh this year, ESA and its members are committed to the following:

• Pursue ecologically based strategies to reduce emissions of harmful climate-warming gases
• Advance development of nature-based efforts to enhance ecological resilience in landscapes faced with climate change impacts
• Focus our expertise to reduce the rate of biodiversity loss and loss of ecosystem connectivity that supports species ability to respond to climate change and other environmental degradation
• Foster the development of ecologically informed policy development

Dennis Ojima	Sharon Collinge
Past-President, ESA	President, ESA