What is COP27?

But what is COP27? 

COP27 is this year’s UN Climate Change Conference, a summit held for governments to agree targets that aim to limit global temperature rises.

Governments and negotiators from around the world meet at COP, which stands for ‘Conference of the Parties’, and has been held every year since 1992. This year it’s taking place from 6 to 18 November in Sharm-el-Sheikh, Egypt. 

The main goal for COP summits is to tackle the climate emergency. This year, they aim to focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, adjusting to the impacts of the climate crisis, drive finance and increase collaboration. 

Why is COP27 important?

Time is running out for us to avoid and mitigate against the catastrophic global warming above 1.5°C. Current ambition increase adds up to 1% across countries who have submitted updated pledges since COP26 but this must reach 45% in order to reduce emissions and increase finance. We need stronger National commitments and the UK should be leading the way.

At COP26, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres gave a stark warning. He said: “Humanity has long since run down the clock on climate change. It's one minute to midnight on that Doomsday clock and we need to act now.”

The world is set to reach 2.5°C of warming in the next two decades, according to the latest reports. Only the most drastic cuts in emissions will help prevent environmental disaster and even further biodiversity loss. We must #ActNow.

We have already lost 70% of wildlife populations globally since 1970, so governments need to take drastic action now to reverse the destruction of biodiversity and set in place key measures to improve our resilience against the upcoming changes to temperature Worldwide.

In addition we must focus on adaption planning to increase our country and counties resilience to climate change along with generating the required finance to turn these plans into action.

Why does COP27 matter for Kent wildlife?

Wildlife in Kent is also under grave threat from the climate crisis. Summers are predicted to get hotter, with an average temperature increase of 2-3°C by 2040. Air pollution is already double WHO recommended levels and 79% of rivers are being impacted by pollution. Add to that increases in severe weather, flooding and a continued decline in wildlife sites mean that we are and will continue to see the effects of climate change in Kent too.

The speed of change means that weather and land becomes unsuitable for animals and insects to thrive, and many species struggle to adapt, including Swift, Adder, butterflies, birds and more. So we must increase our resilience and mitigate the impacts as much as possible which is what our #WilderKent strategy is all about.

Decisions made at COP27 are critical to the survival of our local wildlife. 

How can you help #DefendNature?

We need your help to save wildlife in Kent. Here are a few ways you can support us: 

•    Write to your MP using our template letter and download your #DefendNature campaign pack. The campaign pack includes social media posts and posters you can put up in your windows. 
•    If you haven’t already, sign up to our campaign mailing list to hear more about our upcoming plans and how you can get involved.
•    Help us carry out more of our vital work by making a donation, or becoming a member.