Conserving ecosystem integrity and investing in ecosystem restoration is a critical priority for the world this decade; not only because the health of soils, forests, freshwater, coasts and oceans underpins our economies, but because it also builds the resilience of people and diverse species to climate change.
The Global Biodiversity Framework reflects these intersections in its 2030 targets [1]. They include minimising the impacts of climate change on biodiversity, building ecosystem resilience and enhancing nature’s contributions to people. A majority of countries’ Nationally Determined Contributions incorporate ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA) as part of broader resilience-building [2]. Achieving these targets requires deep shifts in production systems and practices. Greater gender equality–already a ‘must’ for human rights reasons–will accelerate these shifts. Women’s contributions as public and private sector leaders, entrepreneurs and workers make a material difference to the effectiveness and sustainability of climate action. The evidence has been building over years [3]. New evidence strengthens the case further.
