The WWF raises alarm over the $7 trillion annually allocated to private finance, tax incentives, and public subsidies that worsen the climate crisis, biodiversity loss, and ecosystem degradation. This represents 7% of the global GDP, contributing to the destruction of the planet’s foundations. The warning comes ahead of COP16 on biodiversity, set to resume in Rome after the pause in Cali, Colombia last October.
Nature supports the economy, but the system undervalues it
According to the WWF, more than half of global GDP, or $58 trillion, depends directly or indirectly on the services provided by nature. However, the current economic system assigns nearly zero value to nature, ignoring the crucial role ecosystems play in maintaining economic and social stability.
WWF calls for a financial shift to save the planet
WWF suggests redirecting just 7.7% of negative financial flows to close the funding gap needed for nature-based solutions. This could generate concrete benefits for biodiversity, climate, and human well-being by focusing on the protection, restoration, and sustainable management of land and water resources.
The need for investments in climate and food systems
According to the WWF’s Living Planet Report, global investments in energy for climate action reached $1.3 trillion in 2021-2022, mostly for renewable energy and sustainable transport. However, $9 trillion per year will be required until 2030 to adequately address climate change, both in emissions reduction and adaptation efforts. Transitioning to a sustainable food system also requires significant investment, estimated at $390-455 billion per year. This is still less than the amount spent by governments on harmful agricultural subsidies, demonstrating how shifting economic priorities could promote sustainability.
An economic and employment opportunity for WWF
Immediate action for biodiversity could generate over $10 trillion in economic value and create 395 million jobs globally by 2030. WWF emphasizes that investing in nature is not just an environmental necessity but also an unprecedented economic and social opportunity.
L’articolo WWF warns: $7 trillion contributing to climate crisis proviene da All Green Friends.
