Colombian official: Over 1M species may become extinct due to climate change

More than one million species of flora and fauna face extinction worldwide due to climate change, Colombia's Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development, Susana Muhamad, told a COP29 event titled "Rio Trio Initiative: Enhancing Inter-Convention Knowledge for Sustainable Ecosystems" held within the framework of COP29 in Baku, Report informs.

"We understand the importance of oceans and how they affect crucial ecosystems. If we work for healthy ecosystems and healthy territories, we can reflect this figure economically. Healthy ecosystems generate millions of dollars in revenue," Susana Muhamad noted.

The minister emphasized that coordinated work is vital to address the various crises the planet is experiencing: "In other words, we need more participation. Achieving Sustainable Development Goals and country agreements is only possible when considering biodiversity and ecosystem services. Thus, we are talking about the need for this synergy between biodiversity and climate change. These inertia will allow us to face the climate crisis with more certainty and greater progress. Ensuring a livable climate and protecting biodiversity are key objectives, and they help each other. If we can improve the conditions of our territories and additionally soften adaptation processes, we will have better conditions."