What is 30 x 30 and Why is it Worth Billions of Dollars?

On Monday, December 19th, the United Nations Biodiversity Conference (COP15) negotiators reached a historic deal. It provides critical financing to preserve biodiversity around the world. 

Thirty by Thirty (30 x 30) is a global effort to conserve 30% of global wildlife habitat by 2030. In 2021, the U.S. made it our official policy as well. The U.S. government set a national goal to conserve at least 30% of U.S. land, freshwater, and ocean areas by 2030.

For two weeks, the COP15 representatives worked on a global version. Key to the negotiation was offsetting the economic burden placed on poor countries. And the COP15 deal did exactly that.

The deal lays out $200 billion by 2030 from a range of sources. And it works to rework subsidies, which could add another $500 billion. The money goes to poor countries, to help them preserve their biodiversity.

The agreement lays out precise and quantified objectives on things like pesticides, loss of species, and poorly designed subsidies.

The impetus for the 30 x 30 plan comes from a 2019 estimate that showed a million plant and animal species could become extinct within decades. That was 1,000 times larger than anticipated.

I’m an avid outdoorsman. I grew up as an outside kid – hiking, fishing, gardening, surfing, and boating. I am an advocate for preserving our natural habitat. I support the 30 x 30 initiative both here at home and around the world

According to The Swiftest’ biodiversity index, Brazil is the most biodiverse country on the planet. European countries rank among the least biodiverse. 

The COP15 deal solidifies an economic value to biodiversity preservation. And it achieved commitments from wealthy nations to support preservation all over the world.

Numbers to Know

30

The percent of Earth’s land and ocean area to be deemed as protected areas by 2030. Global Deal For Nature: Guiding principles, milestones, and targets – The Global Deal for Nature and the Paris Climate Agreement.. what’s behind the 30 by 30 pledge. (Science Advances)

190

The number of countries that have adopted a sweeping agreement to protect nature at the United Nations’ biodiversity conference in Montreal. (CNN)

1 Million

The number of species facing extinction by humans. This report indicates that although this rate is accelerating it is not too late to make a difference. (IPBES.NET)

What’s New in Sustainable Investing

Hedge Fund Vanguard Pulls Out of Climate Alliance

As politicians and activists target companies supporting sustainable investing, hedge funds are feeling the heat. Vanguard has pulled out of the Net Zero Asset Managers initiative, which planned to support climate responsibility through finance.

Nuclear – An Investable ESG Asset

Global players are now embracing nuclear energy as an ideal pathway to meeting ESG goals while also providing the electricity and ancillary services necessary to support global development objectives. 

Links We Like

Biodiversity is vital for our planet. The 201 Most (& Least) Biodiverse Countries in 2022. (theswiftfest.com)

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With the holidays right around the corner. Check out this gift guide that encourages a more conscious approach to gift-giving.

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The world’s first net zero transatlantic flight will take off from the UK next year, with Virgin Atlantic set to fly one of its Boeing 787 aircraft from London to New York using solely sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).