Governments gather in Canada to boost biodiversity

Environmental leaders will gather in Canada to hammer out measures aimed at shoring up the world's land and marine ecosystems. Delegates from about 190 countries will assemble for nearly two weeks at the United Nations Biodiversity Conference, or COP15, to finalize a framework for protecting 30% of global land and marine areas by 2030.

Currently, 17% of terrestrial and 10% of marine areas are protected. Caitlin Cattelino, Defenders of Wildlife said "Biodiversity loss is happening at alarming and catastrophic rates across the world and it's largely being driven by human activity. Scientists have identified five major losses to biodiversity, and that includes habitat loss, climate change, invasive species, pollution and also the exploitation of wildlife."

Bob Watson, climate scientist said "The meeting in Montreal is absolutely critical. They've got to decide how to conserve and even restore biodiversity. They have to get to grips with these five drivers. We need to minimize or eliminate all of these drivers for change. We have to also have protected areas and marine areas and terrestrial areas." The proposed framework also calls for reducing the rate of invasive species introduction and establishment by 50%, cutting pesticide use in half and eliminating the discharge of plastic waste.