‘We have a lot of work to do’ says climatologist as leaders pledge to protect planet’s biodiversity

‘We have a lot of work to do’ says climatologist as leaders pledge to protect planet’s biodiversity

At least 50 countries have committed to protecting 30 per cent of the planet, including land and sea, over the next decade to halt species extinction and address climate change issues.The announcement was made by French President Emmanuel Macron at the One Planet Summit for world leaders in Paris aimed at protecting the world's biodiversity.Speaking via video conference, UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, said 2021 must be the year to "reconcile humanity with nature.""Until now we have been destroying our planet, we have been abusing it as if we have a spare one. Our current resource use requires almost two planets, but we only have one."Other leaders at the summit were German Chancellor Angela Merkel, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.China, represented by Vice Premier Han Zheng, agreed that "collective efforts'' are needed.The event, organised by France, the United Nations, and the World Bank, took place without top US officials. Yet during his campaign, President-elect Joe Biden pledged to better protect biodiversity by preserving 30 per cent of American lands and waters by 2030.Speaking to Euronews, Dr Niklas Höhne, the founder of the NewClimate Institute in Cologne said: "Currently, only 17 per cent of the