The World Federation for Animals (WFA) has launched the Animals for Climate Action tool at COP29 – a new resource to guide policymakers on incorporating animal welfare into climate and biodiversity strategies.
According to the WFA, the tool, which has been developed with the support of more than 75 animal welfare organisations, ‘provides practical recommendations for governments to boost their climate resilience and increase their carbon sequestration by safeguarding wild animals and their habitats.’
‘Essential allies’
“Wild animals are essential allies in our fight against climate change, with research showing that restoring the populations of just nine species could capture up to 6.4 gigatonnes of CO₂ annually,” commented James Yeates, CEO of the World Federation for Animals.
“Yet our exploitation of nature and unsustainable food practices severely limit these benefits. Our tool empowers policymakers to take meaningful action to protect wildlife and enhance climate resilience.”
Among the areas the tool focuses on are the promotion of sustainable food systems, biodiversity protection, and the restoration of wildlife populations, as well as strategies for transitioning away from industrial animal agriculture.
Representatives from organisations including FOUR PAWS, Whale and Dolphin Conservation, World Animal Protection, and Mercy for Animals, were in attendance at COP29 to support the launch of the tool, with Angel Flores, World Animal Protection’s external affairs manager, describing it as a “vital resource” in developing a more climate-friendly economy.
“By safeguarding animal welfare and biodiversity, policymakers can create resilient food systems, fulfil their climate change commitments and secure a thriving planet for future generations,” she said. “Protecting animals is key to closing the huge emissions gap threatening our climate goals—and this tool can help governments achieve this.”
Significant timing
As the WFA noted, the timing of COP29 is ‘especially significant’, as it marks the last climate conference before the February 2025 deadline for countries to update their Nationally Determined Contributions, or NDCs.
‘The World Federation for Animals is committed to helping countries integrate animal welfare strategies into these crucial updates, ensuring that climate plans are both ambitious and effective,’ it added. Read more here.
