Arlington, Virginia, USA – The following statement was made by Rare President Caleb McClennen, PhD, at the outset of the UN Climate Change Conference (COP31).
“The UN Climate Conference is underway in Antalya, Türkiye, and the ocean is one of ten priorities on the Presidency’s Action Agenda. With more than 100 countries calling for the ocean to be at the heart of climate action, the question now is whether that support turns into decisions. We cannot begin to talk about enhancing climate resilience, integrating ocean-based solutions, or fostering regional cooperation without putting coastal communities and local leaders at the center of the conversation.
“Success at COP31 will mean actions that reflect the realities of communities living and working on the frontlines of climate change. It will mean financial commitments that meet the size and scope of the challenge and come with strategies to ensure resources reach the frontlines. For this to happen, local leaders from coastal communities must be at the decision-making table.
“I hope that COP31 lives up to its billing as a Blue COP, with decisions that acknowledge the role coastal waters and ecosystems play in climate resilience and recognize the indispensable leadership of local communities in stewarding nature — our greatest ally in the fight against climate change.”