WWF Belgium calls on governments to ban fossil fuels and restore nature

The Belgian branch of nature organisation WWF (World Wide Fund for Nature) is urging governments to phase out fossil fuels faster, reduce emissions and restore nature. "Nature is the climate's secret ally," the organisation said on Monday in a reaction to the publication of the UN climate panel's newest report.

With current emissions at the highest level in human history, we are still far off course to keep warming below the 1.5-degree target, WWF stresses. "The faster and bolder we act, the sooner people and nature can reap the benefits of a cleaner, safer and more stable future. We have all the tools we need, so it is within our capabilities to meet this challenge if we act now," the environmental organisation argues.

Besides phasing out fossil fuels, WWF Belgium sees a crucial role to be played by nature itself. Indeed, nature has absorbed 54 per cent of man-made carbon emissions over the past decade, significantly slowing global warming. "We cannot hope to limit warming to 1.5 degrees, adapt to climate change and save lives and livelihoods unless we also take urgent action to protect and restore nature," the organisation said. Nature is non-negotiable in solving the climate crisis," WWF Belgium concludes.

(BRV)

^{© BELGA PHOTO OPHELIE DELAROUZEE}