Importance of Nature Restoration for Future Resilience

At COP17 and COP31, governments are urged to accelerate positive tipping points in energy, food, and finance. Nature is essential for human survival, yet it is being depleted rapidly, increasing vulnerability to environmental changes. This year has seen significant impacts from climate change, including heatwaves, wildfires, floods, and droughts, with forecasts indicating that El Nino will exacerbate these risks. The WWF’s Living Planet Report 2026 indicates that monitored wildlife populations have declined by 73% from 1970 to 2022, highlighting the economic implications of nature loss on food and water security, health, supply chains, and geopolitical stability. Despite the seriousness of the situation, there are opportunities for transformation. Evidence suggests that economic systems contributing to nature's decline can be altered, and positive changes can occur more rapidly than anticipated. Tipping points in the energy, food, and finance systems could lead to significant improvements in environmental conditions. The global energy system has already begun transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy, demonstrating the possibility of rapid systemic change. Solar power, once primarily used in satellites, is now the most affordable option for electricity generation in many countries. While progress in food and finance systems is slower, it remains critical. Achieving a tipping point in food systems requires increased adoption of nature-positive production and shifts in consumer demand for sustainable foods. Efforts to combat deforestation are underway, with over 130 countries developing strategic plans for food system transformation. Transforming the finance system to prioritize funding for nature protection over harmful activities is essential and will require regulatory changes and a reevaluation of financial risks associated with climate and nature. The upcoming COP17 biodiversity and COP31 climate conferences present an opportunity for governments to collaborate on actions that promote positive tipping points and enhance resilience in societies and economies. There are also success stories, such as the recovery of green sea turtles and tigers, resulting from conservation efforts involving various stakeholders. Achieving systemic change will require collective action from governments, businesses, financial institutions, communities, and individuals. The goal is to transition from extractive economies to sustainable and regenerative systems. While challenges may arise, scientific evidence supports the potential for nature and climate recovery, suggesting that change can occur more swiftly than expected.