After the COP16 meeting in Cali, Colombia, last year overran, the conversations were cut short but picked up again this year at the UN Biodiversity Conference in Rome, led by the Colombian Ministry of the Environment.
The issue of biodiversity is one close to Pope Francis’ heart. With his encyclical Laudato si’ and the letter Laudate Deum, he has expressed his commitment to the preservation of creation—not only climate protection but also the conservation of biodiversity.
The way different species interact with each other not only regulates the global CO2 system, but is also essential for the nourishment of humanity. Predators are needed to control pests, and bees are needed to pollinate crops.
