Unlocking the Potential of Animal Welfare in Climate Action – SDG Knowledge Hub

In a world facing the urgent threat of climate change, the role of wild animals in carbon sequestration is often overlooked. However, recent research has shed light on the significant impact that animals have on mitigating climate change through their interactions with ecosystems. Silvia Mantilla, from the World Federation for Animals, highlights the crucial alliances between humans and wild animals that contribute to carbon sequestration and ultimately help combat climate change.

One of the most striking examples of this alliance is the blue whale, the largest animal on Earth. A single blue whale can store as much carbon in its body and through whale falls as 825 trees. By consuming small fish and krill that feed on phytoplankton, whales accumulate tons of carbon in their bodies. When these majestic creatures die, the carbon they have stored is buried deep in the sea, where it remains sequestered for millennia.

Moving from the ocean to the kelp forests, we find another fascinating partnership between sea otters and carbon sequestration. Research has shown that kelp forests with sea otters can absorb 12 times more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere compared to those without otters. Sea otters play a crucial role in maintaining balanced ecosystems by preying on sea urchins, which would otherwise decimate the kelp forests. By keeping the sea urchin population in check, otters enable healthy kelp forests to effectively sequester carbon.

In the heart of the Congo Basin, forest elephants have been dubbed „environmental engineers“ for their contribution to carbon sequestration. Studies have shown that forest elephants can increase carbon sequestration by 7% to 14% through their unique foraging habits. By trampling on young trees, elephants provide a survival advantage to the trees that remain, allowing them to grow taller and store more carbon. This symbiotic relationship between elephants and trees highlights the intricate connections between wildlife and carbon sequestration.

These examples underscore the vital importance of protecting wild animals not only for their own sake but also for their essential role in combating climate change. Whether on land or in the sea, animals play a crucial role in maintaining healthy ecosystems that can effectively sequester and store carbon. As we strive to achieve Sustainable Development Goals 14 and 15, which focus on life below water and on land, it is clear that progress towards these goals is intricately linked to SDG 13, climate action.

The conversation around climate change mitigation has predominantly centered on reducing greenhouse gas emissions. However, another critical aspect of mitigation is preserving and enhancing the Earth’s carbon sequestration capacity. A recent study has estimated that we need to quadruple our carbon removal efforts to meet climate goals, underscoring the urgency of bolstering carbon sequestration mechanisms.

One cost-effective and nature-based solution for governments is to protect and restore ecosystems that are capable of sequestering carbon, with a focus on preserving wildlife within these ecosystems. Three key policy actions can help integrate biodiversity protection and restoration into the climate agenda, with animal welfare at the core:

1. Ecosystem protection: Expanding protected areas and implementing effective management practices to maintain nature’s carbon sequestration capacity.
2. Ecosystem restoration: Initiating restoration projects to revitalize ecosystems and enhance their ability to capture and store carbon effectively.
3. Wildlife protection: Strengthening measures against poaching, trafficking, and unsustainable wildlife trade to leverage animals‘ contribution to the carbon cycle.

Furthermore, transforming food systems, particularly reducing the pressure on biodiversity from animal farming, is crucial for achieving climate goals. Shifting towards plant-rich diets and transitioning animal production to high welfare systems can free up land for nature-positive land use and support global biodiversity goals.

As countries update their nationally determined contributions (NDCs) to reach net zero emissions, there is a unique opportunity to integrate animal welfare solutions into climate and biodiversity action. The World Federation for Animals is set to launch a toolkit to assist countries in identifying policies that can enhance their national carbon sequestration capacity and support their journey towards net-zero goals.

In conclusion, the natural carbon sequestration aided by wildlife is a critical component of climate change mitigation. By recognizing and protecting the invaluable role of wild animals in carbon sequestration, we can work towards a more sustainable future for both wildlife and humanity.