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International

Turning a corner on climate

Catherine Brahic: environment editor, The Economist

A vital year for bolder promises to save the planet

2021 in brief

The boldest conservation proposal ever will be put to countries when they gather in
Kunming in south-west China in May for a UN summit to reverse biodiversity loss: a
commitment to protect 30% of land and ocean by 2030. Some 64 countries have already
signed up to the “30X30” pledge but not Indonesia, Australia or America among others

EVERY YEAR since 1995, tens of thousands of climate-policy wonks, politicians,
journalists and campaigners from all corners of the world have gathered in one place at
the end of the year. For two weeks they cram themselves into an enclosed conference
centre. There is much talking and little sleep. At times, hundreds gather in a single
auditorium; at others, they huddle in small clusters. Fresh air is a luxury. There are
social drinks and meals. And at the end of it all, everyone flies back to where they came