The leaders who launched the high-level segment of COP16 in the Colombian city of Cali called for action and commitment to protect biodiversity, emphasizing that humanity's survival depends on it. Figures such as UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, the presidents of Colombia and Ecuador, as well as the vice president of Bolivia and the Venezuelan chancellor, among other officials, participated in this day.
Guterres warned that humanity is waging a war against nature with no winners, with rising temperatures, species loss, and pollution of oceans and water bodies. The Secretary-General urged countries to fulfill their commitments, as no one is exempt from the effects of climate change and environmental degradation.
The leaders present expressed the urgency to start a "global celebration" to prevent towns and cities from becoming graveyards due to the lack of action in response to the environmental crisis. The Ecuadorian president pointed out the importance of preserving the youth and their living conditions, emphasizing the need to protect nature and prevent the mass extinction of species.
Venezuela held capitalism responsible for the destruction of biodiversity and advocated for transformations that give life a chance. Bolivia defended a nature-respecting approach based on indigenous peoples, while Colombia, as the host of the summit, highlighted the need for society to make decisions that protect life and humanity.
In this crucial stage of COP16, important decisions for biodiversity at the global level are expected to be made, with concrete calls for action and commitment from different countries. The challenges are enormous in the fight against the climate crisis and in protecting biodiversity, and a joint effort is required to avoid "extinction" and build a sustainable future for all.
