Over 300 scientists call for wildlife protection in climate policy for carbon storage benefits

A group of 287 scientists from six continents has endorsed a Scientific Consensus on Wildlife and Climate, arguing that wild animals play a critical but overlooked role in carbon storage and ecosystem resilience. The consensus, announced at the UNFCCC subsidiary body meeting in Bonn, calls on governments to include wildlife and their ecological functions in climate policies and frameworks. The scientists highlight that animals such as forest elephants, grazing bison, and ocean fish contribute to carbon sequestration through natural behaviors like seed dispersal, nutrient cycling, and carbon transport. A 2023 study estimated that restoring wild animal populations could increase CO2 uptake by up to 6.41 gigatons per year, helping bridge the gap in nature-based climate solutions needed to stay below 1.5C warming. The consensus provides a credible scientific reference for policymakers, especially as African governments advance a Wildlife for Climate Declaration. It aims to integrate wildlife conservation into UNFCCC processes, moving beyond biodiversity frameworks to recognize animals as active climate allies.