One Planet Polar Summit zoomed in on the polar regions – but for what?

Crossing France on the TGV train bound for Paris, I was somewhat skeptical about concrete takeaways that can be expected from this newest edition of the One Planet Summit series, this time focusing on polar and glacier regions. The lead-up to the meeting was notably brief, with details on the agenda, anticipated outcomes, and participant roles emerging late and somewhat unclear. Nevertheless, France orchestrated the gathering in a commendable manner.

I presented twice during the meeting, highlighting  the challenges and solutions for climate and biodiversity that the WWF Global Arctic Programme is collaboratively addressing, with our partners, across the Arctic. On climate change I highlighted the Arctic paradox – that the countries which need to address the challenges of people living in the Arctic are actually contributing to the climate crisis. On biodiversity, I outlined a comprehensive set of available solutions to better protect and conserve Arctic biodiversity by making space for nature to adapt to a warmer climate.

All eyes on the cryosphere

All the right people were gathered at the scientific forum – polar and glacier scientists from all over the world, explorers and also a few Indigenous Peoples’ representatives. The leaders’ summit gathered heads of states, governments or ministers from over 30 countries and culminated in the issuance of the Paris Call for Glaciers and Poles.

The Paris Call and statements about the summit emphasized cryosphere science. Rightly so – these regions are changing so rapidly (the Arctic warming nearly four times as fast as the global average) that we need to be kept abreast of the situation. Yet, there are many things unknown about the properties and dynamics of these unique ecosystems, which are facing irreparable damage.

The amount of funding pledged to research in the Arctic, Antarctica and mountains – most importantly France’s commitment of one billion EUR until 2030 – is admirable. There are other commendable concrete commitments, such as the call to quickly ratify the High Seas Treaty, to fully implement the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, to advance designation of marine protected areas in Antarctica and to put all glaciers in France under strict protection.

From words to deeds

It is both encouraging and timely that the world is turning its attention to the cryosphere and the challenges it is facing. However, the polar and mountainous regions need more than deepening scientific study that was under the limelight in Paris. Leaders failed to emphasize a global warming upper limit of 1.5 °C. Especially when the latest cryosphere science supports this is the upper limit of warming that the Arctic – and planet – can endure. The polar regions require, first and foremost, decisive global action in accelerating the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions worldwide.

While politicians in their Paris statements shared fitting words there is a notable lack of concrete ambition and commitment. This can be partly attributed to a resistance from participating countries, including influential powers, like China and India. It also underscores the necessity to translate these sentiments into coming global policy forums.

Need to ensure a lasting impact and to stimulate action

The leaders who assembled in the French capital are now expected to amplify the urgent message sounded by scientists and the civil society as the ambassadors of the polar and glacier regions. But they must also lead by example to avoid escalating pressure on the cryosphere – actions like opening new oil and gas drilling or engaging in deep seabed mining have no place in the Arctic. The recommendations from 30 civil society organizations, annexed to the Paris Call, contain concrete actions that governments should take to accelerate implementation of agreed commitments, to strengthen them further and to ensure a meaningful engagement of Indigenous Peoples and the civil society.

Dear leaders, the civil society will closely observe how your rhetoric and actions line up. Additionally, we anticipate your advocacy for concrete measures to safeguard the cryosphere as you engage with other global partners, starting with the climate conference COP28 in Dubai. This will be the litmus test whether the One Planet Polar Summit will be remembered for more than just another international conference.