The panel discussion aims to bring together experts, thought leaders, and stakeholders from various backgrounds to delve into the intricate relationship between climate change and biodiversity loss, and to explore effective strategies for mitigating these interconnected challenges. The panel discussion will cover a range of topics, including: the impacts of climate change on biodiversity and ecosystems, interactions between biodiversity loss and climate change, policy measures and international frameworks for addressing these twin threats, innovative strategies for promoting biodiversity conservation and climate change mitigation, and the role of communities, businesses, and governments in fostering sustainable practices.
MODERATOR
Jenny Gray (CEO, Zoos Victoria)
PANELISTS
Brighton Kaoma (Global Director, UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network)
Brighton Kaoma is a Zambian Social Entrepreneur and current Global Director for youth programs at the United Nations Sustainable development Solutions Network(SDSN) in New York. SDSN Youth- one of the world's largest network of young innovators incubates ambitious youth solutions to the SDGs through innovation, education, and partnerships across 127 countries. He's a recipient of the The Queen's Young Leaders Award from Queen Elizabeth II, The WWF International Presidents' Award, and was recognized for pioneering innovative climate solutions by President Barack Obama, Germany Cabinet Ministers, and JCI. Brighton earned his MPA from Columbia University following a BA from the University of Zambia, and subsequently held a leadership position at Children's Radio Foundation(CRF) of South Africa. He went on to support global policy and conservation efforts at WWF International following a few years as a start-up co-founder. Brighton serves on the Boards of Reverse the Red Program, The Children's RadioFoundation of South Africa, and is a member of the UN SDSN and SDG Academy's Leadership Councils.
Risa Smith (Chair, Protected Areas Climate Change Specialist Group, IUCN/WCPA)
Dr. Risa Smith is an ecologist and Chair of Protected Areas Climate Change Specialist Group, IUCN/WCPA. She has published research papers, given talks, written reports and submissions to international bodies and developed position papers for WCPA and Canada. Risa organized two successful sessions at the recent CBD COP15 on the biodiversity/climate change nexus. She is currently leading a 3-year project on Guidelines for Implementing Climate Change Mitigation into Protected Areas Management. In that context she chaired a May 2023 webinar highlighting case studies on climate change mitigation in protected areas, that will become part of case studies linked to the Guidelines project. Risa’s most recent publications focus on the importance of tackling the biodiversity loss and climate change crises together, as well as understanding the role of protected and conserved areas in climate change mitigation, adaptation and disaster risk reduction. Within Canada, Risa was a lead on the protected areas stream for the Summit on Nature-Based Climate Solutions in Canada, and has served on the federal government’s Nature-Based Climate Solutions Advisory Committee and delivered many public talks in British Columbia, Canada and internationally on the theme of Using Nature’s Ways to Fight Climate Change. Prior to working with WCPA, Risa was the Manager, International Biodiversity Policy, with the Canadian Wildlife Service (2002-2017), and Head of State of Environment Reporting for the BC government (1993-2002). In those capacities she lead many state of environment style reports, including Canadian Biodiversity: Ecosystem Status and Trends 2010 and the first Indicators of Climate Change for British Columbia.
Dalia Conde (Associate Professor, University of Southern Denmark)
Dalia A. Conde is an Associate Professor at the University of Southern Denmark (SDU). She holds a Ph.D. in Ecology from Duke University. Dalia established the Conservation Demography section at the prestigious Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research. Her research has been published in renowned scientific journals including Nature, Science, and PNAS. Various global newspapers such as Spiegel, Le Monde, and National Geographic have also covered her work on biodiversity conservation. Dalia's commitment to the conservation of the Mayan rainforest has gained recognition, including the prestigious WINGS Women of Discovery Award, which she received alongside renowned conservationists like Silvia Earle and Jane Goodall. She has also been honored with the American Association of University Women's International Award (AAUW). Driven by her passion for species conservation and the preservation of ecosystems and their services, Dalia is currently expanding her work to explore the intersection of climate change and biodiversity under corporate responsibility. One of her primary focuses is the recent EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). With her expertise and dedication, Dalia aims to advance the understanding and integration of species conservation into corporate practices to ensure a sustainable future.
Please, stay tuned at www.reversethered.org for more information
You can watch the recordings here if you missed the previous Reverse the Red webinars.
Please, stay tuned at www.reversethered.org for more information