Current leaders are struggling to prioritize the planet.

Young and emerging leaders recognize that despite a lot of progress across climate and conservation, the political will to champion the bold action scientists say we need is too often an uphill battle.

The reasons are varied, which in itself can be dispiriting. A common thread was how war and conflict, terrible in their own right, have the added effect of soaking up political leaders’ finite time/attention, funding and political capital.

Even the most significant policy wins for nature can be clouded by the political challenges of implementing them, as we’re seeing in the year that’s passed since the world’s biggest deal for nature.

What makes me worried is that a lot of decision-makers all around the world are not giving enough push to the plans that will save our world.
– Mostafa Mohammed, Cultural Heritage Conservator, Egypt

[There is so much] conflict and strife continuing all over the world. How can we come together to face the climate and biodiversity crises and reach common goals when there is so much division?
– Paola Stuparich Nouel, TNC Climate Adaptation Fellow, USA

Governments around the world are not taking the threat of climate change seriously enough, or not believing it is even a threat to begin with.
– Iain Watt, TNC Business Analyst, USA

The absence of political will is the reason why so many governments worldwide are not treating the climate catastrophe seriously enough. They are putting short-term financial gain ahead of the planet’s long-term health.
– Idris Ajibola Mustapha, Agricultural Engineering Research Assistant, Nigeria