Why biodiversity matters just as much as carbon in climate policy

Climate change is often talked about in terms of carbon emissions alone. Yet the health of our ecosystems, the variety of species and the richness of natural habitats cannot be pushed to the sidelines. If we only focus on carbon, we risk weakening resilience and leaving nature less able to cope. Bringing biodiversity into climate policy is not just a nice idea, it is essential.

Why biodiversity and climate action must go hand in hand

Ecosystems are vital allies
Forests, peatlands, mangroves, coral reefs and wetlands store vast amounts of carbon and protect communities from extreme weather. When they are degraded, carbon is released and resilience is weakened. Any climate strategy that ignores ecosystems is incomplete.
A feedback loop is at work
Climate stress in the form of drought, heat or storms damages habitats, reduces species diversity and diminishes ecosystem services such as pollination, soil fertility and water regulation. As ecosystems weaken, they lose their ability to capture carbon or moderate climate extremes.
Biodiversity loss increases risk
Extinction unravels ecological networks and makes systems more fragile. Simplified ecosystems or monocultures are more exposed to pests, disease and climate shocks. A rich variety of species provides insurance against collapse.
Impacts on equity, livelihoods and wellbeing
Many communities depend directly on nature for food, water, medicines and ecosystem services. Policies that cut carbon but degrade ecosystems can harm livelihoods and resilience, especially in lower-income and rural areas.

The challenge of integrating biodiversity into climate policy

Separated governance
Climate departments often focus on emissions while environmental bodies concentrate on species or protected areas. Coordination is weak and incentives can be misaligned.
Financing that overlooks nature
Many climate funds and green bonds still prioritise emissions reduction alone. Projects that restore biodiversity may struggle to attract investment even when they deliver significant co-benefits.
Trade-offs and competing goals
Some climate actions, such as large bioenergy plantations, can harm biodiversity if they are poorly designed. Policy needs to recognise and manage these trade-offs.

Collaboration is essential

No single actor holds all the levers required to embed biodiversity in climate policy. Progress depends on coordinated action across sectors and scales.

Government and policy bodies
National and local authorities need to align climate and conservation mandates, develop joint frameworks and coordinate budgets.
Scientists and research institutions
Universities and ecological research centres contribute expertise in monitoring species, modelling ecosystem responses and developing biodiversity indicators.
Private sector and finance
Businesses and investors must expand their focus beyond carbon footprints to include their wider impacts on nature. Financial institutions can build biodiversity criteria into lending, underwriting and ESG frameworks.
Community groups and local communities
Local people and local communities contribute deep knowledge of ecosystems and long-standing stewardship practices. Their involvement in policy design and delivery is essential.
Cross-sector coalitions
Platforms that bring together government, business, NGOs, academics and communities allow goals to be aligned, resources to be shared and lessons to be scaled.

Our approach

At Ardea Eco-innovation we support clients and public bodies to:

Design strategies that recognise the links between carbon and ecosystems
Build governance frameworks that connect departments and sectors
Engage stakeholders across business, public bodies and communities

Conclusion

Climate action is not only about cutting emissions. It is about regenerating the living systems that underpin our resilience, security and wellbeing. A strategy that ignores biodiversity is a strategy built on fragile ground.