WASHINGTON, D.C. — The 27th Conference of the Parties (COP27) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change offers world leaders, the private sector, and non-governmental organizations an opportunity to affirm not only the need to turn their commitments into action, but also the need to make whole the countries and communities bearing the brunt of the climate crisis. The National Wildlife Federation, which will send a delegation to Egypt for the two-week gathering, will urge countries to prioritize the use of natural infrastructure, such as coastal floodplains and healthy forests, to save lives, naturally sequester carbon, provide essential wildlife habitat, and support clean air and water for people.

The Federation and the Climate Equity Collaborative, which engages communities, youth and nonprofits in designing and implementing equitable and inclusive climate solutions, will participate in and will support environmental programs and partners at the first-ever climate justice pavilion. The pavilion will host key conversations on the climate crisis and reparation.

“When we say, ‘Keep 1.5° alive,’ we’re urging world leaders to recognize that their commitments need to be more than just words on paper. They are commitments to save irreplaceable people and wildlife,” said Collin O’Mara, president and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation. “As world leaders, businesses, and advocacy organizations gather in Egypt, they need to understand that the challenges they’re confronting are impacting people and wildlife everywhere from their backyards to the backcountry. These are also problems that nature can help us solve, from naturally sequestering carbon to protecting communities from rising seas, intense heat waves, and catastrophic flooding.”

The National Wildlife Federation’s delegation to COP27 will include key leaders and environmental thought leaders, including:

Mustafa Santiago Ali, executive vice president;
Nathalie Walker, senior director of tropical forest and agriculture;
Adrienne Hollis, vice president for environmental justice, climate, and community revitalization and conservation; and,
Kim Martinez, vice president for education and engagement.