The world is confronting a dual crisis of nature and climate, primarily driven by consumption patterns in the global North, rooted in colonial legacies. As biodiversity declines at an alarming rate, vulnerable communities in the global South bear the brunt of this loss. The briefing highlights how overexploitation and land-use changes, often fueled by demand for commodities from wealthier nations, are significant contributors to biodiversity depletion. Despite initiatives to address these issues, existing trade agreements and historical injustices perpetuate a cycle of exploitation that undermines local ecosystems and cultural practices, often leaving marginalised communities reliant on increasingly depleted resources.
This narrative of loss is intertwined with the historical context of colonialism and ongoing neo-colonial relationships, which have skewed global trade in favour of powerful nations. While global South countries export raw materials to meet the consumption needs of the North, they frequently face economic constraints and environmental degradation resulting from unequal trade practices. To combat these challenges, the briefing calls for equitable solutions that address the root causes of biodiversity loss, such as empowering local communities, enhancing transparency in supply chains, and promoting responsible consumption. Ultimately, acknowledging the injustices inherent in current consumption patterns is vital for fostering meaningful change and supporting those disproportionately affected by the ongoing crisis.
