Look West: Public lands and energy news from the Center for Western Priorities


** Global leaders gather to address biodiversity crisis
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Thursday, December 8, 2022
Mule deer in the threatened sagebrush habitat of the Western U.S. Photo: Larry Moore, BLM ([link removed])

Scientists and leaders from over 190 countries are gathered in Montreal this week to discuss the biodiversity crisis at COP15, also known as the ([link removed]) [link removed] Biodiversity Conference ([link removed]) . Possible outcomes of the conference might include agreements on global strategies to conserve biodiversity, linking climate change with the biodiversity crisis ([link removed]) , and acknowledging the importance of Indigenous people in all conservation efforts.

“We are out of harmony with nature. In fact, we are playing an entirely different song," said UN Secretary António Guterres in his opening speech ([link removed]) . "Around the world, for hundreds of years, we have conducted a cacophony of chaos, played with instruments of destruction. Deforestation and desertification are creating wastelands of once-thriving ecosystems."

If negotiations are successful, leaders will finalize and sign a document called the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework ([link removed]) , a strategy with measurable targets to conserve ecosystems. One of these targets is the commitment to conserve at least 30 percent of Earth’s land and water by 2030, which many nations signed onto last month at the COP27 conference on climate change. Currently, only about 17 percent of the world's land area falls under some sort of protection, while less than 8 percent of the global ocean is protected.

Although the U.S. is not a party to the Convention on Biological Diversity ([link removed]) , the presence of a U.S. delegation there is important given its influence on other nations and its existing commitment to 30x30 by way of the Biden administration's A ([link removed]) merica the Beautiful Initiative ([link removed]) .


** Podcast: Photographer Pete McBride on the Colorado River
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Renowned nature photographer, filmmaker, and writer Pete McBride joins Aaron and CWP’s Director of Campaigns and Special Projects Lauren Bogard on the Landscape to discuss his work documenting the Colorado River. Listen now ([link removed]) or subscribe on Apple Podcasts ([link removed]) .
Quick hits


** COP15 Biodiversity Conference opens in Montreal
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The Guardian ([link removed]) | Reuters ([link removed]) | Vox ([link removed]) | UN News ([link removed]) | Bloomberg ([link removed])


** Western senators urge Department of Agriculture to do more on drought
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The Hill ([link removed]) | E&E News ([link removed]) | KQEN ([link removed]) | Colorado Newsline ([link removed])


** California seeks Native American help after years of environmental abuse
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Governing ([link removed])


** Manchin not giving up on permitting reform
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The Hill ([link removed]) | E&E News ([link removed])


** As a sacred minnow nears extinction, Pomo Indian tribes of Clear Lake call for bold plan
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Los Angeles Times ([link removed])


** First ever California offshore wind auction ends with $757.1M in high bids
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Reuters ([link removed]) | CNBC ([link removed]) | CNN ([link removed]) | Sacramento Bee ([link removed])


** A rogue barrier threatens wildlife on Arizona border
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National Geographic ([link removed])


** IRS takes aim at conservation easement tax loophole
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E&E News ([link removed])
Quote of the day
” It’s a standard practice in Indigenous cultures to recognize that all around us are relatives—some are human, some are other species or other forms.”
—Shawn Lum ([link removed]) , administrator of the Eastern California Museum
Picture this


** @Interior ([link removed])
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The beautiful Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument in New Mexico is full of fascinating adventures. Visitors can experience a picturesque landscape of rocky peaks, open ranges and endless recreational activities, including biking and climbing. Photo by @BLMNational ([link removed])

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