Wetlands and climate: the Convention on Wetlands at COP29

At COP29 of the UNFCCC, wetlands are taking on an increasingly prominent role as nature-based solutions to climate change challenges. 

Wetlands—including peatlands, mangroves, and marshes—store carbon, regulate water systems, and support biodiversity, all of which contribute significantly to climate resilience. As such, countries worldwide are finally beginning to add wetland ecosystems to their climate strategies as a critical component to reducing the impacts of climate change. 

The Convention on Wetlands’ participation in COP29

At COP29, the Convention will participate in the Water for Climate Pavilion, joining more than 70 partner organizations to bring attention to the link between water-related ecosystems and climate. The Pavilion will host discussions on the role of wetlands in climate adaptation, biodiversity support, and disaster risk reduction.

The Convention is also involved in launching the UN-Water Analytical Brief on Water for Climate Mitigation. This document provides insights on wetlands’ role in carbon capture, water security, and ecological stability, emphasizing their relevance in global climate strategies.

Wetlands as key to adaptation and resilience

One focus of COP29 is advancing solutions that build resilience to climate impacts, and wetlands play a central role in these efforts. Coastal wetlands, such as mangroves, reduce storm surges and absorb rising sea levels, while many inland wetlands help manage water flow and decrease the risk of flash flooding. 

In urban areas, integrating wetlands into planning can create climate-resilient cities that better withstand extreme weather. As climate impacts intensify, protecting and expanding wetland areas within cities can provide flood control, a cooling effect, and green space, all of which contribute to healthier urban environments and improve quality of life.

Scaling up wetland conservation efforts

With initiatives like the Freshwater Challenge, which aims to restore 350 million hectares of wetlands by 2030, wetland conservation is being scaled up globally. 

Achieving these goals will require countries to include wetlands in their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and to secure funding to support these conservation efforts. Resolutions under the Convention on Wetlands, such as Resolution XIV.6, call for countries to incorporate wetland conservation into their climate strategies, leveraging wetland ecosystems as nature-based solutions for climate stability. 

As COP29 progresses, the Convention’s active engagement shows the importance of wetlands in achieving climate resilience and biodiversity goals. With coordinated action and investment, wetlands can help mitigate the effects of climate change and support a better quality of life for communities worldwide.