European Parliament puts wildlife on the climate agenda ahead of COP31

Brussels, 22 October 2026. Today, the European Parliament adopted its position ahead of the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Antalya, Türkiye (COP31). The resolution recognises the role that wild animals play in tackling climate change. It also calls for the protection of forests and the wild animal populations they shelter. And it asks countries to link wildlife protection, nature restoration and climate action in their national plans. 

Ilaria Di Silvestre, Director of Policy and Advocacy, Europe at the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), said: 

“Until now, climate policy has mostly looked at forests, wetlands and oceans in terms of trees, soils and carbon, while overlooking the important role of the animals that live there. Yet whales, elephants, birds and countless other animals keep these places healthy and help them store carbon. Healthy ecosystems are essential to climate stability, and wild animals help those ecosystems function at their best. Protecting wildlife is more than just a conservation imperative, it is also part of an effective climate strategy. Today, Members of the European Parliament have recognised that wild animals can be an ally in our fight against climate change, and that is a significant step forward.” 

“Many whale species are still endangered after decades of conservation work, and wildlife everywhere is under growing pressure. Protecting these animals is part of the answer to the climate crisis. We welcome the European Parliament’s call for stronger integration between climate action and wild animal protection, and we now urge the EU and its Member States to carry this message to Antalya and make sure that COP31 delivers real commitments for wildlife and the ecosystems they sustain.” 

ENDS 

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