CCSG Newsletter – Vol 4 September 2020

CCSG Newsletter Volume 4 ♦ September 2020

IUCN SSC Climate Change Specialist Group Newsletter

VOLUME 4 ♦ SEPTEMBER 2020 © Huper by Joshua Earle, Unsplash CCSG Newsletter Volume 4 ♦ September 2020

LETTER FROM THE CHAIR

Who would have thought that by September 2020 almost all of our international meetings would have shifted online? That give-or-take a few early morning hair-do(n’t)s and late evening wine in coffee mugs, discussions with overseas colleagues have become just as easy as those with old officemates. Given Covid-19’s gluttony of 2020 and the havoc it’s wreaked on conservation, I’m whole-heartedly claiming this win for us. Conditions have never been better for a global team effort in tackling climate change challenges in conservation. Welcome back to the CCSG network. When I sat right here writing our last newsletter editorial we were all just settling into the global lockdown. So where are we six months later? At its peak, global CO2 emissions dropped by 17% (11-25%), with up to an 8% annual decline expected for 2020. This year-on-year reduction is six times larger than following the 2009 global financial crisis and twice as large as all previous reductions since World War II combined. Excellent! But before you order that imported champagne, note that the 17% peak only takes us back to 2006’s CO2 levels, and 8% to 2010’s. To meet our Paris Agreement targets, we need a year-on-year reduction of 7.6% from now until 2030. One of these years every year this decade? Seriously? There has to be a better way than another pandemic (I’m begging)! Here I will claim another win for us. Although a few of our leaders were less than exemplary, the vast majority of humans went through substantial personal sacrifice and discomfort for the greater good of their loved ones, communities, countries and fellow humans. Our species acted collaboratively with a coordinated response to a global threat. Now we know that it can be done. Which brings me to an exciting part of this month’s CCSG offerings. Bridging the research-practice-policy divides is key to the CCSG’s mission, but personally, I battle to keep up-to-date with more than two (at best). With the rapid and ongoing developments in the policy arena, I often feel on the back foot and long for a “For Dummies” policy update. Next week (10th September), we’re offering just that (plus a bit more). The IUCN secretariat’s lead on Biodiversity and Climate Change Policy Tools (and our CCSG Policy Theme lead), Vicky Romero, will host a policy briefing for CCSG members and interested others. This will include an update on the state-of-play of the UNFCCC, CBD (including new targets), UNCCD, IUCN motions process and the climate change related motions that will be voted on in the coming months. See page 6 for details, it’s definitely one to diarise. As the CCSG continues to gain momentum, we invite you to collaborate and share your work with fellow members by presenting a CCSG webinar, advertising an event, sharing a paper, telling us about a new discovery or interesting fact or sending a topical figure or photo. We’d love to celebrate your achievements and support your work. But most of all, we invite you to see the CCSG as a platform to start, build and foster collaborations. Collectively, our growing group represents one of the deepest sources of knowledge on climate change and biodiversity globally. Let’s celebrate, enjoy and make use of it. Enjoy your read!

Wendy Foden, Chair IUCN SSC Climate Change Specialist Group

Members of the CCSG Steering Committee at Yorkshire Wildlife Park. From left: Cheryl Williams (Yorkshire Wildlife Park), Eric Ameca, Wendy Foden, Bruce Stein, Bruce Young, Resit Akçakaya, Jamie Carr, James Pearce-Higgins, Brian Huntley, and Victoria Romero. 1

CCSG Newsletter Volume 4 ♦ September 2020

An international team of researchers, including CCSG members Damien Fordham, Stephen Jackson and Brian Huntley, has identified and analysed past warming events similar to those anticipated in the coming decades. The resulting paper, published in Science, will improve understanding as to how species and ecosystems will cope with potentially dangerous rates of climatic change. Studying historical changes in locations such as the Arctic, Amazon, and New Zealand can provide useful case studies for identifying what causes some species to be more prone to climate-driven extinctions. The findings will help improve early-warning systems for population collapse, extinction, or

ecosystem shifts. Stemming from a CCSG workshop hosted by the University of Adelaide's Environment Institute and the University of Copenhagen in 2018, the team’s findings clearly show how the recent geological past can help inform effective conservation policy and practice. Read the full press release here.

Updates and Accomplishments .

CCSG Chair Wendy Foden Receives Prestigious Marsh Award for Climate Change Research The British Ecological Society (BES) has awarded CCSG Chair Wendy Foden the Marsh Award for Climate Change Research for her outstanding contributions to the field. The award recognizes both Wendy’s role as a world-leading researcher in climate change vulnerability assessments of threatened species, and her interest in translating science for practical conservation use as head of the Cape Research Centre for South African National Parks. Wendy’s dedication to fostering

conservation leadership is providing the next generation of conservation scientists with the skills they need to be successful and help shape this rapidly growing field.

Wendy is “thrilled and honoured to receive this award. I’ve worked

extremely hard for many years, but that doesn’t set me apart from so many of my dedicated colleagues. Most of my research has been highly collaborative, so this award recognizes the work of our entire community.” The CCSG wishes Wendy a sincere congratulation for this incredible achievement!

2 2 © Jacques de Kock

CCSG Newsletter Volume 4 ♦ September 2020

Global vegetation patterns of the past 140,000 years

A new paper published in the Journal of Biogeography, co-authored by CCSG member Brian Huntley,

examines global biome responses to environmental changes over the past 140,000 years. The authors found substantial changes in biome extents and locations on all vegetated continents, illustrating that most of Earth’s land surface has experienced at least one biome change during the specified period. Although the largest magnitude changes were in Eurasia, the authors delve into important changes seen in tropical latitudes and the Southern Hemisphere. The paper is published fully open access and the underlying data are all available from Data Dryad (see publication for details). This important resource will help advance scientific investigations into biome location and extent, the origins of biodiversity patterns, prehistoric megafaunal extinctions, and the biogeographical history of humans.

A new paper, co-authored by CCSG members Alan Lee and Susan Cunningham, investigates the mechanistic link between climate change and population decline in Cape Rockjumpers (Chaetops frenatus). This Near Threatened ground-nesting bird is endemic to alpine fynbos in southwestern South Africa. While previous studies by the co-authors indicated that Cape Rockjumpers are particularly vulnerable to increasing temperatures, the birds are able to moderate heat stress by adjusting their behaviour and making use of cooler microsites. By using cameras to monitor activity at Rockjumper nests, the researchers found that fledgling failure increased at higher temperatures as a result of increased snake predation, as snake activity increased alongside warming ambient temperatures.

Avian mortality risk during heat waves will increase greatly in arid Australia The frequency of extreme heat waves in Australia has increased over recent decades, posing severe physiological challenges for birds at risk of hyperthermia and dehydration. To quantify these risks, a team of researchers, including CCSG member Andrew McKechnie, synthesized thermal physiology data on evaporative cooling capacity and heat tolerance limits for Australian birds. They then evaluated mortality risks for 10 Australian species under both current conditions and those anticipated by the end of this century. Their findings reveal that several species are already exposed to conditions associated with significant risks of lethal hyperthermia and dehydration. Without a significant reduction in global emissions, the likelihood of avian mortality events during heat waves will increase substantially over much of the continent by the end of the 21st century. Conservation strategies to ensure the maintenance and availability of surface water could be crucial to preventing some arid areas from becoming completely uninhabitable for many avian species.

3 © Simon Maisch, Unsplash

CCSG Newsletter Volume 4 ♦ September 2020

IUCN launches Global Standard for Nature-based Solutions SPECIES IN THE On Thursday, 23 July, IUCN unveiled the first-ever Global Standard for SPOTLIGHT Nature -based Solutions. Nature-based Solutions (NbS) are defined by IUCN as “actions to protect, sustainably manage, and restore natural or modified ecosystems, that address societal challenges effectively and adaptively, simultaneously providing human well-being and biodiversity benefits.” More Climate change is one of many than 130 countries have already included NbS actions in their national climate factors driving population declines plans under the Paris Agreement, however not all actions provide the of the endangered African Penguin anticipated benefits, falling short of their full potential. (Spheniscus demersus). Heat This new set of benchmarks will help governments, businesses and civil waves can cause penguins to society ensure the efficacy of NbS actions while maximising their potential to abandon their nests, seeking refuge in cold water. This leaves help address global challenges. The Global Standard includes eight criteria with associated indicators to help assess the aptness, scale, economic, eggs and young chicks unattended environmental and social viability of an intervention. They also allow the user exposing them to increased to consider potential trade-offs while ensuring transparency, incorporating predation and lethal hyperthermia. adaptive management, and exploring linkages to international targets.

IUCN relied upon input from more than 800 experts and practitioners from over 100 countries to ensure the standard is both scientifically robust and widely applicable. The Global Standard is available for download here in English, French and Spanish. You can read the press release here, or view

recordings of the launch event and panel discussion from the global launch.

Congratulations to CCSG members Wendy Foden, Guy Midgley, Richard Corlett, and Stu Butchart for their paper’s selection as Ecography’s Editor’s Choice for July 2020! The article © Salimfadhley, Wikimedia Commons investigates how much land we need to protect to prevent mass extinctions Watch the video abstract or listen to Ecography’s first ever podcast interviewing CCSG chair Wendy Foden and co- author Patrick Roehrdanz.

New CCSG Activities Equatorward populations of the iconic quiver tree (Aloidendron Two new activities were approved by the Steering Committee last quarter and dichotomum) are dying off as we wish our new member a very warm welcome! regional warming and water balance

The co-leaders of the CCSG’s work on Impacts, James Pearce-Higgins (British constraints exceed the species’

Trust for Ornithology) and Eric Ameca (Beijing Normal University), have critical climate threshold. There is no teamed up to identify traits mediating responses of birds to impacts from evidence yet of a poleward range extreme climatic events. Climate change and extreme climatic events are expansion into the areas predicted to known to affect 33% of globally threatened bird species. However, existing be more suitable, underscoring the gaps in our understanding about how traits mediate responses in birds hampers challenges sessile organisms can face our ability to discern the most vulnerable species from those with the potential in a changing climate. to persist or adapt. James and Eric will present their findings during the virtual conference Climate change and birds: Solutions to the crisis this November.

Under our Adaptation theme, current CCSG member Nicola van Wilgen (South African National Parks) and new member Katrin Ludynia (SANCCOB) will be working to improve nesting, management, and monitoring for the endangered African penguin to help them adapt to the impacts of climate change. Using continuous climate monitoring to link penguin mortality and breeding success to extreme events, the team will design an early warning system while promoting breeding success through habitat rehabilitation and rescue of abandoned chicks. © Wendy Foden

CCSG Newsletter Volume 4 ♦ September 2020

VICTORIA ROMERO,

IUCN POLICY THEME LEAD

Affiliations: Victoria is a Project Officer on biodiversity and climate change in IUCN’s Global Policy Unit. Victoria has been with IUCN for more than five years, coordinating IUCN’s policy activities and engagement with international conventions including the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). In this role, Victoria has followed negotiations on the Paris Agreement and the development of the CBD’s post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework.

Interests: International policy, the north-south relationship between countries, the role of nature in achieving sustainable development.

Fun Fact: Victoria was once a food-and-beverage examiner at the Swiss Hotel Management School in Montreux, Switzerland.

Meet the Members .

Dr. Bruno Oberle Appointed Director General of the IUCN Dr. Bruno Oberle began his appointment on 13 July as Director General of the IUCN. Dr. Oberle is a former Swiss State Secretary for the Environment. He brings more than 40 years of experience with expertise in sustainable resource management and the green economy. Dr. Oberle played a key steering role in the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and in establishing the Green Climate Fund. The CCSG congratulates Dr. Oberle on his appointment and wishes him all the best in his new role!

JAMIE CARR

SSC OUTREACH OFFICER

Affiliations: Jamie spearheads the CCSG’s outreach to the Species Survival Commission (SSC). In this role, he aims to determine climate change-related needs of other specialist groups, which the CCSG can help address. He encourages members of other specialist groups to reach out to him if they have climate change components that could benefit from CCSG input. Jamie formerly worked as Programme Officer for IUCN’s Global Species Programme, leading their work to assess species- level vulnerability to climate change to better inform management and adaptation strategies. Jamie is currently based at the University of Leeds, UK, where he investigates how different aspects of sustainable development can impact biodiversity.

Interests: Climate change impacts on species, anthropogenic drivers of ecosystem change, Sustainable Development Goals, forest conservation

Fun Fact: Jamie helps coordinate a tailoring business with his wife, making and shipping custom-made clothes from Tanzania. 5

CCSG Newsletter Volume 4 ♦ September 2020

The IUCN World Conservation Congress has been postponed. It will now be held in Marseille 7-15 January 2021.

IUCN motions are the mechanism by which IUCN members influence and guide IUCN strategy. Every four years, the World Conservation Congress brings together governments, civil society, and indigenous peoples’ organisations. Members vote to approve motions, and once adopted, they become resolutions and recommendations - the body of IUCN’s general policy.

With the delay of the IUCN World Conservation Congress, a new timeline for the IUCN Motions Process has been adopted. The final versions of all motions were released on 1 September 2020. Electronic voting has been rescheduled to 7-21 October, while motions which require further debate will be sent to the Members’ Assembly in Marseille for in-person discussion and voting in January.

CCSG POLICY BRIEFING

Thursday 10 September - 8:00 & 15:00 GMT

IUCN has just released the final list of motions for the World Conservation Congress (7-15 January 2021). These motions will be voted on by the IUCN Members’ Assembly – a group of representatives from more than 1300 state and government, civil society, and indigenous peoples’ organizations. If adopted, these motions will shape and guide future IUCN policy.

On 10 September, CCSG Policy Theme Lead Victoria Romero will lead an exclusive webinar, co-hosted by the CCSG and South African National Parks, to provide a broad overview of international climate change policy and walk through some of the key climate change related motions that will be voted on in the coming months. Victoria will begin with a brief introduction to the international realm of climate change policy. She will discuss the relevant international frameworks and conventions, how they interact, and opportunities for engagement. The remainder of the webinar will focus on the climate change specific motions that will be opened for voting during the Congress. There will be time left at the end of the presentation for questions and discussion.

The presentation will be given twice, at 8:00 and 15:00 GMT, to make it accessible for all our members around the globe. Each session will be introduced by CCSG Chair Wendy Foden. We really hope you can join us!

To RSVP for the webinar, please respond to the calendar invitation or email CCSG Programme Officer Caitlin Kelly at [email protected] . 6 © Fabien Bellanger, Unsplash

CCSG Newsletter Volume 4 ♦ September 2020

Want to Get More Involved with the CCSG? . • Design a new CCSG activity. You can view a current list of activities on our website categorized under our three overarching themes: climate adaptation, vulnerability, and impacts of climate change. This can be a project or idea in our field that would benefit from IUCN’s policy, media or practitioner outreach, or from a platform to attract collaborators and/or funders. Simply drop our Programme Officer a note ([email protected]) and we will send you a template with which to elaborate on your idea and send back to us for consideration.

• Don’t forget to list your IUCN CCSG affiliation on activity-related articles or publications. Let our Programme Officer know about upcoming events, papers, and accomplishments so we can help advertise your event or highlight your work.

• Draft an article for our next newsletter to keep your fellow members updated on your work.

• Visit our website (ccsg-iucn.com) for more information, resources and to stay up to date on the latest CCSG events and activities.

• Follow the CCSG on Facebook IUCN SSC Climate Change Specialist Group (@IUCN.CCSG) and Twitter @IUCN_CCSG!

WOULD YOU LIKE TO HOST A CCSG WEBINAR?

The CCSG is looking for volunteers to present at one of our webinars. This is an excellent way to engage with fellow members, educate the community about your work, strengthen collaborative action, or pilot a talk for a conference or workshop. If you are interested in giving a 30-45 minute presentation about your work please contact our CCSG Programme Officer, Caitlin Kelly, at [email protected].

CCSG WEBINAR WITH DR. TONY KNOWLES: IPCC SPECIAL REPORT ON CLIMATE CHANGE AND LAND

Thursday 22 October at 15:00 GMT Join us for an exclusive CCSG webinar with Dr. Tony Knowles, lead author of the IPCC Special Report on Climate Change and Land. More than two years in the making, the second Special Report to be produced in the IPCC Sixth Assessment Cycle convened an unprecedented number of experts from varying fields of research ranging from agricultural systems and rural livelihoods to forestry and nutrition. Dr. Knowles will discuss the report’s key findings on topics including desertification, land degradation, sustainable land management, food security, and greenhouse gas fluxes in terrestrial ecosystems. The webinar will be introduced by CCSG Chair Wendy Foden with plenty of time left after the talk for questions and discussion. Dr. Knowles is a systems ecologist with deep interest in the anthropological and economic elements of global change. He played a leading role in developing South Africa’s National Land- Use Based Climate Change Mitigation Strategies, the National Ecosystem-based Adaptation Action Plan, and has been the principal advisor on land-use based climate change mitigation and adaptation programmes across sub-Saharan Africa. Dr. Knowles is also the founder of two advisory practices, the climate change practice within Genesis Analytics and The Cirrus Group.

To RSVP for the webinar, please email CCSG Programme Officer Caitlin Kelly at [email protected].

POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP:

Forecasting Climate Change Risks to Wild Food Plants A research team from the African Climate and Development Initiative (ACDI) at the University of Cape Town is seeking a postdoctoral research fellow to join a project forecasting climate change risks to wild food plants and the nutritional consequences for the communities that depend on them. Project objectives include: 1) Synthesize evidence from diverse case studies (e.g. Zambia, Brazil, Turkey) on the importance of wild edible plants for nutrition, 2) Forecast where and when wild-harvested food plant species are at risk from climate change, and 3) Assess how wild edible plants might help people adapt to climate change risks to food systems. The fellow will be based at ACDI, advised by Dr. Christopher Trisos, Director and Senior Researcher at the Climate Risk Laboratory. The fellow will join an international team including researchers at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and Biodiversity International. The candidate will also engage with decision-makers in food systems and conservation, and generate peer-reviewed publications. There will also be an opportunity to work with the ACDI team on climate change impacts and adaptation in Africa for the IPCC 6th Assessment Report. For additional information, including how to apply, see the job posting here. The application deadline is 31 August 2020 or until the position is filled.

POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP: A trait-based approach to assessing the sensitivity and exposure of arid-zone birds to climate change CCSG members from the Hot Birds Research Project have an exciting opportunity for a fully-funded one-year postdoctoral fellowship in South Africa. The fellowship is linked to the South African Research Chair in

Conservation Physiology, co-hosted by the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) and the University of Pretoria. The successful applicant will focus on the development of a novel trait-based approach that integrates behavioural and physiological traits to predict species-specific sensitivity of desert birds to Applicationclimate change. Deadline: This information 31 August orwill until be combinedposition is with filled models of current and future climatic conditions to assess the overall vulnerability of species inhabiting the arid zones of southern Africa and other regions. The candidate will be registered at the University of Pretoria with Professor Andrew McKechnie. They will be part of the Hot Birds Research Project team, supported and supervised by both Professor Andrew McKechnie and Dr. Susan Cunningham at the FitzPatrick Institute of7 African Ornithology, University of Cape Town. For more information, including how to apply, see the job advertisement here. The application deadline is 4 September 2020 or until the position is filled.