On the transformative changes needed to save the planet and the economy: the viewpoint of science

Press release

Montreal, June 6, 2025 – At the invitation of the Société pour la nature et les parcs (SNAP Québec) and the Institut des sciences de l’environnement de l’UQAM (ISE), a high-level mobilization is taking place today to discuss the transformation of our economy and society. Dozens of stakeholders from the academic, scientific, environmental, financial and international cooperation communities are gathered to take note of the transformative changes needed to reverse biodiversity decline and adequately combat the climate crisis.

Understanding the roots of the problem

In a series of recent publications, the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) has highlighted the root causes of today’s environmental crises, also referred to as “underlying causes”.

Keynote speaker Dr Lucas Alejandro Garibaldi of IPBES reminds us that these underlying causes include disconnection from nature, relations of domination over nature and people, economic and political inequalities, and the prioritization of short-term gains.

Thus, “transformative changes” – a reorganization of our economic, technological and societal systems, including values – are deemed indispensable by scientists.

Solutions within reach

In the wake of the Montreal Call launched at COP15, the ISE and SNAP Quebec wish to focus on solutions, with a view to bringing about these transformations in our economic and value systems.

In their latest report, IPBES scientists identified hundreds of potentially transformative initiatives. According to their analysis, positive results can be achieved in a decade or less.

Solutions such as limiting shipping traffic on the St. Lawrence or increasing the number of nature-related activities are examples being discussed today.

Putting transformative change on the international agenda

At the close of COP16, SNAP Quebec launched the idea of including a full day dedicated to the implementation of transformative change on the official agenda of the next COP on biodiversity, which will be held in Armenia in 2026.

QUOTES

“Transformative change is not a distant dream, it is already underway across the world. As the IPBES assessment shows, when we shift the way we think, govern, and act, guided by principles of equity, inclusion, and respect for nature, we can reverse biodiversity loss and build a just and sustainable world. The real challenge now is mobilizing the political will and societal momentum to make these changes the new normal.”, Lucas Garibaldi, Chair of the IPBES Work Program on Transformative Change

“Armenia as the host and presidency of the COP17 is committed to hold an effective and inclusive COP by ensuring the full and effective participation of all stakeholders, including Governments, indigenous peoples and local communities, civil society, non-governmental
organizations, youth, women, academia, so that all voices are heard around the table and the results and outcomes of the COP17 are cherished by all stakeholders.

We need to focus our global efforts for the achievement of the goals of the Convention and the KMGBF. Therefore, the COP17 in Yerevan will continue to build on the excellent record of previous COPs by ensuring that we collectively register another milestone on our global efforts for the attainment of the vision of living in harmony with nature by 2050.”, Gor Yedigaryan, Second Secretary at the Embassy of the Republic of Armenia in Canada.

“The science is clear: we need to rapidly change our value system and reconnect with nature and living things. Ensuring this reconnection will require exceptional mobilization of all spheres of society, and taking advantage of the COPs, both biodiversity and climate, to provide forums for discussion on the solutions to be implemented. Who could have predicted that hugging a tree would become one of the gestures necessary to the survival of humanity and biodiversity?”, Alain Branchaud, biologist and Executive Director at SNAP Quebec.

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CONTACT

Charlène Daubenfeld
Director of Communications
SNAP Québec
Cell : 514 378-3880
communications@snapquebec.org