IUCN & Biodiversity at home and abroad

Standing among global leaders at the World Conservation Congress, I saw that Vermont belongs in the room.

I recently returned from the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) World Conservation Congress (WCC) in Abu Dhabi — a global gathering of environmental leaders, scientists, and policymakers committed to protecting nature and building a sustainable future. 

What I witnessed wasn’t just global ambition. It was a call to action that Vermont is already answering.

The world is facing a biodiversity crisis. Species are vanishing, ecosystems are under strain, and the ripple effects threaten clean water, food security, public health, and climate resilience. While the Congress convened international leaders, its relevance to Vermont was undeniable, especially as the U.S. federal government continues to roll back environmental protections. In this moment, subnational governments are stepping up, and Vermont is helping lead the way.

Thanks to the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators (NCEL), I had the opportunity to represent Vermont at the WCC and spotlight our groundbreaking 50x50 legislation, which sets a bold goal: conserving 50% of our land by 2050. It’s one of the most ambitious conservation targets in the country and reflects our deep commitment to protecting nature for future generations.

As part of NCEL’s session, I joined fellow state leaders from Wisconsin and California to share how subnational governments are responding to the biodiversity crisis with bold, scalable solutions like 50x50. Our panel sparked rich dialogue with global attendees and affirmed a powerful truth: states like Vermont aren’t just filling gaps — we’re shaping the future of policy that protects the places we love, the wildlife we cherish, and the communities that depend on a thriving natural world.

Meeting with other government officials from around the world was both inspiring and humbling. It reaffirmed our shared commitment to building a better future for people and nature, but also made clear how far the U.S., and even Vermont, still has to go. That perspective sharpened a central reminder: biodiversity isn’t just about protecting species — it’s also about protecting people. From clean water and pollination to mental health and climate resilience, thriving ecosystems are essential to thriving communities.

We explored new strategies for how states like Vermont can play a larger role in reversing biodiversity loss while improving lives through strategies like smart land-use planning, nature-based solutions, and partnerships with local stakeholders. I’m returning from this experience more committed than ever to advancing solutions that ensure Vermont remains a leader in building a future where people and nature thrive together.

And at a time of federal retreat, we made it known: states aren’t backing down on the environment. From coast to coast, states like Vermont are working toward a bold, collective vision. A vision rooted in the belief that protecting nature is fundamental to protecting our future. I look forward to helping that vision come to life in our forests and wetlands, in our legislative chambers, and in the partnerships we build across borders.