Paris is set to host a critical conversation about the interconnectedness of wildlife conservation and climate action next month. The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) will participate in ChangeNOW, a major environmental summit held at the Grand Palais from March 30 to April 1, 2026. The event brings together NGOs, institutions, businesses, startups, and the public to accelerate solutions for the planet. IFAW’s presence underscores a growing recognition that protecting animal populations and their habitats is not simply an ethical imperative, but a vital component of addressing the climate crisis.
Throughout the three-day summit, IFAW teams will engage with attendees at their stand in the Biodiversity space, highlighting their global efforts to preserve wildlife and their ecosystems. This participation comes at a time when the urgency of climate action is paramount, and the role of biodiversity in mitigating its effects is increasingly understood. The organization aims to demonstrate how healthy animal populations contribute to the regulation of ecosystems and, to a more stable climate.
A central event for IFAW at ChangeNOW will be a panel discussion titled “Wild Allies: How Animals Help Fight Climate Change.” Scheduled for Monday, March 30, 2026, at 2:00 PM in the Earth Room of the Grand Palais, the roundtable will explore the often-underestimated contributions of animals to climate resilience. The session will be conducted in English, followed by an hour of dedicated networking.
The panel will be moderated by Nicolas de Boisgrollier, a representative of IFAW France, and will feature insights from leading experts in the field. Among the speakers are Philippe Grandcolas, a biodiversity specialist and deputy national scientific director at the CNRS (French National Centre for Scientific Research) for ecology and the environment; Maud Lelièvre, president of the French Committee of the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) and a member of the IUCN Council; and Jason Bell, IFAW’s Deputy Director General. These experts will delve into the complex relationships between biodiversity conservation and climate change mitigation, shedding light on how animal species maintain natural balances.
The Crucial Role of Wildlife in a Changing Climate
The participation of IFAW at ChangeNOW reflects a broader shift in understanding the climate crisis. For too long, climate discussions have focused primarily on reducing carbon emissions, often overlooking the critical role of natural ecosystems. Healthy ecosystems, supported by thriving animal populations, provide essential services such as carbon sequestration, pollination, and nutrient cycling. Protecting these ecosystems is not merely a complementary strategy to emissions reductions; it’s an integral part of a comprehensive climate solution.
For example, large herbivores like elephants play a vital role in maintaining savanna ecosystems, preventing the encroachment of trees and preserving grasslands that store significant amounts of carbon. Similarly, marine mammals contribute to nutrient distribution in the oceans, supporting phytoplankton growth, which absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The loss of these animals can trigger cascading effects, disrupting ecosystem functions and exacerbating climate change. ChangeNOW provides a platform to highlight these connections and advocate for integrated conservation strategies.
ChangeNOW: A Hub for Innovation and Collaboration
ChangeNOW, described as the world’s largest event for solutions for the planet, is expected to draw over 40,000 participants from around the globe, according to the event’s website. The summit’s focus on accelerating systemic change aligns with IFAW’s mission to mobilize decision-makers, businesses, and the public around concrete solutions for nature. By participating in ChangeNOW, IFAW aims to amplify its message that wildlife protection is not just an ethical concern, but a fundamental response to the climate and environmental crises.
The panel discussion, “Wild Allies: How Animals Help Fight Climate Change,” promises to be a key event within the summit. The expertise of the panelists – Grandcolas, Lelièvre, and Bell – will provide a nuanced understanding of the complex interplay between animal populations, ecosystem health, and climate stability. The session is designed to foster dialogue and inspire collaborative action.
Practical Information for Attendees
Attendees interested in learning more about IFAW’s work can visit their stand in the Biodiversity space at the Grand Palais during the ChangeNOW summit, taking place March 30-31 and April 1, 2026. The “Wild Allies” panel discussion will be held on Monday, March 30, 2026, at 2:00 PM in the Earth Room. The session will be followed by a networking opportunity.
IFAW’s participation in ChangeNOW underscores the growing recognition that addressing the climate crisis requires a holistic approach that prioritizes the health of both people, and planet. As the summit unfolds, the organization will continue to advocate for policies and practices that protect wildlife, restore ecosystems, and build a more sustainable future. The next step for IFAW will be to share key takeaways from the ChangeNOW summit and translate them into actionable strategies for conservation and climate mitigation.
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