In his Science Insider piece “New biodiversity pact sets ambitious goals, but will nations deliver?” (22 December 2022, https://scim.ag/1jG). E. Stokstad explains that the Kunming-Montréal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is scientifically strong but legally weak. The GBF lacks hallmarks of effective international agreements, such as reciprocal responsibilities, dispute resolution systems, uncompromisable goals, and noncompliance penalties. For the GBF to be effective, these shortfalls must be addressed.