Introduction to Nature-based Solutions

How can nature-based solutions play a role in the fight against climate change? 

A landmark 2017 article published by Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States concluded that nature-based solutions are an essential part of combating climate change, and could account for 37% of the carbon mitigation needed before 2030 to prevent warming over 2 degrees celsius. Land use from forestry, agriculture, and development currently contribute around one quarter of the total global emissions, whereas implementing large-scale nature-based solutions could turn current sources of carbon emissions into future carbon sinks. 

What makes a quality nature-based solution?

To qualify as high quality Nature-based Solutions, they must adhere to the 8 principles agreed upon by the IUCN. They must: 

1. Address societal challenges
2. Be designed with scale in mind
3. Result in biodiversity net gain
4. Be economically viable
5. Be based on transparent and inclusive governance
6. Balance trade offs (costs, benefits and risks) fairly
7. Be managed adaptively based on evidence
8. Align to sustainable, national and other policy frameworks

Why are nature-based solutions challenging to implement?

When compared to other solutions, such as technology that captures carbon from the atmosphere, or grey infrastructure, like dams, seawalls, or water treatment plants, Nature-based Solutions have been historically undervalued and underfinanced. Current challenges to scaling up nature-based solutions include a lack of standardised accounting systems quantifying nature-based solutions benefits, the high complexity of developing projects within diverse ecological-social frameworks, and a shortage of enabling policies and financial mechanisms.