Global recognition of the importance of nature-based solutions to the impacts of climate change

Abstract

Non-technical summary Ecosystems across the globe are vulnerable to the effects of climate change, as are the communities that depend on them. However, ecosystems can also protect people from climate change impacts. As the evidence base strengthens, nature-based solutions (NbS) are increasingly prominent in climate change policy, especially in developing nations. Yet intentions rarely translate into measurable, evidence-based targets. As Paris Agreement signatories revise their Nationally Determined Contributions, we argue that NbS are key to meeting global goals for climate and biodiversity, and we urge researchers to work more closely with policy-makers to identify targets that benefit both people and ecosystems.

Mapping the effectiveness of nature‐based solutions for climate change adaptation

“…We found a marked imbalance in the distribution of studies across nations, with 79% comprising interventions in the Global North. Only 15% were from low and lower middle-income nations in the Global South, even though these nations are generally most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change (IPCC, 2018), have the highest levels of direct dependency on biodiversity and ecosystem services (Yang, Dietz, Liu, Luo, & Liu, 2013), and place greatest emphasis on NbS in their NDCs (Seddon, Daniels, et al, 2020). Notably, we only found 10 studies in SIDS.…”

“…There were comparatively fewer studies on the effectiveness of nature-based interventions across grasslands, coastal ecosystems, and freshwater wetlands. The bias of the evidence base toward forests is reflected in existing NbS policies and pledges, which focus on the use of nature for contributing to GHG reduction objectives primarily through afforestation and reforestation (Lewis et al, 2019;Seddon, Daniels, et al, 2020). While nature-based interventions in forests have the potential to address a range of climate impacts, it is essential not to displace focus from other ecosystems which can be crucial for delivering adaptation and mitigation benefits in many parts of the world (Bossio et al, 2020;Griscom et al, 2017Griscom et al, , 2020Roe et al, 2019).…”

“…The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) also now emphasizes NbS, and the Paris Agreement of UNFCCC (2015) calls on all Parties to acknowledge "the importance of the conservation and enhancement, as appropriate, of sinks and reservoirs of the greenhouse gases," and to "note the importance of ensuring the integrity of all ecosystems, including oceans, and the protection of biodiversity." In response, 66% of Paris Agreement signatories include NbS in the first iteration of their national climate pledges, that is, their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs; www.nbspo licyp latfo rm.org; Seddon, Daniels, et al, 2020). However, national intentions to incorporate NbS for climate change adaptation vary by level of economic development, region, and ecosystem type, and have yet to be fully translated into measurable evidence-based targets and action on the ground (Seddon, Daniels, et al, 2020).…”

“…In response, 66% of Paris Agreement signatories include NbS in the first iteration of their national climate pledges, that is, their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs; www.nbspo licyp latfo rm.org; Seddon, Daniels, et al, 2020). However, national intentions to incorporate NbS for climate change adaptation vary by level of economic development, region, and ecosystem type, and have yet to be fully translated into measurable evidence-based targets and action on the ground (Seddon, Daniels, et al, 2020).…”

The impact of interventions in the global land and agri‐food sectors on Nature’s Contributions to People and the UN Sustainable Development Goals

“…NCP 9 Regulation of hazards and extreme events Fire management, reduced landslides, disaster risk management High positive impact on this NCP but comes with potential trade-offs: restoration of wetlands (TO with NCP 12,SDG 1,SDG 2,SDG 3,& SDG 9) NCP 10 Regulation of organisms detrimental to humans Agroforestry, increased soil carbon High positive impact on this NCP but comes with potential trade-offs: agricultural diversification (TO with SDG 10), use of local seeds (TO with NCP 12,SDG 2 & SDG 17) NCP 11 Energy High positive impact on this NCP but comes with potential trade-offs: bioenergy and BECCS (TO with NCP 1,NCP 2,NCP 6,NCP7,NCP 8,SDG 1,SDG 2,SDG 3,SDG 6,SDG 13 & SDG 15) (Continues) (Ilstedt, Malmer, Verbeeten, & Murdiyarso, 2007), among other bene- (Vasseur et al, 2017), as are evidenced in rising attention to concepts like "nature-based solutions" and "ecosystem-based adaptation" (Seddon et al, 2019(Seddon et al, , 2020.…”