Nature Based Solutions for Climate Change RENR 1003

​Human-induced climate change is a global concern. Reducing the emission of greenhouse gases is essential to slow down the unprecedented speed at which the temperature of our planet is increasing. Although decreasing combustion of fossil fuels is indispensable to achieve this goal, other actions are also critical. Specifically, Nature-based solutions are increasingly been adopted as an approach to deal with the current climate and biodiversity crises. According to the IUCN, Nature-based solutions are "actions to protect, sustainably manage, and restore natural and modified ecosystems that address societal challenges effectively and adaptively, simultaneously providing human well-being and biodiversity benefits". Soil conservation and reforestation are good examples of these actions. Did you know that both can increase carbon sequestration and food security? Or that by restoring estuaries and wetlands we simultaneously protect water quality, fisheries, plan for adaptation to sea level rise and sequester carbon stored in coastal and marine ecosystems (also known as blue carbon)? Through these and other examples you will learn what Nature-based solutions are and how to apply the principles of conserving, restoring and managing natural resources to combat climate change, protect biodiversity and increase resilience in our communities.