Why nature-based solutions are key to climate action
Nature-based solutions are crucial for mitigating climate change, offering cost-effective ways to reduce emissions and promote sustainability. Ecosystem restoration and protection must be central to global climate efforts. Dr. Venter Mwongera, Communication Lead at the African Biodiversity Network, emphasises this in her analysis.
The conversation surrounding climate action has become more urgent than ever. With every passing year, the effects of climate change are becoming increasingly apparent, forcing governments, businesses, and individuals to consider more sustainable approaches. In this landscape, nature-based solutions (NBS) are emerging as a game-changing force. These solutions, rooted in the preservation and restoration of ecosystems, are not only cost-effective but also hold the key to halving global emissions by 2030.
The argument for nature-based solutions
The premise behind nature-based solutions is both simple and compelling: by protecting, managing, and restoring natural ecosystems such as forests, wetlands, and oceans, we can simultaneously reduce emissions, build resilience to climate impacts, and create sustainable economies. According to recent studies, nature-based solutions could provide about one-third of the mitigation needed to keep global temperatures from rising more than 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.
This is no small feat. For example, reforestation, which restores forests to act as carbon sinks; wetland and mangrove restoration, which protects coastal areas from storm surges and floods while sequestering carbon; and sustainable agriculture practices, which improve soil health, reduce emissions, and enhance biodiversity. Other solutions involve the conservation of peatlands and grasslands, which store large amounts of carbon, and reducing food waste, which lowers methane emissions. Additionally, empowering Indigenous communities to manage forests has proven effective in preserving vast carbon sinks and maintaining biodiversity. These solutions not only mitigate climate impacts but also create economic opportunities and safeguard local communities.
Yet, despite the obvious advantages, nature-based solutions remain underfunded and underutilised. The question, therefore, is not whether these solutions are effective—they most certainly are—but why they aren’t receiving the attention and investment they deserve.
Economic and social benefits
One of the key arguments for nature-based solutions is their dual benefit to both the economy and society. According to a 2024 compendium on nature-positive case studies, transitioning to nature-positive models could save an estimated $104 billion in adaptation costs by 2030. Moreover, these solutions offer the potential to create nearly 400 million jobs worldwide by the end of the decade.
The advantages aren’t limited to economics. From cleaner air and water to improved mental health, the social benefits of restoring natural ecosystems are well-documented. For example, projects such as the BushBank initiative in Australia demonstrate how large-scale reforestation can help reverse biodiversity loss while providing employment in rural areas.
Communities that are directly dependent on ecosystems, such as Indigenous populations, stand to benefit the most from the integration of nature-based solutions into climate strategies. Indigenous communities manage vast tracts of land globally, often acting as guardians of biodiversity. Supporting these communities through NBS will not only preserve their traditional way of life but also bolster global efforts to tackle climate change.
Community-led conservation efforts, particularly within the African Biodiversity Network, provide numerous benefits to affiliated communities, from the regular feedback passed on to the ABN Secretariat. These initiatives empower local people to manage and protect their natural resources, fostering stronger stewardship of ecosystems. By preserving forests, wetlands, and other habitats, communities ensure a sustainable source of livelihoods, including agriculture, fishing, and eco-tourism, which in turn supports local economies. Conservation efforts also help improve food security by promoting sustainable farming practices that enhance soil fertility and resilience against climate change. Additionally, these initiatives protect vital water sources and improve biodiversity, creating a healthier environment. Communities also benefit from strengthened cultural ties to the land and greater autonomy in managing resources, leading to enhanced social cohesion and resilience in the face of environmental changes.
Climate and biodiversity: A symbiotic relationship
At the heart of the push for nature-based solutions is the recognition that climate action and biodiversity protection are inseparable. The UAE Consensus, forged during COP28 in Dubai, acknowledged this by making a clear call for the integration of climate and biodiversity agenda. The agreement highlighted the need for “deep, rapid, and sustained reductions” in emissions while promoting global efforts to restore ecosystems.
Forests, peatlands, oceans, and wetlands aren’t just critical for absorbing carbon—they also provide the resilience needed to face the increasing impacts of climate change. Coastal wetlands, for instance, reduce the risk of storm surges and flooding, protecting millions of lives in coastal regions. Countries like Brazil have been frontrunners in embracing nature-based solutions. With more than 90% of its power generation coming from renewable sources, Brazil has also embarked on large-scale reforestation efforts. These initiatives not only contribute to carbon sequestration but also prevent deforestation, which remains one of the most significant threats to biodiversity and the climate.
Challenges and the way forward
Despite the promise, several challenges stand in the way of fully realising the potential of nature-based solutions. One of the most pressing issues is the financing gap. Experts estimate that an additional $700 billion per year is needed to close the funding gap for nature-based solutions. This is a substantial sum, and while international efforts such as the Global Renewables Alliance and the Africa Green Investment Initiative are making headway, much more needs to be done to secure financing for nature-positive initiatives, particularly in developing countries.
Another challenge is the lack of political and business will to prioritise nature-based solutions. While renewable energy and other technological innovations often dominate climate conversations, NBS tend to be viewed as supplementary, despite their proven efficacy. Governments must do more to integrate these solutions into national climate plans, ensuring that both the climate and biodiversity agendas are treated with equal importance.
Resources for further reading: 2030
- Delivering on the UAE Consensus: Tracking progress toward tripling renewable energy capacity and doubling energy (Published in October 2024):
- Nature Positive for Climate Action A Compendium of Case Studies (Published in October 2024):
- High level statement Building a resilient and diverse clean energy technology supply chain (Published on September 2024):
