The Power of Nature-Based Solutions in Mitigating Climate Change

Global warming is one of the most important problems of the planet at the moment. It is caused by increased concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, mainly from human activities such as burning fossil fuels, and farming. The outcomes in long terms are affecting biodiversity and climates remarkably. In order to mitigate the climate change, nature-based solutions can be helpful if we act urgently.

Nature based solutions have a powerful role in reducing temperatures in the long term. Net zero carbon emissions should be achieved; but frankly this process takes time. In other words, nature- based solutions must be designed for longevity. This means paying closer attention to long-term carbon-sink potential, as well as impacts on biodiversity, equity and sustainable development goal.

The world is currently likely to hit 3 °C of warming above pre-industrial levels by 2100. The Paris agreement in 2015 aims to substantially reduce global greenhouse gas emissions in an effort to limit the global temperature increase in this century to 2 degrees Celsius above preindustrial levels, while pursuing the means to limit the increase to 1.5 degrees. It is impossible to achieve the needed reduction in peak warming solely through cuts to greenhouse gases, because emissions from certain sectors, such as agriculture and some heavy industry, cannot be driven to zero any time soon.


A subset of nature-based solutions can be used specifically to limit warming. The first idea is to avoid emissions by protecting ecosystems and thus reducing carbon release; this includes efforts to limit deforestation. The second one is restoring ecosystems, such as wetlands so that they can sequester carbon. The third is to improve land management — for timber, crops and grazing — to reduce emissions of carbon, methane and nitrous oxide, as well as to sequester carbon. Via these solutions we could save 10 gigatons of carbon dioxide equivalent per year.


The mitigation potential of nature-based solutions remains small compared to decarbonizations of the economies. But if both takes place, a huge step for cooling off the planet is inevitable. We should know that nature-based solutions are not an alternative to decarbonization. They need to involve a wide range of ecosystems. They should be designed in partnership with local communities while respecting Indigenous and other rights; and, finally, they must support biodiversity, from the level of the gene to the ecosystem.

In brief, nature-based solutions can suppress a chunk of the global warming along with decarbonization if acted wisely and urgently.

Thank you for reading. I would be glad if you react, comment on my blog.