CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION

Nature-based Solutions

Nature-based solutions include protection, improved management, and restoration actions in forests, grasslands, agricultural areas, and wetlands that provide both climate mitigation and adaptation benefits. Approaches focused on restoring and protecting natural areas can pay dividends in mitigating and adapting to climate change. Forests, wetlands, dunes, and other natural ecosystems help increase communities’ resilience to climate change. These solutions are largely inexpensive, do not require large engineering approaches, and have side benefits of increasing biodiversity and drawing down carbon.

(Drever, C. R. et al., 2021)

Biodiversity and supporting ecosystem services can make important contributions to climate change adaptation efforts. Protecting and restoring biodiversity plays an important role because higher genetic, species and ecosystem diversities help to reduce risk in the face of uncertain changes in climate and keep adaptation options open. Protecting and enhancing biodiversity and natural ecosystems has adaptive co-benefits to people. For example, coastal wetlands, abundant with biodiversity, provide coastal protection from storm surges, rising sea level, and flooding.

The Maritime Natural Infrastructure Collaborative works to raise awareness about the important role nature plays in helping our communities remain healthy and resilient.

Further Readings:

Drever, C. Ronnie, et al. “Natural climate solutions for Canada.” Science Advances 7.23 (2021): eabd6034. Retrieved from https://www.natureunited.ca/what-we-do/our-priorities/innovating-for-climate-change/natural-climate-solutions/