Nature-based solutions to climate change could make up 30% of the carbon absorption needed to mitigate climate change. When ecosystems are healthy they provide us with essential services including reducing greenhouse gas emissions, protecting water resources, decreasing air pollution and erosion, protecting coastlines from storms and increasing food security. Nature-based solutions involve protecting, restoring and sustainably managing ecosystems to make them more resilient, protect biodiversity and improve human wellbeing.
Forests are an example of a nature-based solution. They absorb carbon, clean air and water, protect against erosion and are home to 80% of terrestrial biodiversity. Deforestation and degradation contribute 13% of global CO2 emissions, making protecting forests a valuable and essential way to combat the climate and biodiversity crises.