Study: Investing in nature to fight climate change and help communities thrive
Ecologists and climate scientists agree that “nature-based solutions” like the reforestation of degraded pasture lands and restoration of coastal wetlands can play a key role in combatting climate change. These projects take advantage of the natural carbon cycle—in particular, photosynthesis’ conversion of carbon dioxide into biomass—to remove excess carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Investing in nature-based solutions also can increase community resilience to destructive climate impacts such as sea rise and storm surges in coastal areas, excessive heat, catastrophic wildfires, and the like. And nature-based investments can produce other valuable “ecosystem services” such as clean water, biodiversity, and multiple cultural and socio-economic benefits…