Natural climate solutions are conservation, restoration and improved land management actions that increase carbon storage or avoid greenhouse gas emissions in landscapes and wetlands across the globe. Combined with innovations in clean energy and other efforts to decarbonize the world’s economies, natural climate solutions offer some of our best options in the response to climate change.
In 2017, research led by The Nature Conservancy and 15 other institutions, was published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, demonstrating that nature-based solutions can provide up to one-third of the emission reductions needed by 2030 to keep global temperature increases under 2°C—30 percent more than previously estimated.
TNC continues to lead the discussion on the understanding and application of natural climate solutions, showing that their integration in climate action planning can deliver tangible, cost-effective outcomes right now, while further research and development into much-needed emissions reductions technology still are underway. We believe that the role of nature is a critical toolbox alongside a full transition to a low carbon world, and all options to deliver emissions reductions must be pursued in concert.
Report
Natural Climate Solutions Handbook
A Technical Guide for Assessing Nature-Based Mitigation Opportunities in Countries.
Forests Can Absorb Carbon Quicker Than We Thought
We know that forests offer significant climate mitigation benefits. Now, new research shows that letting forests regrow on their own could be a secret weapon to fighting climate change.
Tropical Climate Mitigation Potential
New research suggests that cost-effective NCS could mitigate over half of national emissions in tropical countries.
Adding Trees to Agricultural Lands Has Major Climate Potential
New science and high-resolution mapping helps estimate the current and potential carbon storage of trees in nonforested portions of agricultural lands.
The key to implementation of natural climate solutions is to get them into practice on the ground. TNC has a strong history of working with national governments to deliver results for critical ecosystems and managed lands—from farmlands and peatlands to seagrass and tidal marshes, in regions around the world. Our staff continues to work closely with a variety of partners, including governments, companies, and local landowners and civil society to provide climate mitigation benefits for both people and nature. Here are a few profiles of just how we continue to collaborate:
Trending Now
-
Mapping Carbon Accumulation Potential from Natural Forest Regrowth
New study provides best resolution data to determine potential carbon storage of natural forest regrowth as a NCS strategy. Read the forest carbon storage study.
-
Natural Forest Regrowth Map
See the potential for carbon storage anywhere on the planet with this interactive tool. View the forest regrowth map.
-
The Carbon Cost of Converting Peatlands to Oil Palm
Peatlands are one of nature’s best carbon sinks, and yet the ecosystem is under threat from conversion to agriculture. This new blog reflects emerging data from Indonesia. How Indonesia can achieve its emissions reduction target
-
Review of the Role of Non-State Actors in Agroforestry
Key study to identify points of entry for non-state actors to increase smallholder incentives for agroforestry adoption in low and middle income countries. Read the agroforestry review.
-
NCS in China
TNC expert byline on the role nature can play in helping mitigate climate change in China. How nature can mitigate climate change in China.
-
Natural Climate Solutions in Indonesia
Fact sheet explaining the potential opportunity for NCS implementation in Indonesia. View the natural climate solutions factsheet.
Resources
Reports
- National mitigation potential from natural climate solutions in the tropics (The Royal Society Publishing)
- Large climate mitigation potential from adding trees to agricultural lands (Wiley Online Library)
- Mapping carbon accumulation potential from global natural forest regrowth (nature.com)
- Agroforestry and non-state actors: A review (ScienceDirect)
Factsheets
- Natural Climate Solutions in Indonesia (Download)
- Nature-based Solutions for Climate Change Mitigation in Colombia (Download)
Tools
- Interactive World Forest Map & Tree Cover Change Data | GFW (Global Forest Watch)
Articles
- Forests Can Absorb Carbon More Quickly Than Previously Thought
- Nature-based solutions: the ‘no-regret’ routes to carbon neutrality (China Dialogue)
- The Carbon Cost of Converting Peatlands to Oil Palm (Cool Green Science)
- Natural Climate Solutions in Indonesia (Harian Kompas, Instagram)