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Climate change is one of the most pressing challenges facing our planet today. It poses significant threats to our environment, economy, and society as a whole. However, there is hope. Nature-based solutions are emerging as groundbreaking strategies to combat climate change while simultaneously addressing other societal challenges such as human health, food and water security, and disaster risk reduction. These solutions harness the power of natural ecosystems to provide sustainable and effective solutions. In this article, we will explore the concept of nature-based solutions, their role in fighting climate change, and some inspiring examples of projects incorporating these solutions.
What are Nature-Based Solutions?
Nature-based solutions are actions that aim to protect, sustainably manage, or restore natural ecosystems to address various societal challenges effectively and adaptively. These solutions offer a holistic approach that simultaneously provides benefits for human well-being and biodiversity. By leveraging the services provided by ecosystems, nature-based solutions offer a cost-effective and sustainable alternative to traditional grey infrastructure solutions.
A prime example of a nature-based solution is the issue of coastal flooding in coastal areas caused by storm surges and erosion. Traditionally, such challenges were addressed with manmade infrastructure like sea walls. However, nature-based solutions propose taking advantage of ecosystem services, such as planting trees in coastal areas. Mangroves, for instance, not only reduce the impact of storms on human lives and economic assets but also provide a habitat for fish, birds, and other plants, supporting biodiversity.
The Role of Nature-Based Solutions in Fighting Climate Change
Estimates suggest that nature-based solutions have the potential to provide 37% of the mitigation required to achieve the targets of the Paris Agreement by 2030. These solutions harness the power of natural ecosystems to sequester carbon and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
One of the most straightforward ways nature-based solutions combat climate change is through carbon sequestration. When trees are planted, they absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, acting as natural carbon sinks. For example, restoring native forests at the margins of rivers not only helps prevent landslides but also sequesters carbon. Climate-smart agriculture is another example where farmers can retain more carbon in their fields while producing crops. Additionally, reducing deforestation preserves critical ecosystem services such as carbon sequestration, clean drinking water provision, and reduced river sedimentation downstream.
Nature-based solutions also play a vital role in climate change adaptation and building resilience in landscapes and communities. The World Bank, for instance, incorporates several nature-based solutions in its projects to manage disaster risk and reduce the incidence and impact of flooding, mudslides, and other disasters. These solutions offer a cost-effective way of addressing climate change while simultaneously addressing biodiversity and land degradation.
However, it is essential to note that not all planting initiatives automatically become nature-based solutions that contribute to biodiversity. For instance, planting non-native and toxic trees may not generate biodiversity benefits. It is crucial to consider the ecological context and select native species that promote biodiversity.
World Bank Projects Incorporating Nature-Based Solutions
The World Bank has been at the forefront of incorporating nature-based solutions into its projects. In the fiscal year 2020, the bank’s nature-based solutions portfolio included 70 projects, with a particular focus on water and disaster risk management. However, there is a growing effort to expand the use of nature-based solutions in other areas as well. The World Bank is committed to addressing the intersection of the climate crisis and the biodiversity crisis.
Example 1: Burundi’s Hillside Terraces
In Burundi, extensive deforestation and uncontrolled erosion have led to frequent landslides and floods, exacerbated by the changing climate. The World Bank is supporting a project that aims to construct terraces covering nearly 8,000 hectares of hillside areas. These terraces utilize vegetation strategically to control soil erosion, increase soil moisture, and reduce runoff. Additionally, farmers are encouraged to plant tree crops, soil-stabilizing grasses, and fodder crops to protect topsoil and make the land more productive for farming.
Example 2: Colombo’s Urban Wetlands
Colombo, the capital city of Sri Lanka, faced increased vulnerability to flooding due to reduced wetland holding capacity and rising sea levels caused by climate change. The World Bank supported a project that utilized both green and grey infrastructure to restore and protect urban wetlands. This approach reduced flood risk for over 200,000 city residents and improved the overall quality of life. The restored wetlands also sequester carbon and regulate the local climate, reducing the need for air conditioning near wetland areas. The project’s success also led to improved water quality and wastewater treatment, while the Beddagana wetland was transformed into a park and wildlife sanctuary.
Example 3: Zhejiang Qiandao Lake and Xin’an River Basin
In China’s Zhejiang province, the Qiandao Lake and Xin’an River Basin faced significant water pollution due to rapid development, agricultural production, and tourism growth. The World Bank supported a project that focused on integrated pollution and watershed management. Nature-based solutions, such as climate-smart farming, environmentally sustainable forest management, and wetland and degraded forest restoration, were implemented to improve water quality in the lake. These interventions aimed to increase access to improved water supply and protect the lake, which serves as a crucial source of potable water for many cities along the river basin.
Measuring Results from Nature-Based Solutions
To ensure the effectiveness of nature-based solutions, an evidence-based approach is crucial. This involves monitoring and evaluating the outcomes throughout the intervention cycle, drawing on scientific data, local knowledge, and indigenous knowledge. The metrics for measuring success depend on the specific societal challenges the nature-based solution aims to address.
When it comes to mitigating climate change, the primary metric used is carbon dioxide (CO2) sequestration. The amount of CO2 equivalent sequestered in a restoration or reforestation project determines its impact on reducing greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere. However, measuring the impact on biodiversity is more complex and multi-dimensional. Ecosystems are intricate and dynamic systems, making a single high-level metric for biodiversity challenging. Nevertheless, projects can utilize indicators such as trends in threatened species populations and the provision of critical ecosystem services like water quality and predictability.
The World Bank recognizes the importance of biodiversity and ecosystem services and has been investing in nature for over three decades. Collaborative efforts with other multilateral development banks aim to improve the assessment of biodiversity benefits in development portfolios and financial markets. Protecting forests, conserving natural ecosystems, and promoting their sustainable use are integral to achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement and addressing the climate and biodiversity crises.
