A nature-based conservation framework that aligns opportunities for bird biodiversity, climate mitigation, and human equity.

ABSTRACT: Nature-based solutions (NbS) can mitigate the climate crisis and provide co-benefits to biodiversity and human well-being. We identified opportunities for NbS in the US by mapping both critical habitat for birds under a changing climate and carbon stocks and sinks. We then investigated the alignment of these locations with areas important for human well-being and land-dependencies. Finally, we identified High Priority NbS areas that align with irrecoverable carbon to focus conservation efforts on places with significant long-term carbon storage potential. Although ~ 30% of US lands have some protection, < 3% of protected US lands align with priorities for birds, carbon, and human well-being. Of the 312 million acres of priority areas for birds, carbon, and human well-being identified, 71%

SUBMITTER: Bateman BL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12441151 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature