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Nature-based climate solutions require a mix of socioeconomic and governance attributes

ABSTRACT: Summary Nature-based climate solutions (NCS) can play a crucial role in reducing climate change. There is, however, a lack of understanding of the biophysical, social, and political contexts surrounding NCS, which hampers its practical implementation. Here, we used estimates of carbon sink potential to identify socioeconomic and ecological factors that may stimulate NCS implementation in developing economies. We considered carbon sink potential for eight NCS, including reforestation, peatland restoration, natural forest management, improved rice cultivation, optimal grazing intensity, grazing (legumes), avoided peatland impacts, and avoided coastal impacts. Food insecurity hotspots, which currently receive the most development aid, have the lowest likelihood of realizing NCS’ potential. Poor governance structures and food insecurity impede the implementation of NCS projects at the country level. By carefully assessing complementary food security, sustainable financing, and soil quality safeguards, NCS as a nationally determined contribution to climate mitigation can be made more effective. Graphical abstract Highlights • Harnessing nature’s potential can bolster climate mitigation efforts• Food insecurity and poor governance can constrain these benefits• Sustainable financing and food security safeguards can boost NCS adoption Earth sciences; Earth-surface processes; Environmental science; Social sciences

SUBMITTER: Asamoah E

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9768352 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Project description:Abstract Actions to protect against biodiversity loss and climate change will require a framework that addresses synergies between these interrelated issues. In this study, we present methods for identifying areas important for the implementation of nature‐based climate solutions and biodiversity conservation by intersecting high‐resolution spatial data for carbon storage and landscape connectivity. We explored the spatial congruence of carbon and connectivity in Ontario, Canada and examined effectiveness of current protected areas coverage. We found a weak positive relationship between carbon stocks and landscape connectivity; however, our maps revealed large hotspots, with high values of both indices, throughout the boreal forest and northern peatlands and smaller, isolated hotspots, in the settled landscapes of the south. Location of hotspots varied depending on whether we considered forest or soil carbon. Further, our results show that current protected and conserved areas in Ontario only cover 13% of landscapes with the highest values for both carbon storage and connectivity. Protection or restoration of areas that maximize the co‐benefits of carbon storage and connectivity would make significant contributions toward ambitious national targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and conserve biodiversity. We identified areas important for the implementation of nature‐based climate solutions and biodiversity conservation in Ontario, Canada by intersecting high‐resolution spatial data for carbon storage and landscape connectivity. We found large hotspots, with high values for both indices, throughout the boreal forest and northern peatlands of the province. Further, our results show that current protected and conserved areas in Ontario only cover 13% of landscapes with the highest values for both carbon storage and connectivity suggesting these areas are priorities for protection and would make significant contributions toward ambitious national targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and conserve biodiversity.

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Nature-based climate solutions require a mix of socioeconomic and governance attributes

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