The Role of Nature-based Solutions for Climate Change Adaptation in UK Policy

Nature-based solutions (NbS) involve working with nature to address societal challenges, providing benefits for both human well-being and biodiversity. They can reduce a wide range of climate impacts and support human and wildlife adaptation. For example, protecting and restoring natural habitats along coasts or in river catchments can protect communities and infrastructure from flooding and erosion, while enhancing and protecting biodiversity and delivering other benefits such as increased carbon storage. Similarly, green space and trees in urban areas can help with cooling and flood abatement, while filtering air pollution and providing recreation and health benefits. This document provides guidance on how to integrate NbS into climate adaptation policy for the UK and its fourteen overseas territories. Based on four key guidelines endorsed by 20 environmental and academic organizations (see Box 1), we reflect on the opportunities and responsibilities of the UK Government and governments across the UK in implementing the UK NDC, Adaptation Communication and accompanying climate policy and planning.