Science for Environment Policy future brief: The solution is in nature

The science is clear: the biodiversity crisis, the climate crisis and the health crisis are interdependent. Political leaders from across the world, representing 80+ countries and the European Union, have also recognised this connection in the Leaders’ Pledge for Nature.1 Climate change accelerates the destruction of the natural world through extreme weather events such as droughts, flooding and wildfires. Biodiversity loss and unsustainable use of nature, driven by intense anthropogenic activities, in turn, reduce resilience to and further drive climate change. But just as the crises are linked, so are the solutions (European Commission, 2020a). Nature is a vital ally in the human struggle with climate change. Nature regulates the climate, and Nature-based Solutions are essential for addressing global challenges such as reducing carbon emissions.

doi:10.2779/656087

Science for Environment Policy (2021) The solution is in nature. Future Brief 24. Brief produced for the European Commission DG Environment. Bristol: Science Communication Unit, UWE Bristol.