At the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, delegates from around the world have convened to negotiate strategies for combating climate change in alignment with the Paris Agreement. This landmark accord aims to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.
While much of the discussion around the Paris Agreement focuses on temperature targets, it is important to recognize that the agreement encompasses more than just thermal thresholds. It includes commitments to both mitigation and adaptation in the face of an increasingly warming world characterized by higher concentrations of greenhouse gases. The agreement acknowledges the need to address a range of challenges, from increased flooding and heatwaves to prolonged droughts.
In the pursuit of climate mitigation and adaptation goals, renewable energy sources often dominate the conversation, sometimes overshadowing nature-based solutions. Scientists emphasize that nature-based solutions are a “cheap and underused” yet crucial tool in protecting humanity from environmental crises.
Estimates suggest that leveraging nature-based solutions could significantly contribute to achieving the greenhouse gas reductions necessary to meet the 2030 targets outlined in the Paris Agreement, potentially accounting for approximately 37% of the required cuts. According to reports from the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), these solutions could help developing nations save at least $393 billion by 2050.
Nature-based solutions involve actions that protect, sustainably manage, and restore natural and modified ecosystems to effectively address societal challenges, benefiting both people and the environment. These solutions encompass a wide range of activities, including reforestation, developing sponge cities, restoring mangroves, and practicing natural farming. Their applicability extends beyond traditional interventions, including infrastructure developments and the use of technology for robust climate mitigation.
By harnessing the potential of nature-based solutions, the global community can take significant strides toward achieving climate goals while also promoting biodiversity and supporting sustainable development.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
