John,

Why are we short-changing or even overlooking natural-based solutions to climate change?

An article in Yale Environment360, a publication of Yale University’s School of Environment, recently took a deep dive into this question.

The author highlighted one study that found less than 10 percent of funding for climate adaptation in least-developed nations went into projects that harnessed nature.

At the same time, however, nature-based solutions are already profoundly helping communities facing the ravages of climate change. Hundreds of local projects around the globe to restore ecosystems on coastlines and mountains, as well as river valleys and forests, are paying dividends for millions of people.

For example, another study found salt marshes, seagrasses, and coral reefs reduce the height of storm waves at less cost than sea walls. One significant advantage they hold over sea walls is that they can grow to keep pace with continually rising sea levels, unlike man-made constructed barriers.

But while half of the climate pledges made by nations commit to utilizing nature-based solutions, little is being done in practice.

Environmentalists suggest this is partly because nature-based efforts offer long-term solutions that don’t fit neatly into conventional timeline effectiveness assessments and government budgets. The result is a lack of funding for a cost-efficient and proven answer to climate change.

John, this is the exact sort of problem SEEC is tackling head-on. SEEC’s recently created Nature and Oceans Task Force is actively pursuing policies that better utilize nature-based solutions in our climate action strategies.

SEEC members always want to be at the cutting edge of climate policy in order to ensure we are using every possible means to combat climate change. Can you pitch in with a donation to let SEEC members know we’re standing with them?

Thanks for your support.

— SEEC PAC