Nature Can Overcome Global Warming

The restoration of coastal lands and wetlands could be the solution to reduce Global Warming, as detected by a peer-reviewed study in Advanced Science of The Nature Conservancy. This study includes the climate benefits of coastal wetlands and rangelands in a harmonic combination between forests and agriculture.

In October, the special report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, announced for global action to limit warming to 1.5 °C in order to avoid more damaging impacts.

The new study highlights how and which are the natural solutions; the United States offer the huge promise to help limit temperatures below the 1.5 target degrees. 

The Nature Conservancy Science Headmaster, Joe Fargione, who is the leading author of this study, pointed out that “one of the most important assets in the United States is its soil,” nevertheless this can also work and be applied in other countries as well.

“Through changes in management, alongside with the protection and the restoration of natural lands, we have demonstrated that we can reduce carbon pollution, to filter water, improve fish and wildlife habitats, and have a healthier soil to harvest our food, and all this at the same time. Nature itself offers us a simple and economical way to overcome with Global Warming. In combination with the transition to carbon-free energy production and natural climate solutions we can help to protect our climate for future generations,” expressed the expert.

The Nature Conservancy’s Director of External Affairs and former Assistant Secretary of the Interior’s Department, Lynn Scarlett, highlights the practical elements of the findings of this study:

“One ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, so we must reduce carbon pollution wherever we can, but also we have to put natural solutions to work as a tool, to isolate ourselves from Global Warming. This study provides good news and it is that investing in Nature will make a huge difference, while offering the potential of this new income for farmers, breeders, foresters and coastal communities at the same time,” she said.

Of the 21 Natural Solutions that where analyzed, the increase in reforestation (planting trees) emerged as the greatest and principal mean to achieve greater carbon storage, this is the equivalent of eliminating the emissions 65 million automobiles; or allowing longer periods between the extraction of wood to increase carbon storage, also increasing of controlled burns, and strategic trimming of the forests.