Nature- based solutions

Nature-based solutions (NbS) are instrumental in the European Union’s battle against climate change, offering a multifaceted approach that integrates environmental sustainability with socio-economic resilience. By enhancing and restoring natural ecosystems, NbS contribute significantly to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, adapting to climate impacts, and fostering biodiversity.

Forests, wetlands, and grasslands play a crucial role in sequestering carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the atmosphere. In the EU, forests alone sequester approximately 380 million tonnes of CO₂ annually, accounting for around 10% of the EU’s total greenhouse gas emissions. Peatlands, which cover just 3% of the EU’s land area, store an estimated 42 billion tonnes of carbon, equivalent to twice the carbon stored in all the EU’s forests. Protecting and restoring these ecosystems can dramatically enhance their carbon storage capacity, offsetting emissions from other sectors.

NbS also enhance the EU’s resilience to climate impacts. For instance, coastal wetlands and mangroves act as natural barriers against storm surges and sea-level rise, protecting coastal communities and infrastructure. In urban areas, green roofs and parks mitigate the urban heat island effect, reducing the need for energy-intensive air conditioning and lowering city temperatures by up to 2°C during heatwaves.

Healthy ecosystems support biodiversity, which is crucial for ecosystem stability and the provision of services such as pollination, water purification, and soil fertility. The EU’s Natura 2000 network, the largest coordinated network of protected areas in the world, covers over 18% of the EU’s land area and 9.5% of its marine territory. This network conserves biodiversity and provides carbon storage and flood mitigation services, demonstrating the interconnected benefits of NbS.

Implementing NbS creates jobs and stimulates economic activity. Restoration projects in the EU generate approximately 10-15 jobs per million euros invested, higher than many traditional infrastructure projects. Additionally, NbS promote eco-tourism and sustainable agriculture, contributing to rural development and enhancing the livelihoods of local communities.

The EU has recognized the importance of NbS through various policies and funding mechanisms. The European Green Deal aims to make Europe the first climate-neutral continent by 2050, with NbS playing a central role. The EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 sets ambitious targets for ecosystem restoration, including planting 3 billion trees by 2030 and restoring 25,000 km of rivers to a free-flowing state.

Nature-based solutions are a cornerstone of the EU’s climate strategy, delivering significant environmental, economic, and social benefits. By investing in NbS, the EU not only mitigates and adapts to climate change but also fosters biodiversity, enhances ecosystem services, and promotes sustainable development. Embracing NbS is essential for a resilient, climate-neutral future, reinforcing the EU’s leadership in global climate action.