In 2020, countries have the opportunity to take more ambitious action on climate change by updating their climate plans (Nationally Determined Contributions or NDCs) under the Paris Agreement. A new guidance paper by WWF US provides recommendations on how countries can integrate nature-based solutions in these national climate plans.
Nature-based solutions are ecosystem conservation, management and restoration interventions that address a wide array of societal challenges, while also benefiting biodiversity and human well-being. Recently, they have emerged as essential tools to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and build resilience to the impacts of climate change.
This publication aims to help countries enhance climate action by including the opportunities offered by nature-based solutions in their revised NDCs. To this end, it presents eight simple recommendations, followed by an overview of various definitions of nature-based solutions for climate. Text examples from existing NDCs clarify how strong commitments to nature-based solutions could look like. A list of resources provides further guidance.
The focus lies on designing measurable climate change adaptation and/or mitigation outcomes. This enables countries to monitor progress against targets, which is essential to access climate finance. Optimizing benefits for people and nature creates links to other international agendas, such as the Sustainable Development Goals. Anticipating and managing climate risks increases resilience.
Download here: Enhancing National Climate Plans through Nature-Based Solutions
