To help stop climate change, we can’t just cut future emissions— we also have to remove and sequester carbon already in the atmosphere. Natural Climate Solutions are already removing the equivalent of 11% of annual greenhouse gas emissions in the United States, but we have the potential to go even further. A recent study in the journal Science Advances highlighted the key role nature can play in addressing climate change in the U.S. It revealed that we can remove an additional 18% of the nation’s current greenhouse gas emissions, just by restoring and responsibly managing our forests, farms, ranches, grasslands, and wetlands. For example, reforestation would have the same impact as removing 64 million cars from the road.

Natural Climate Solutions are voluntary conservation practices that can help restore our economy. They create good jobs that cannot be outsourced and provide new sources of income for the millions of farmers and forest owners facing unprecedented economic and environmental challenges. 

The benefits of Natural Climate Solutions extend beyond our country’s rural areas. For example,  urban community forestry programs can help create jobs, reduce energy costs, add beauty to our streets and create more recreational opportunities for everyone.

Natural Climate Solutions provide significant benefits to people beyond jobs. They can help improve the quality of our air and water, protect human health, provide additional habitat for fish and wildlife, and create more places to explore nature.