Month: November 2024

A Path Forward: The Proven Benefits and Bipartisan Backing of Natural Climate Solutions

In an era where political discourse is driven more by conflict than collaboration, there are few ideas that bring Americans together like Natural Climate Solutions (NCS). These solutions are actions that reduce emissions and increase carbon storage in forests, farms, grasslands, and wetlands, including efforts to employ techniques that retain carbon in soil, conserving and replanting forests, reducing the loss of natural areas, and preserving and restoring coastal wetlands. 

Recent polling conducted by U.S. Nature4Climate demonstrates broad, bipartisan support for NCS. 94% of American voters favor advancing new policies and increased funding for implementation of Natural Climate Solutions, including 89% of Republicans, 94% of independents, and 99% of Democrats. Not only do voters favor Natural Climate Solutions, but they also have favorable views toward elected officials who support policies that advance Natural Climate Solutions.  Indeed, 69% of voters – including 60% of Republicans, 59% of independents, and 86% of Democrats – would have a more favorable impression of their Member of Congress if they “voted to keep these financial incentives and programs for farmers and landowners to better manage their land to reduce its impact on the climate and conserve land and water,” while only 6% would have a less favorable impression.

There are few ideas that bring Americans together like Natural Climate Solutions: Recent polling shows that 94% of American voters favor advancing new policies and increased funding for implementation of Natural Climate Solutions, including 89% of Republicans, 94% of independents, and 99% of Democrats.

Source: Polling commissioned by U.S. Nature4Climate in June 2024.

Many Natural Climate Solutions practices have proven benefits for people, communities, and the environment. For example, research by the Soil Health Institute demonstrates that employing soil health management practices on farms can provide clear financial benefits for farmers. Actions that benefit soil health also helps safeguard America’s food supply by making farmland more resistant to drought and flooding. Increasing tree canopy in urban settings improves air quality, prevents deaths caused by extreme heat events and reduces heating and cooling bills. Replanting areas burned by wildfires helps improve drinking water quality, restore wildlife habitat, and bring back recreational areas. Coastal wetland restoration helps make coastal communities more resilient to hurricanes. Across the country, there are many examples of people and communities benefitting from implementation of Natural Climate Solutions. 

Over the past few years, much has happened to advance Natural Climate Solutions, with billions of dollars dedicated to a wide range of actions, including climate-smart agriculture, wildfire management, coastal resilience, and community forestry programs. For example, The REPLANT Act, which garnered support from both the Trump and Biden Administrations and legislators from both parties, has helped increase nursery capacity and restore forests impacted by wildfire. Governors from both parties have supported state action to advance implementation of Natural Climate Solutions. And programs like the Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities have resulted in collaborations between corporations, non-profits, farmers and forest owners to develop and test new cutting-edge management practices that are good for the land, save money and create new markets for producers.

Many Natural Climate Solutions practices have proven benefits for people, communities, and the environment:

Photo of a cotton farm where soil health practices were implemented as a solution for climate impacts.

Research by the Soil Health Institute demonstrates that employing soil health management practices on farms can provide clear financial benefits for farmers.

Green and grey infrastructure part of a coastal restoration project, a natural climate solution.

In this example from Alabama, see how coastal wetland restoration helps make coastal communities more resilient to hurricanes.

Photo of seedlings to be replanted in a post-fire reforestation project, a Natural Climate Solution.

Replanting areas burned by wildfires helps improve drinking water quality, restore wildlife habitat, and bring back recreational areas. Read example from Idaho above.

Bipartisan support for past actions to advance Natural Climate Solutions provides the path forward for this momentum to continue. Both parties support for reforestation, efforts to strengthen nursery capacity and build the workforce necessary to expand reforestation will benefit rural economies. Likewise, continued support for managing wildfire risk through prescribed burning and ecologically appropriate thinning will safeguard communities across the country.  Policymakers can help meet farmers’ interest in climate-smart agricultural practices by continuing robust support for Farm Bill conservation programs.  

Policymakers can also increase the effectiveness of these strategies by supporting scientific advancements to further refine our understanding of the benefits of Natural Climate Solutions. Enhanced monitoring and verification technologies and investments in data collection will help ensure that investments in Natural Climate Solutions will have the most impact possible relative to their cost.

Image showing a farm next to a river lined by trees, a form of Natural Climate Solution called agroforestry.

Backed by a diverse coalition, U.S. Nature4Climate provides expertise and a wide range of resources to help policymakers advance Natural Climate Solutions. Our Decision-Makers Guide to Natural Climate Solutions highlights the latest science and tools to guide NCS implementation. Our Building Ambition Through Action campaign highlights 20 success stories throughout the country, detailing their benefits through the experience of those implementing NCS on the ground. Our Science page provides the consensus view of the greenhouse gas mitigation potential of over 20 Natural Climate Solutions pathways. Finally, working with organizations like the Environmental & Energy Study Institute, we provide expert briefings to legislators and staff on policy approaches that can support increased implementation. 

Momentum for Natural Climate Solutions is growing. There is a strong, data driven case for expanded implementation of Natural Climate Solutions, with clearly identified co-benefits and proven support among voters across party affiliations. Our coalition stands ready to work with policymakers to continue moving these solutions forward.

Related Reading

USN4C at COP29

The U.S. Nature4Climate (USN4C) COP29 Resource Guide is designed to highlight USN4C member activities at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan. This year, USN4C staff will not be attending COP29; however, below you will find information on the events hosted by USN4C member organizations and the resources they have published.

COP29 is organized into a number of thematic days that allows for a deeper dive into specific climate change issues. The links below include a short description of each day, as well as the plenary sessions that the COP29 Presidency will hold during each day.

UNFCCC COP29 Website

Venue Information & Map

COP29 Daily Programme

Listing of Official UNFCCC Side Events

COP29 Program (Organized by Themes)

Thematic Days:

  • November 11: Opening
  • November 12-13: World Leaders Climate Action Summit
  • November 14: Finance, Investment, and Trade Day
  • November 15: Energy and Peace, Relief, and Recovery Day
  • November 16: Science, Technology & Innovation, and Digitalization Day
  • November 17: Rest Day
  • November 18: Human Development, Children & Youth, Health, and Education Day
  • November 19: Food, Agriculture, and Water Day
  • November 20: Urbanization, Transport, and Tourism Day
  • November 21: Nature & Biodiversity, Indigenous People, Gender Equality, Oceans, and Coastal Zone Day
  • November 22: Final negotiations

USN4C Member Resources:

Full Summary – USN4C Coalition Member Events (Sorted by Date)

Thursday, November 14, 2024

U.S. Farmers and Ranchers in Action

  • USFRA Speaking Event November 14 (12:30-1:30am ET, 9:30-10:30am Baku Time):
    Invasive Species Driving Biodiversity Loss and Food Insecurity (clicking this link will take you to the IICA COP29 events schedule). Sustainable Agriculture of the Americas Pavilion.

    This event addresses how climate change is increasing and accelerating negative impacts and threats from invasive species and biological pollution on the marine, terrestrial, and freshwater ecosystems around the world. These alarming challenges result in biodiversity loss, famine, pestilence and pandemics in human, plant, animal and microbial populations.  Using a fireside chat format, a diverse panel of scientists, policy makers, and stakeholders will share how they are responding to invasives by harnessing innovation and technology, collecting and analyzing data and encouraging the collaboration of a wider audience of stakeholders from science, governments, NGO’s, Universities, Farmers and Conservationists. This event is a wakeup call across UN platforms to recognize the increasingly interwoven vulnerabilities for our food, health and environmental security. USFRA Chair Michael Crinion will speak at this event.

U.S. Climate Alliance

  • USCA Event November 14 (4-5am ET, 1-2pm Baku Time):
    No Turning Back: U.S. Climate Alliance Governors Confronting the Climate Crisis & Building A Brighter Future. America Is All In Action Center.

    The unprecedented surge of investment, collaboration, and action from the Alliance’s 24 member states and territories – alongside the Biden-Harris administration – is eliminating harmful climate pollution, growing the economy, and transforming communities across America. Join founding member of the U.S. Climate Alliance and All In Co-Chair Washington Governor Jay Inslee for a conversation with top federal leadership about the durability, continuity, and strength of state-led climate action and the path being charting to our net-zero future. Click here to livestream.

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Friday, November 15, 2024

Environmental and Energy Study Institute

  • EESI Press Conferences: EESI is holding 2 press conferences in Press Conference Room 2 (Zone C). Speakers will share observations of the negotiations and other key happenings at COP29 and what it means for climate action in the United States.

U.S. Climate Alliance

  • USCA Event November 15 (7:45-8:30am ET, 4:45-5:30pm Baku Time):
    Going All In & All Out: Sustaining & Accelerating America’s Progress with Bold, Durable Subnational Climate Action. U.S. Center.

    The United States is better positioned than ever before to deliver a better, greener, healthier, net-zero future thanks to the power-packed combination of historic federal investment and increasingly ambitious, impactful, and durable subnational climate action. Join top local, state, federal, business, and civil society leaders representing America is All In, U.S. Green Building Council, the U.S. Climate Alliance, and ICLEI USA for a dynamic discussion on the past year of climate progress and the work ahead to sustain and accelerate it, including action to meet and exceed the country’s 2030 Nationally Determined Contribution. Livestream event on U.S. Center YouTube page.

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Tuesday, November 19, 2024

Environmental and Energy Study Institute

  • EESI Side Event November 19 (7:45-9:15am ET, 4:45-6:15pm Baku Time):
    Impacts of Growing Wildfire-Related Emissions on the Global Carbon Budget, the +1.5 Limit, and the Next NDCs. Side Event Room 6.

    EESI and the Woodwell Climate Research Center are holding a side event focused on how growing emissions from global wildfires and the resulting feedback loops threaten to undermine our ability to keep global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. 

    The panelists will present the latest science behind wildfire emissions as well as their impact on the global carbon budget, and discuss the viability of the 1.5°C limit and the preparation of the next nationally determined contributions (NDCs) in light of those impacts. The panelists will first introduce the latest research on increasing wildfire emissions, which are mostly due to more frequent and intense fires in the Arctic region. Panelists will highlight the latest scientific findings on Arctic wildfires and wildfire-permafrost interactions that are accelerating the release of greenhouse gas emissions. The panelists will show how these wildfire-related emissions affect the carbon budget that remains for limiting global warming to 1.5°C and consider how wildfire mitigation efforts, like those championed by the Arctic Council, may help achieve the Paris Agreement goals. 

    Finally, the panel will discuss the ongoing work to align the global climate effort with the 1.5°C limit, the preparation of the next NDCs due in February 2025, and what the research introduced at this event means for the already diminished remaining carbon budget. The panelists will be invited to discuss what is needed—both in terms of scientific advances, but also policy ambition—to keep the Paris process on track.

    Speakers include:
    • Jennifer Watts, Arctic Program Director and Associate Scientist, Woodwell Climate Research Center;
    • Edward Alexander, Co-Chair of Gwich’in Council International; Head of Delegation to Senior Arctic Officials, Conservation of Arctic Flora and Fauna, Emergency Prevention, Preparedness, and Response working groups;
    • Pam Pearson, Director, International Cryosphere Climate Initiative; and
    • Kaveh Guilanpour, VP for International Strategies, Center for Climate and Energy Solutions (C2ES).

      Livestream event here.

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Wednesday, November 20, 2024

Environmental Defense Fund

  • EDF Event: November 20 (1-2am ET, 10-11am Baku Time):
    Accelerating Win-Win Solutions for Animal and Human Health and the Climate. Action on Food Hub.

    This event will show how animal health is connected to climate, and how countries can incorporate animal health interventions to fulfill their climate plans for near-term wins. John Tauzel, Senior Director, Global Agriculture Methane, Environmental Defense Fund, will speak at this event.

U.S. Farmers and Ranchers in Action

  • USFRA Side Event: November 20 (4:15- 5:45am ET, 1:15-2:45pm Baku Time):
    Agriculture as a Solution to Global Food Security & Climate Change (note that clicking this link will take you to UNFCCC’s COP29 side events schedule).

    This event will highlight how agriculture provides food security, supports livelihoods and accelerates progress to limit climate change and enhance biodiversity. Explore new research showing how it can become a carbon sink. Featuring farmers, scientists and experts from a variety of ag production systems globally.

    Speakers include:
    • Michael Crinion, Ash Grove Dairy Farm, Chair of U.S. Farmers and Ranchers in Action (moderator);
    • Dr. Chuck Rice, Kansas State University professor and lead author of USFRA’s Agriculture as a Climate Sink report;  (researcher leading National Academy of Sciences Report) Country Representative, as well as additional speakers.

      The event will be livestreamed here.

Environmental and Energy Study Institute

  • EESI Press Conferences: EESI is holding 2 press conferences in Press Conference Room 2 (Zone C). Speakers will share observations of the negotiations and other key happenings at COP29 and what it means for climate action in the United States.
    • November 20 – 4:30am ET, 1:30pm Baku Time: U.S. Perspectives from COP29 – Livestream here. Note that U.S. Farmers & Ranchers in Action CEO Kevin Burkum and International Alliance to Combat Ocean Acidification Executive Director Jessie Turner will speak at this press conference.

American Forest Foundation

  • AFF Event: November 20 (9:30-11am ET, 6:30-8pm Baku Time):
    Advancing the Quality and Integrity of Forestry Climate NbS: Challenges, Innovations, and Strategies.

    This side event, co-hosted by University of British Columbia (UBC), American Forest Foundation (AFF), Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), Balance Eco Foundation, Université Laval, and Zhejiang A&F University (ZAFU), will focus on advancing high-integrity forestry-based nature-based solutions (NbS) as critical tools for addressing climate change, enhancing biodiversity, and supporting socio-economic development. Featuring insights from global experts, the event will address pressing challenges and opportunities in forest carbon projects, including those specific to bamboo, and explore how these solutions can be scaled effectively in the global carbon market.

    Speakers include:
    • Christine Cadigan, Executive VP, American Forest Foundation;
    • Dan Morrell, CEO, Balance ECO Foundation;
    • Jorge Matallana, Manager, Climate & Ecosystem Services, FCS; and
    • Guomo Zhou, Former President and Professor, Zhejiang A&F University.  

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Federal Investments in Agriculture Driving Climate Action and Rural Prosperity

As the need for climate action in agriculture becomes increasingly urgent, federal investments are playing a crucial role in supporting sustainable practices. What specific investments are being made, and how do they tackle pressing climate challenges? Additionally, what role do partnerships have in promoting these initiatives, and what tangible outcomes are emerging from them? Moreover, what policy changes are necessary to effectively implement these initiatives and ensure their long-term success?

Natural Climate Solutions are benefiting rural communities nationwide, and our coalition members are working tirelessly to ensure that funding reaches those who need it most and achieves maximum impact for both communities and the environment. Below, we present four recent updates that showcase how these initiatives are and can continue making a difference.

NRCS’s Record-Breaking Investment for Climate-Resilient Agriculture

© Richard Hamilton Smith for TNC

The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) recently announced a $1.5 billion investment in 92 conservation projects under the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP), with an additional $968 million in partner contributions. This historic funding, supported by the Inflation Reduction Act, enables farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners to adopt conservation strategies that enhance natural resources and address climate challenges.

RCPP drives climate action through innovative projects, including efforts to reduce methane emissions from livestock, conserve water in drought-prone areas, and restore wildlife habitats. Additionally, $100 million has been allocated for Tribal-led projects, reinforcing the impact of public-private partnerships in fostering sustainable agriculture and climate resilience nationwide. By leveraging collective resources and collaborating on common goals, RCPP demonstrates its effectiveness in promoting sustainable agriculture and climate resilience across the United States.

USN4C members were recipients of several RCPP grants, including:

  • The Nature Conservancy ($102.5 million, including projects in ID, IN, ME, NH, OH, SD)
  • Trust for Public Land ($19,436,000 – SOAR land conservation initiative in Colorado)
  • American Farmland Trust ($10,000,000 — Minnesota Farmland Protection Project: Bridging the Gap Between Landowners and Emerging Farmers).

Don’t miss:

Securing Water Resources with Conservation Easements in Arizona

Walnut Creek in Big Chino Valley, Arizona. © Adriel Heisey for TNC

In a landmark move for water conservation, The Nature Conservancy (TNC), Yavapai Ranch, and the NRCS secured a 1,889-acre conservation easement in Arizona’s Big Chino Valley. Supported by Farm Bill funding through the RCPP, the project not only protects water resources but also supports the local agricultural community. This collaboration shows how RCPP funding can unite farmers, ranchers, and conservationists to drive impactful conservation efforts, ensuring sustainable water management and agricultural practices for future generations.

Read more

USDA’s Climate-Smart Commodities Initiative Spurs Markets and Sustainability

The USDA celebrated the success of its Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities initiative, which has connected over 14,000 farms to climate-friendly markets across 3.2 million acres. Since 2022, the initiative has sequestered 400,000 metric tons of carbon, with projections of 60 million tons. It has created new income streams for farmers, especially small and underserved producers, while expanding access to climate-smart goods.

The recent Progress Report showcases the benefits of these projects, such as improved soil health, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and enhanced productivity, underscoring the initiative’s goals of supporting rural communities and advancing climate objectives.

Learn more

Leveraging Crop Insurance to Boost Soil Health and Climate Resilience

A recent article by the Environmental and Energy Study Institute examines how the Federal Crop Insurance Program (FCIP) could support soil health practices to enhance climate resilience. By encouraging cover cropping, reduced tillage, and crop rotation, the FCIP could help farmers manage climate impacts like drought while boosting farm profitability. Find out what the potential policy changes needed are to support these initiatives and what is needed to effectively implement these changes.

Read more

Don’t miss:

Don’t Miss These Other Important NCS Updates:

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