Author: Francis Smeins

Nature-Based Solutions Provide Security Today for a Better Tomorrow 

We live in a rapidly changing world, and with change comes uncertainty.  

The growing instability of our climate – and the erratic weather patterns that come with it – have made supply chains less reliable, economic forecasts less predictable, and the security of our communities more fragile.  

As decision makers across the country look for solutions to keep communities secure, nature can provide powerful solutions. Actions such as planting and maintaining trees, implementing sustainable agriculture practices, and restoring coastal wetlands – strategies known as nature-based solutions – can help people and economies. They safeguard clean water, preserve wildlife habitat, and support millions of jobs, all while reducing carbon pollution to create a more stable climate for the future. 

But knowing how and where to implement these solutions can often be complicated. A new online resource called Nature4Communities is now available to help legislators, community leaders, businesses, and others identify which nature-based solutions can best meet their needs during these uncertain times.   

The resource provides an interactive map that identifies state-specific examples of nature-based solutions being implemented across the nation. Users can click on these projects to get a deep dive into how they were launched, their impact, and what more could be achieved with greater funding.  

Users can also create customizable fact sheets for a variety of states, selecting the types of nature-based solutions they want to highlight, such as coastal restoration or reforestation. The web tool then generates graphics and scientific data on the economic, social, health, and other benefits those projects provide, along with data highlighting the overwhelmingly support among voters for funding for these solutions. 

The customizable fact sheets can be used to educate Members of Congress and other decision-makers about how nature-based solutions can help their local communities and economies by creating jobs, supporting industries, and reducing the risk of costly natural disasters. 

Protecting Communities and Economies with Nature-Based Solutions 

Healthy lands and waters have long served as the foundation of businesses across the nation. For example, healthy coasts and waterways underpin America’s commercial and recreational fishing industries that support 2.3 million jobs and generate $321 billion in sales each year.1 America’s vast forests – which provide us with everything from building materials to paper products to medical supplies – support manufacturing businesses that employ nearly 1 million people and generate $288 billion in revenue annually, equal to about 4 percent of the entire U.S. manufacturing gross domestic product.2  

Protecting the nation’s natural systems also can help shield communities from the growing droughts, storms, and other threats brought on by the changing climate. Coastal wetlands act as sponges that absorb flood waters and provide American communities with $23 billion in flood protection each year.3 Forests serve as natural water filtration systems, removing pollutants and regulating flows to help ensure clean and abundant drinking water in times of drought. 

A study conducted in Minnesota in 2023 found that for every $1 invested in natural solutions more than $8 in public benefits is created, from disaster risk reduction and improved wildlife habitat to better air quality and healthier soils to grow cops.4 

And nature-based solutions not only keep lands and waters strong, but they also have the added benefit of generating even more jobs and income. One study estimated that environmental restoration projects already account for some 221,000 jobs in the United States and generate almost $25 billion in economic output.5 But that’s just the beginning. A major campaign to plant trees across the nation could create up to 150,000 new jobs a year, triple the number of new jobs created in the oil and gas industries in 2018.  

As we implement these solutions that sustain our nation’s lands and waters, we also bolster their natural ability to remove climate-changing carbon dioxide from the air, securing greater stability for generations to come. Nature-based solutions currently remove 13% of annual greenhouse gas emissions across the United States,6 equal to nearly half of all emissions created by the nation’s planes, trains, and automobiles.7  

A Winning Solution 

Supporting the implementation of these solutions is a winning proposition for decision-makers. A national poll conducted last year on behalf of U.S. Nature4Climate – a coalition of American businesses, conservationists, farmers, ranchers, hunters, and others – found that 94% of voters support the expansion of these natural solutions through legislation and increased public funding at the federal, state, and local levels. That support crosses party lines with 99% of Democrats, 94% of independents, and 89% of Republicans saying they want greater investments in natural solutions. The poll also found that an overwhelming majority – 69% of all voters – are more likely to have a favorable view of Members of Congress who back these solutions.  

It is easy to feel uncertain during these changing times. But nature has provided security and stability across the nation and around the world throughout history.  

Whether it be coastal communities searching for ways to shield themselves from growing storm surges, farmers trying to improve soils for more abundant crops, or fishing industries working to keep waterways healthy and productive, Nature4Communities offers the information decision-makers need to advance nature-based solutions and create a more secure today and tomorrow.

References:

1 Fisheries Economics of the United States Report | NOAA Fisheries
2 Forest Products | US Forest Service Research and Development
3 Nature-Based Solutions
4 EarthEconomics_2023EconomicBenefitsofNaturalClimateSolutions.pdf
5 Estimating the Size and Impact of the Ecological Restoration Economy | PLOS ONE
6 Homepage | US Nature4Climate
7 Sources of Greenhouse Gas Emissions | US EPA

Additional Resources

A new national survey conducted by U.S. Nature4Climate shows that voters across party lines support natural climate solutions more than ever, suggesting fertile ground for bi-partisan cooperation and consensus-building, opening up new avenues for climate action. Learn more.

Explore U.S. Climate Alliance‘s Climate Policy Database.

Explore Nature4Communities, a resource that shows you how nature-based solutions are critical for your community’s well-being and become a better advocate for their implementation.

From Internships to Leadership: Current Job Openings in the U.S. Nature4Climate Coalition

Are you passionate about making a difference in the fight against climate change? The U.S. Nature4Climate coalition, a partnership of 29 environmental organizations, is offering a variety of exciting job opportunities across the country. Whether you’re an experienced professional or just starting your career, there’s a role for you in this dynamic field. Here are some of the current openings:

American Farmland Trust

American Forest Foundation

American Forests

Bipartisan Policy Center

Ceres

Conservation International

Environmental & Energy Study Institute

Environmental Defense Fund

Hispanic Access Foundation

Land Trust Alliance

National Association of Conservation Districts

National Wildlife Federation

Native American Agriculture Fund

Ocean Conservancy

Open Space Institute

  • No current openings

Pew Charitable Trusts

Restore America’s Estuaries

  • No current openings

Savanna Institute

  • No current openings

Soil Health Institute

The Land Institute

The Nature Conservancy

Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership

  • No current openings

Trust for Public Land

U.S. Climate Alliance

U.S. Farmers & Ranchers in Action

  • No current openings

WILDCOAST

  • No current openings

Wildlife Conservation Society

World Resources Institute

These positions offer a unique opportunity to lead strategic initiatives and work alongside dedicated professionals to drive impactful environmental change. If you’re ready to take the next step in your career and make a significant contribution to our planet, consider applying for one of these job opportunities today!

Learn more

Deepen your knowledge of Natural Climate Solutions (NCS) with this free, publicly-available NCS Foundations Course launched by The Nature Conservancy.

U.S. Nature4Climate (USN4C) is a coalition of twenty-eight conservation, environmental, and sustainable business organizations dedicated to ensuring our forests, farms, ranches, grasslands and coastal wetlands are an important part of the overall strategy to combat climate change. Learn more.

See examples of the Natural Climate Solutions work led by USN4C members benefitting different types of communities across the U.S.

States Leading on Climate Action and Other Updates from USN4C

Happy New Year! As we step into 2025, we are filled with hope and determination to make significant strides in climate action. This blog article focuses on the latest updates in Natural Climate Solutions (NCS) across the U.S., showcasing their potential to unite us in addressing climate change.

In this article, you’ll find:

  • Tracking Inflation Reduction Act spending
  • States leading on climate action
  • Recent resources on wildfires, including two scientific deep dives on prescribed burnings
  • A new, free course on NCS to deepen your knowledge and understand the clear path forward for climate action in the U.S.

We hope this article inspires you to explore these critical topics and join us in advancing Natural Climate Solutions. Wishing you a prosperous and impactful year ahead!

Below is a round-up of recent updates from U.S. Nature4Climate members:

Policy Updates:

1. INFLATION REDUCTION ACT TRACKER: Environmental Defense Fund Press Release: Sabin Center, EDF Re-Launch IRA Tracker with Tools for a New Administration

The Environmental Defense Fund collaborated with Columbia Law School‘s Sabin Center for Climate Change Law to re-launch their Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) Tracker with enhanced functionality to address the new Trump administration’s policies.

This interactive tool now includes features to monitor rollbacks, legal actions, and other actions relevant to IRA-funded programs. The tracker provides a comprehensive database summarizing IRA provisions and an action tracker documenting federal agency efforts to implement the IRA. Additionally, it will now track attempts by the Trump administration to roll back IRA programs, such as the executive order pausing disbursements under the IRA.
Explore the tracker here.

2. STATE CLIMATE LEADERSHIP: Center for American Progress Report: States Must Lead the Way on Climate

The new report emphasizes the critical role state governments must play in combating climate change, especially in light of federal policy setbacks. Much of the report focuses on necessary action in the energy and transportation sectors, but it also highlights the need for states to adopt innovative financing mechanisms to support conservation and climate-smart agriculture.

Read it here.

DON’T MISS: 

3. LOCALLY-LED CLIMATE ADAPTATION & RESILIENCE: Environmental & Energy Study Institute Article: EESI on Bringing Locally-Led Climate Adaptation and Resilience to the Federal Stage

This recent article by the Environmental & Energy Study Institute emphasizes the importance of locally-led climate adaptation and resilience efforts, highlighting that frontline communities, which are most affected by climate change, have valuable knowledge and solutions but need federal support to enhance their initiatives. It underscores the need for federal policies to incorporate and support local climate adaptation strategies, ensuring that the most effective and context-specific solutions are implemented to address climate impacts. Read it here.

Feature: Deepen your knowledge of NCS


What exactly are Natural Climate Solutions?

NATURAL CLIMATE SOLUTIONS TRAINING RESOURCES: The Nature ConservancyTraining Resource: NCS Foundations Course
(note: you will need to create a conservationtraining.org account and log in to access the course)

In the current politically divided environment in the U.S., Natural Climate Solutions (NCS) are uniquely positioned to advance climate action due to their overwhelming bipartisan support. According to 2024 research commissioned by USN4C, 94% of voters across party lines favor expanding NCS practices. This broad consensus is rare and highlights the unifying potential of NCS, making them a strategic focus for policymakers seeking common ground. This is why it’s so important now more than ever to fully understand what Natural Climate Solutions are and what are their potential.

The Nature Conservancy has launched a free, publicly-available NCS Foundations Course through its conservationtraining.org platform, offering a comprehensive introduction to Natural Climate Solutions (NCS). The course covers the basics of NCS, various NCS pathways, the process of analyzing the potential benefits of NCS, and how NCS applies to policy, strategy, and implementation.

Explore the course

Forest Updates

1. CALIFORNIA WILDFIRES: World Resources Institute (WRI) Article: 4 Graphics Explain Los Angeles’ Rare and Devastating January Fires

The recent wildfires in Los Angeles, which began in early January 2025, have been unprecedented in their timing and intensity. These fires, including the devastating Palisades and Eaton fires, have displaced tens of thousands and claimed numerous lives.

The WRI article uses data from the Global Forest Watch platform to illustrate the rarity of such early-season fires in California. It highlights the alarming rise in fire alerts and the significant deviation from typical weather patterns, emphasizing the urgent need to address the growing impact of climate change on wildfire frequency and severity. 

For a deeper understanding of the factors contributing to these fires, their broader implications, and how to address this threat in the future, read the full article here.

2. IMPACT OF FOREST THINNING ON WILDFIRE SEVERITY: USDA Forest Service Article: A Flame Without Fuel: When Wildfire Meets Thinned Forests

The USDA Forest Service article emphasizes that forest thinning, which involves removing excess vegetation, is crucial for reducing wildfire intensity and spread. Examples from Southern California demonstrate its effectiveness in creating safer conditions for firefighting and protecting communities, highlighting the importance of proactive forest management for both safety and environmental health. Learn more.

3. SCIENCE DIVE: PRESCRIBED FIRE MANAGEMENT (University of California):Fire Ecology Study: Temporal and Spatial Pattern Analysis of Escaped Prescribed Fires in California from 1991 to 2020

A new University of California-led study, Temporal and Spatial Pattern Analysis of Escaped Prescribed Fires in California from 1991 to 2020, investigates the patterns of escaped prescribed fires to inform better forest management and fuel treatment strategies.

Key points:

  • Improved Planning: Understanding the seasonal and environmental patterns of escaped prescribed fires can help resource managers plan and execute prescribed burns more effectively, reducing the risk of escapes.
  • Enhanced Training: The findings suggest that areas with more frequent prescribed fires have fewer escapes, highlighting the importance of experience and training in managing these burns.
  • Risk Mitigation: Identifying wind speed as a critical factor in fire escapes can lead to better risk assessment and mitigation strategies, ensuring safer prescribed fire practices.

4. SCIENCE DIVE: PUBLIC SUPPORT FOR PRESCRIBED FIRE (California State University): BMC Public Health Study: Perceived WIldfire Risk and Past Experiences with Wildfire Smoke Influence Public Support for Prescribed Burning in the Western Coterminous United States

The study titled “Perceived wildfire risk and past experiences with wildfire smoke influence public support for prescribed burning in the western conterminous United States” explores how people’s experiences with wildfire smoke and their perceptions of wildfire risk affect their support for prescribed burns.

Key findings include:

  • Public Support: About two-thirds of the population supports prescribed burning in general, and more than half support it near their neighborhood.
  • Impact of Smoke Experience: Individuals who have experienced wildfire smoke in the past three years are more likely to support prescribed burns.
  • Perceived Risk: High perceived risk of future smoke impacts is associated with increased support for prescribed burns.

By understanding how past experiences with wildfire smoke and perceived risks influence support for prescribed burning, policymakers can tailor their communication strategies to address public concerns and increase acceptance of prescribed burning as a wildfire mitigation tool. The findings suggest that targeted outreach and education efforts could play a crucial role in gaining public support for prescribed burning, ultimately contributing to more effective wildfire management in the western United States. Read the full study here.

Agriculture Updates

1. PERENNIAL AGRICULTURE: The Land Institute Press Release: Nobel Laureates Call for Perennial Agriculture, “Moonshot Technologies” to Address Global Hunger

A press release from The Land Institute announced that a coalition of 153 Nobel and World Food Prize Laureates has issued a call for significant political and financial support for “Moonshot” initiatives aimed at addressing global hunger and ensuring the long-term health of the planet.

These initiatives focus on transforming agriculture through the development of perennial crops and innovative agricultural technologies. The laureates emphasize the need for concentrated investments in agricultural research and development to tackle challenges such as unpredictable weather, declining food yields, soil degradation, and biodiversity loss. The Land Institute, along with its global partners, is actively working on these solutions to create a sustainable and food-secure future. Learn more.

2. CONSERVATION EASEMENTS & GRASSLAND PROTECTION: USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service Fact Sheet: Inflation Reduction Act in Action: Houston Landowner Chooses Protection Versus Development

A fact sheet released by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (amplified by a Land Trust Alliance article) highlights the importance of conservation easements and grassland conservation, particularly through the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP).

Conserving grasslands supports biodiversity by providing habitats for birds, pollinators, and more. It also helps maintain water quality and soil health, which are crucial for sustainable agriculture. These conservation efforts are vital for the long-term health of the environment and the agricultural economy, benefiting both current and future generations.

3. SCIENCE DIVE: MONITORING & MAPPING REGENERATIVE AGRICULTURE IMPLEMENTATION (Regrow Agriculture): Land Study: Monitoring and Mapping a Decade of Regenerative Agricultural Practices Across the Contiguous United States

The Regrow Agriculture-led study Monitoring and Mapping a Decade of Regenerative Agricultural Practices Across the Contiguous United States, leverages satellite remote sensing to monitor regenerative agriculture practices such as crop rotation, cover cropping, and conservation tillage.  This research provides the first detailed map of these practices over time and across the entire U.S., offering valuable insights for better agricultural management.

The use of satellite remote sensing to monitor regenerative agriculture practices provides valuable data for policymakers to support sustainable agricultural management. The comprehensive mapping and validation of these practices can inform policy decisions on agricultural subsidies, climate resilience, and environmental protection. Read the study.

For monthly updates on the latest successful implementations, funding opportunities, policies, and scientific advancements related to Natural Climate Solutions, be sure to sign up for our newsletter. Click below to subscribe!

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.

(Back to top)

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.

(Back to top)

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.

(Back to top)

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.  

(Back to top)

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:

For monthly updates on the latest successful implementations, funding opportunities, policies, and scientific advancements related to Natural Climate Solutions, be sure to sign up for our newsletter. Click below to subscribe!

Bridging Divides through Natural Climate Solutions: Insights from Commissioner Hilary Franz at New York Climate Week

At New York Climate Week, we had the opportunity to hear from Hilary Franz, Washington State’s Commissioner of Public Lands, as she outlined how Natural Climate Solutions (NCS) are bridging political divides and creating tangible, bipartisan economic and environmental benefits. One of our most important Natural Climate Solutions is protecting the forests, coastal wetlands, and grasslands we already have. In addition to storing carbon, these are the places that make America beautiful, and we owe it to future generations to protect them. They also provide habitat for wildlife and opportunities for hunting, fishing, hiking, and other recreation activities. Additionally, forests cover 800 million acres of land in the United States and can play a key role in addressing climate change. Planting more trees, protecting the trees we already have, and managing our forests to reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfire can help put our forests to work in our efforts to address climate change. With vast responsibilities managing millions of acres of public land, Franz has become a champion for stewarding our natural resources to address climate change while boosting local economies.

Managing Washington’s Natural Resources in the Face of Climate Change

As Commissioner of Public Lands, Franz oversees Washington’s Department of Natural Resources, which is responsible for managing and stewarding 6 million acres of aquatic, forest and agricultural land, restoring federal, state, and private forestland, providing critical funding for schools and communities, supporting recreational access, leading the state’s wildfire response, and overseeing the geological survey for the state. These lands encompass forest, agricultural, and aquatic areas that generate crucial revenue for the state and support jobs in rural communities. However, climate change has severely impacted her ability to manage these resources sustainably.

Picture of family playing in a creek surrounded by trees at Cascade National Park. Natural climate solutions like protecting the lands that make America beautiful must be a priority for climate action.
© Breanna Oakley/TNC Photo Contest 2019

Protecting both lives and livelihoods must be the priority for climate action. Washington’s success has come from uniting stakeholders across political and ideological lines to focus on shared outcomes:
Natural Climate Solutions.

Hilary Franz, Commissioner of Public Lands for the State of Washington

“We’re seeing increasing sea-level rise, ocean acidification that’s decimating our kelp beds, droughts leading to dust storms, and forests under threat from wildfires and disease,” Franz told attendees. Wildfires, once an East-side problem, now plague the wetter, western side of the state. Communities dependent on these natural resources for their livelihoods are facing existential threats due to the compounding effects of climate change.

Franz stressed that protecting both lives and livelihoods must be the priority for climate action. The key to Washington’s success, she emphasized, has been uniting stakeholders across political and ideological lines to focus on shared outcomes—Natural Climate Solutions.

Natural Climate Solutions as an Economic Engine

In 2017, on the heels of catastrophic wildfires, Franz spearheaded Washington’s first Forest Health Plan to restore 1.25 million acres of forests. This plan was developed with broad stakeholder input, including environmental groups, timber industries, and rural communities, and signaled a shift in thinking: climate solutions can also be economic opportunities.

The forest health plan has already paid off. In response to the plan, two of the largest cross-laminated timber facilities in the U.S. opened in Washington. These facilities, which create sustainable wood products from small-diameter trees and waste material, were built within a year and a half of Franz’s announcement—demonstrating that bold commitments can quickly spur investment.

Picture of logged small-diameter trees, which can serve as a natural climate solution (reducing wildfire risk) while providing economic opportunities like jobs in rural communities.
Commissioner Franz’s 2017 Forest Health Plan, developed with input from rural communities, timber industries, and environmental groups, shows that climate solutions can drive economic growth, as seen in the opening of two timber facilities that turn small-diameter trees and waste into sustainable products, reducing wildfire risk.
© Chris Crisman for TNC

Washington’s experience with Natural Climate Solutions, such as reforestation, sustainable agriculture, and biochar production, has led to job creation in areas hit hard by economic downturns. As Franz pointed out, these communities often feel the sting of environmental regulations, which historically limited their economic options. Now, through bipartisan collaboration and federal investments like those from the Inflation Reduction Act, new industries are breathing life into rural economies.

A new biochar facility—breaking ground with $40 million from the Inflation Reduction Act—is set to provide hundreds of jobs in one such community. Biochar production transforms wood waste into carbon-rich material that enhances soil health, offering a promising solution for both climate mitigation and job creation.

Learn more about biochar in Washington

“We’re saving lives and livelihoods,” Franz remarked, adding that Washington’s successful efforts have united the state’s diverse communities across political lines, creating sustainable economic models that both urban and rural residents can support.

Healing Political Divides through Natural Climate Solutions

Washington State’s political landscape mirrors the deep divisions seen across the U.S., with urban and rural areas often holding conflicting views on environmental policies. Yet, Franz highlighted how Natural Climate Solutions can bridge these divides, emphasizing that they are key to achieving bipartisan climate action.

“We have to bring people together, rural and urban, conservative and liberal, if we’re going to make real progress,” Franz said. By emphasizing the economic benefits of Natural Climate Solutions—such as job creation, community stability, and resource management—Washington has been able to move forward despite political differences.

Wheat fields in Washington state. Natural Climate Solutions like climate-smart agriculture have the power to bridge political divides by uniting rural and urban communities around shared economic and environmental benefits.
Natural Climate Solutions have had the power to bridge political divides in Washington State by uniting urban and rural communities, as well as conservatives and liberals, around shared economic and environmental benefits, enabling bipartisan climate action. © Quyen Phan/TNC Photo Contest 2022

Franz noted that environmental policies historically hurt rural economies by prioritizing conservation over job creation. For example, the spotted owl controversy in the 1990s, which significantly limited timber harvesting, slashed the operating budgets of many Washington counties by more than half. The economic devastation bred resentment that still lingers today.

However, Franz and her team have shown that it doesn’t have to be a choice between jobs and the environment. Washington’s forest health plan demonstrates that restoring ecosystems can also generate revenue and support rural economies. “We’re proving that Climate Solutions—natural ones—can protect rural lives and livelihoods,” she emphasized.

A National Blueprint for Bipartisan Climate Action

Franz’s success in Washington offers valuable lessons for federal policymakers. First, Natural Climate Solutions, when implemented strategically, can address environmental challenges while spurring economic growth in struggling rural areas. These solutions also provide a way to unite communities and bridge political divides—something essential in today’s polarized political climate.

Franz’s message to policymakers was clear: Natural Climate Solutions are a critical tool for addressing both the climate crisis and economic instability. With appropriate support, these solutions can be scaled up nationwide to create resilient communities, restore natural landscapes, and stimulate job growth across rural America.

As U.S. policymakers look to replicate successful climate strategies at the federal level, Washington’s approach to Natural Climate Solutions offers a compelling model—one that delivers measurable benefits for both the economy and the environment, all while bringing together stakeholders from across the political spectrum.

Conclusion

Hilary Franz’s leadership in Washington shows how Natural Climate Solutions can turn environmental challenges into economic opportunities while fostering unity in divided communities. For U.S. policymakers, her message serves as a reminder that solutions to climate change are within reach—and that they can be pursued in ways that benefit both people and the planet.

Key Takeaways for U.S. Policymakers:

  • Natural Climate Solutions, like reforestation and sustainable agriculture, offer significant job creation and economic benefits in rural areas.
  • Broad stakeholder collaboration—across political, ideological, and economic divides—ensures success.
  • Federal policies, including the Inflation Reduction Act, play a vital role in supporting these solutions and scaling them up nationally.

By continuing to champion Natural Climate Solutions, U.S. policymakers can help address the urgent challenges of climate change while supporting economic recovery and fostering bipartisan cooperation.

Related Reading

As the 2024 election draws near, bipartisan support for Natural Climate Solutions (NCS) is rising, offering a powerful path forward in the fight against climate change. Recent polling reveals that voters across party lines back efforts to protect forests, farmlands, and wetlands, signaling a unique opportunity for policymakers to drive impactful, cost-effective solutions. Discover how NCS is uniting diverse sectors—from agriculture to forestry—and bridging political divides to create a sustainable future.
Read more.

What is biochar and how can it be a tool to improve timber practices and reduce carbon emissions? The Lands Council partnered with the Kalispel Tribe of Indians and others on a pilot project to reduce forest fuels and transform them to beneficial biochar. Learn more.

A USN4C-commissioned June 2024 poll of 1,000 registered voters in the U.S. revealed that 94% support funding and laws to expand implementation of NCS. Explore a short 2-pager that walks through some of the most attention-grabbing numbers from the poll.

United for Climate: Broad Based Support for Natural Climate Solutions in the U.S.

CLICK TO READ ARTICLE'S KEY POINTS
  • Bipartisan Support for NCS is Growing – Recent polling shows overwhelming support for Natural Climate Solutions across political parties, indicating a significant opportunity for bipartisan climate action in the U.S.
  • The REPLANT Act as a Model for Success – The REPLANT Act’s passage demonstrates that bipartisan collaboration on climate solutions is achievable, especially when framed around fiscally responsible policies that benefit the environment and the economy.
  • Flexibility in NCS Implementation – The broad array of policy options within NCS allows for tailored solutions across different regions, offering policymakers a “menu” of strategies that can align with local priorities and constituents’ needs.
  • Farmers Play a Vital Role in Climate Action – Agriculture can be a key player in reducing climate impacts, with farmer-driven initiatives showing that sustainable practices not only benefit the environment but also enhance the financial viability of farms.
  • NCS Can Bridge Political and Economic Divides – NCS policies, such as Washington State’s Forest Health Plan, show that environmental protection can simultaneously create jobs and economic growth, helping to unite rural and urban communities around shared benefits.

As the 2024 U.S. election approaches, the urgency for effective climate action is more apparent than ever. With Natural Climate Solutions (NCS) gaining bipartisan support, representatives from government, nonprofits, and corporations convened during New York Climate Week to discuss the future of NCS in the United States. Co-hosted by U.S. Nature4Climate (USN4C) and the Environmental & Energy Study Institute (EESI), the event titled “United for Change: Broad-Based Support for Natural Climate Solutions in the U.S.” brought together policy experts, advocates, and stakeholders from across the nation to explore strategies for accelerating NCS implementation.

Watch full event recording below:

A Bipartisan Opportunity for Climate Action

The event opened with remarks from Dan Bresette, President of EESI, who highlighted the importance of educating policymakers on climate solutions. Bresette underscored EESI’s mission to provide resources that inform decision-makers about policies tied to climate change mitigation and resilience, including the equitable implementation of Natural Climate Solutions. He praised USN4C for their dedicated work with a coalition of 29 organizations, all focused on advancing NCS strategies.

Nathan Henry, Director of USN4C, spoke next, unveiling polling data that illustrated the broad, bipartisan support for NCS among American voters. A USN4C-commissioned June 2024 poll of 1,000 registered voters in the U.S. revealed that 94% support funding and laws to expand implementation of NCS, with 89% of Republicans, 94% of independents, and 99% of Democrats in favor. Moreover, over half of voters (55%) strongly support investing in NCS – with a notable increase on this measure among Republicans, rising from 22% in 2022 to 46% in 2024.

Diverse Approaches to NCS Implementation

Henry outlined various policy approaches that appeal to different regions and sectors, emphasizing the flexibility of NCS strategies. From wildfire management to coastal resilience and technical assistance for farmers, every proposal in the poll garnered overwhelming support from both Democrats and Republicans. Henry stressed that this wide array of policy options offers members of Congress a “menu” of choices to act on NCS in ways that align with their constituents’ needs and priorities.

The REPLANT Act: A Blueprint for Bipartisan Climate Action

Photo by Adrienne Egolf/TNC

Alix Murdoch, Senior Policy Advisor for Natural Climate Solutions (NCS) at The Nature Conservancy, emphasized the critical role of forests in addressing the U.S.’s climate challenges. Reforestation, a key NCS, can contribute 5% toward the nation’s climate mitigation—part of the broader 20% that NCS can offer. Murdoch highlighted how the REPLANT Act serves as a prime example of how Natural Climate Solutions (NCS) can help advance climate policy in Congress with bipartisan support.

Murdoch explained that, in 2018, the U.S. Forest Service faced significant challenges in reforesting National Forests affected by wildfires and other disturbances, which had repercussions for drinking water quality, outdoor recreation, local jobs, and the forests’ ability to sequester carbon dioxide. Due to limited funding, millions of acres remained deforested. The REPLANT Act addressed this gap, increasing reforestation funding by $100 million annually without raising taxes, which gained bipartisan support.

What Made the REPLANT Act a Bipartisan Triumph?

The journey of the REPLANT Act’s passage through Congress demonstrates how bipartisan collaboration can lead to effective, fiscally responsible solutions. Through extensive research, Murdoch and other advocates were able to find a way to increase funding for reforestation by over $100 million annually without increasing taxes. This fiscally responsible solution was key in garnering support from members of both parties. By ensuring the reforestation efforts were not only financially sustainable but also ecologically sound, the bill gained traction.

The REPLANT Act’s success was also rooted in its inclusive approach. Advocates consulted with a diverse set of stakeholders, including the Evangelical Environmental Network and the National Wildlife Federation, to incorporate their ideas and strengthen the proposal. This broad base of support allowed the REPLANT Act to evolve into a bipartisan blueprint for action, ultimately being included in the bi-partisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. This alignment of economic, environmental, and social goals helped bridge political divides and promote the shared benefits of reforestation.

“So that’s a story of how you go from a great idea, that you don’t know how to do, and  you turn it into something that’s bipartisan.”

Alix Murdoch, Senior Policy Advisor at TNC

With over 100 million acres of land still available for responsible reforestation across public and private lands, the blueprint established by the REPLANT Act offers a scalable model for future climate action that can attract broad political and public support.

Building a Bridge Between Agriculture and Sustainability

Photo by Adrienne Egolf/TNC

Michael Crinion, a dairy farmer from South Dakota and the Chair of U.S. Farmers and Ranchers in Action (USFRA), shared his insights on how agriculture can play a key role in Natural Climate Solutions. “We’re always talking in silos,” Crinion said, “but it’s by working together that we can make a positive change to the environment. And I’m glad to see that a lot of people are now realizing that agriculture can be part of the solution.”

Crinion emphasized the importance of inviting farmers into sustainability conversations early and ensuring that policies work on the ground. He pointed out that while many policies aim to make farming more sustainable, they often overlook the practical realities that farmers face. “What works in Missouri might not work in South Dakota,” Crinion explained, noting that farmers must be empowered to adapt sustainability practices to their specific environments.

By doing programs that are farmer-led, we have, over the last five years, seen a 31% reduction in nitrogen use, a 61% reduction in phosphorus leachate, and a 53% reduction in sediment going into rivers and streams. But this has to be farmer-led because for farming to be sustainable, it has to be financially sustainable first. And the farmers are the ones that know their land.

Michael Crinion, Chair of U.S. Farmers and Ranchers in Action and Managing Partner at Ash Grove Dairy

Through USFRA and Edge Dairy Cooperative, Crinion has championed programs that are farmer-led, allowing producers to take ownership of climate-smart practices. He highlighted the results of these programs involving 17 farms across four Midwestern states, where farmers achieved a 31% reduction in nitrogen use, a 61% reduction in phosphorus leachate, and a 53% reduction in sediment entering rivers and streams. These improvements not only benefit the environment but also make farms more financially viable, which is crucial for long-term sustainability.

“We’re finding that farmers can achieve the same production while lowering their costs, which is financially advantageous to them,” Crinion said, emphasizing that environmental and economic sustainability must go hand-in-hand.

Crinion’s remarks echoed a central theme of the event: the need for bipartisan solutions that bridge the gap between environmental goals and the needs of rural communities. As agriculture moves toward becoming a carbon sink, Crinion believes that the key to success lies in collaborative, farmer-driven initiatives.

Addressing Washington State’s Climate Challenges Through Natural Solutions

Photo by Adrienne Egolf/TNC

Hilary Franz, Commissioner of Public Lands for Washington State, shared an impassioned account of how Natural Climate Solutions (NCS) are transforming the state’s approach to climate change, highlighting her unique perspective from overseeing 6 million acres of public lands since 2016. She discussed Washington’s success in bridging political divides by emphasizing NCS that prot© Diane Cook and Len Jenshel for TNCect the environment while generating economic opportunities. “For too long, environmental laws and protections have come at the cost of jobs and community stability. But we’re proving that NCS will protect the lives and livelihoods of those in rural areas.” She also pointed to the innovative Forest Health Plan, which aims to restore 1.25 million acres of forest over the next 20 years, remarking, “We brought together groups that had been at odds for years,” underscoring the importance of partnerships in achieving large-scale reforestation goals.

Healing Political Divides through Natural Climate Solutions

Washington State’s political landscape reflects deep divisions seen nationwide, with urban and rural areas often holding conflicting views on environmental policies. However, Franz illustrated how NCS can bridge these divides. Franz noted that environmental policies have historically harmed rural economies. For example, the spotted owl controversy in the 1990s significantly limited timber harvesting, slashing the operating budgets of many counties. However, Franz and her team have demonstrated that protecting jobs and the environment is not mutually exclusive. Washington’s Forest Health Plan illustrates that restoring ecosystems can generate revenue while supporting rural economies.

Creating Economic Opportunity through Climate Action

In addition to bridging divides, Franz highlighted several success stories from Washington’s NCS efforts, including the opening of two of the country’s largest mass timber facilities, which were established as part of the state’s forest restoration efforts. These facilities promote sustainable forestry practices and create hundreds of jobs in rural communities. The state is also investing in biochar production to transform waste wood into valuable resources. By highlighting the economic benefits of climate solutions—such as job creation and effective resource management—Washington has advanced despite political differences.

Closing Thoughts

The event set the stage for an in-depth discussion about scaling NCS efforts. With the 2024 election approaching, the insights shared at this event could play a pivotal role in shaping how the U.S. government moves forward on climate action, particularly in ensuring that NCS receives the funding and attention it needs to meet the nation’s climate goals.

With the growing political will and public backing, Natural Climate Solutions can become a cornerstone of U.S. climate policy, complementing needed efforts to decarbonize the energy and transportation sectors. The challenge now is to turn this momentum into actionable strategies that benefit both the environment and communities across the country.

Additional Resources

Explore a short 2-pager that walks through some of the most attention-grabbing numbers from the poll.

Equip yourself with messages to help you advocate on behalf of Natural Climate Solutions.

See examples of Natural Climate Solutions in Action.

Harnessing the Power of Land Conservation to Tackle Climate Change

CLICK TO READ ARTICLE'S KEY POINTS
  • Land conservation is a critical and cost-effective climate solution that delivers significant environmental, social, and health benefits.
  • Protecting existing carbon-rich landscapes should be a top priority, as they offer the greatest and most immediate mitigation potential and co-benefits.
  • Land conservation enhances community resilience, supporting clean air, water, biodiversity, and public health, while also fighting climate change.
  • Real-world examples prove that land conservation works, with measurable benefits to communities and ecosystems, including carbon sequestration, water protection, and habitat restoration.
  • Now is the time to act on land conservation, utilizing data, tools, and community partnerships to scale up efforts in the fight against climate change. Read more below.

“Every acre conserved is more than just land; it’s a commitment to the future.” That’s the theme of a new report by the Land and People Lab at Trust for Public Land. The new report makes case that land conservation is a cost effective, high impact natural climate solution (NCS) that delivers multiple benefits at scale. The Power of Land Conservation to Address the Climate Crisis synthesizes the latest science around how conservation delivers quantifiable benefits across five distinct areas: carbon storage, water, air, biodiversity, and human health. It then lays out compelling case studies highlighting real-world conservation projects across the U.S that are delivering these benefits. And finally, it ends with a call to action: 

With a clear understanding that land conservation can help protect our climate—and our communities—now is the time to act. Through meaningful engagement with communities and advocacy for increased funding and innovative policies, the conservation community can play a central role in tackling the climate crisis while building healthier, more equitable, and more resilient communities nationwide.

“The report elevates land conservation to its rightful place as a critical climate solution and calls the entire conservation community to action. With new data and tools, we have what we need. The time to act is now.”

Abigail Weinberg, Senior Director of Conservation Science & Planning
at the Open Space Institute.

Quantifying the Impact: Conservation as a Climate Solution

When it comes to climate solutions, land conservation – a tradition in the U.S. that dates back to the 1800s and beyond – is often left out of the conversation. However conserved lands like forests, wetlands, and grasslands serve as vital carbon sinks. U.S. forests currently absorb nearly 13 percent of the nation’s annual greenhouse gas emissions. Across all natural landscapes, carbon storage and sequestration capacity is immense: Wetlands in the lower 48 states store over 11 billion metric tons (11 gigatons) of carbon—representing one of the highest carbon stocks as measured on a per-acre basis. Coastal ecosystems, such as tidal marshes and mangroves, can sequester carbon ten times faster than tropical rainforests; and grassland carbon is often touted as one of the most secure carbon vaults because the carbon is stored belowground where it is less vulnerable to wildfire and other natural disturbances. But these natural lands are under threat. 

According to Global Forest Watch, between 2001 and 2022, the U.S. lost 113 million acres of tree cover—a 17 percent decrease. Our wetlands are also disappearing or are being degraded, and research has shown that carbon stocks are often lower in wetlands that have seen major human disturbances. 

That’s why leading research by Susan Cook Patton et al. note that “counter to an emerging preference for restoration,” protecting carbon-rich landscapes should often be the top NCS priority based on “(1) the magnitude and (2) immediacy of mitigation potential, as well as (3) cost-effectiveness and (4) the co-benefits they offer.”

Conserved lands like forests, wetlands, and grasslands serve as vital carbon sinks. © Tom Ingram/TNC Photo Contest 2023
Photo of a forest in a conserved area in Maine help tackle climate change as forests absorb nearly 13% of the nation's annual greenhouse gas emissions.U.S. forests currently absorb nearly 13 percent of the nation’s annual greenhouse gas emissions. © Nick Hall for TNC
Conserving coastal wetlands like the tidal marsh pictured here, can sequester carbon ten times faster than tropical rainforests, acting as a powerful Natural Climate Solution.Coastal ecosystems, such as tidal marshes and mangroves, can sequester carbon ten times faster than tropical rainforests. © Alita Films
Picture of grassland with three deers at sunset to emphasize that land conservation, like grassland conservation, is a secure carbon vault and important for biodiversity.Grassland carbon is often touted as one of the most secure carbon vaults because the carbon is stored belowground where it is less vulnerable to wildfire and other natural disturbances. © Sonja Brandt/TNC Photo Contest 2023

The Broader Impact: Air, Water, Health and Biodiversity

The benefits of land conservation extend beyond carbon sequestration. Conserved lands significantly improve air quality, with U.S. trees and forests removing 17.4 million tons of air pollution in 2010 alone—yielding health benefits valued at $6.8 billion. Additionally, around 83 million people in the U.S. rely on forested watersheds for clean drinking water. However, these water resources are increasingly threatened by urbanization and climate change.

Biodiversity is another critical area where land conservation has a measurable impact. A 2023 analysis by NatureServe, one of the leading biodiversity conservation nonprofits in North America, shows that 40 percent of animals, 34 percent of plants, and 40 percent of ecosystems nationwide are at risk. It further noted that land conversion is a major deter­minant of the numbers of U.S. species and ecosystems at risk, with grasslands and wetlands being most affected. Land conservation provides essential habitats; Time and again, rare and threatened species have begun to flourish when given space and protection afforded by conserved lands that protect important habitats and maintain ecosystem stability.

Case Studies: Real-World Success Stories

The report features several case studies that underscore the benefits of real-world land conservation projects. In Northern California, Trust for Public Land supported the Yurok Tribe in land back conservation efforts that are storing over 20,000 metric tons of carbon annually, equivalent to the emissions from burning over 8 million gallons of gasoline. Meanwhile, in Whitefish, Montana, the conservation of 3,000 acres of timberland not only protects the city’s previously threatened drinking water supply but also sequesters nearly 500 tons of carbon each year—equivalent to avoiding the burning of 1.2 billion pounds of coal. Additional case studies highlight biodiversity benefits from a conservation project in New Mexico and community and climate benefits of community forests in Northern New England. 

The Path Forward: Scaling Up Land Conservation

The urgency of the climate crisis demands a strategic approach to land conservation. The report calls for a renewed focus on protecting carbon-rich landscapes and involving local communities and Indigenous groups in these efforts. By utilizing tools such as online mapping to identify priority areas and designing conservation easements that enhance carbon sequestration, we can maximize the climate benefits of land conservation.

Land conservation is a powerful tool in our climate action toolkit. By protecting and restoring natural landscapes, we can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enhance community resilience and public health, and preserve biodiversity. The numbers speak for themselves: land conservation is not just a moral obligation—it’s a strategic imperative for tackling the climate crisis.

Explore More: For a deeper dive into the power of land conservation in addressing the climate crisis, read the full report by the Trust for Public Land here.

Additional Reading

Explore our Conservation Is Climate Action campaign.

Learn about the Pacific Northwest Resilient Landscape Initiative.

Learn more about Trust for Public Land.