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.
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:
Research by the Soil Health Institute demonstrates that employing soil health management practices on farms can provide clear financial benefits for farmers.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
“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.
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.
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 theREPLANT 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
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.
New York Climate Week is just around the corner, and this year, Natural Climate Solutions (NCS) are taking center stage in critical discussions on climate action. From advancing forest restoration to corporate commitments on biodiversity and policy-driven solutions, a wide array of events will showcase how NCS can play a vital role in reducing emissions, protecting ecosystems, and enhancing resilience across the U.S. and beyond. Whether you’re a policymaker, business leader, or climate advocate, there’s something for everyone. Here’s a roundup of the key events focused on Natural Climate Solutions that you won’t want to miss, including panels, forums, and discussions featuring diverse voices from various sectors.
Table of Contents:
Quick Reference Listing of Events (Sorted by Organization)
PARKS & EQUITY: September 23 (8am-9:30am ET): In-person event: Great Parks Should Not Uproot Communities. TPL New York Office, 632 Broadway, Suite 902. Join TPL & NYC Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue for coffee and to explore Trust for Public Land’s latest research findings on green gentrification—the influx of more affluent residents and capital into underserved communities due to new green spaces—and the risk of displacement that can follow. The event will delve into TPL’s new green paper, Great Parks Should Not Uproot Communities: Green Gentrification Risk Factors & Anti-Displacement Options. Speakers include Sue Donoghue, Commissioner of the NYC Department of Parks & Recreation and Linda Hwang, TPL’s Senior Director of Strategy & Innovation. RSVP here.
BROAD-BASED SUPPORT FOR NATURAL CLIMATE SOLUTIONS: September 23 (12-1pm ET): Nature Hub – 101 Park Avenue (In-Person Only): United for Climate: Broad-Based Support for Natural Climate Solutions in the U.S.: During this event, sponsored by U.S. Nature4Climate (USN4C) and the Environmental & Energy Study Institute (EESI), USN4C staff will present the results of recent polling highlighting broad support for NCS, revealing that Americans overwhelmingly favor a broad array of policies and practices that can be utilized to implement these strategies, and providing research-informed messaging recommendations for NCS advocates. Then, a diverse panel will demonstrate the broad support for strategies that can scale up NCS implementation from a variety of different perspectives – each invited to detail how a specific strategy can help the U.S. meet its climate goals, why NCS has broad support among their constituency, and what can be done to help scale up implementation. The event will wrap with a Q&A for the expert panel. Register here. Note that the event is at capacity, but registering will ensure that you receive links to the event recording and our post-event write-up.
Moderator
Daniel Bresette, President, Environmental & Energy Study Institute
Speakers:
Nathan Henry, Director, U.S. Nature4Climate
Alix Murdoch, Senior Policy Advisor, The Nature Conservancy
Michael Crinion, Chair, U.S. Farmers & Ranchers in Action and Partner, Ash Grove Dairy
Hilary Franz, Public Lands Commissioner, State of Washington
World Resources Institute
FOOD SYSTEMS: September 23 (12-1pm ET): Fork in the Road: Navigating New Paths for Food Systems. Nature Hub, 101 Park Avenue. Improving food production. Reducing food loss and waste. Consuming healthy and sustainable diets. Feeding the world’s population and creating a sustainable food future for all will require significant shifts in the way we produce and consume food. We know that food-related emissions alone are projected to exceed targets to limit warming to 1.5°C without changes to the current global food system. Transforming food and agriculture will involve a combination of supply- and demand-side shifts to equitably and nutritiously feed 10 billion people on fewer hectares of land, with fewer GHG emissions, and without harming biodiversity. Experts will discuss how companies, NGOs, and investors can work together to break down silos and develop food and agricultural solutions within and across sectors. Such cross-cutting shifts must address both production and consumption, climate and biodiversity impacts, health and equity concerns, and beyond. Co-hosted by the Bezos Earth Fund and World Resources Institute, this conversation will be informed by forthcoming insights from Systems Change Lab on the shifts needed to transform food and agriculture. Join waitlist here.
CLIMATE, AI, & REMOTE SENSING: September 23 (3-4pm ET): Harnessing AI and Satellite Monitoring for a Nature-Positive Future. Nature Hub (Chrysler Forum), 101 Park Avenue. New breakthroughs in artificial intelligence and satellite monitoring are transforming the way we understand, and protect, the world around us. In this series of rapid-fire talks, you’ll hear from some of the world’s leading AI, geospatial monitoring and conservation experts, as they discuss the future of geospatial monitoring and cutting-edge innovations paving the way for a nature-positive economy. Hear how the Bezos Earth Fund is bringing together innovators across climate, nature, and AI to create solutions that will deliver a healthier planet for all. Learn how organizations like Google and Meta are partnering with WRI and Land & Carbon Lab to develop groundbreaking new AI powered data and tools that will provide unprecedented transparency about what’s happening to the world’s land and nature-based carbon anywhere on the planet, at any time. Plus, learn how you can use this information to achieve ambitious net zero and sustainability targets. Join waitlist here.
Pew Charitable Trusts
NETWORKING EVENT: September 23 (5:30-10pm ET): Public In-Person Event: Climate Night Live (with Canary Media). 44 Charlton Street. On stage: Talk-show style programming co-hosted by Canary journalists with top clean energy experts, policymakers, advocates, and philanthropic leaders. Expect engaging discussions, musical performances, and interactive segments showcasing climate solutions. Confirmed guests: John Kerry, 68th U.S. Secretary of State; Alex Honnold, founder at the Honnold Foundation and professional adventure rock climber; Dana Clare Redden, founder at Solar Stewards Nicole Kelner, founder at Arts and Climate Change; Tom Dillon, senior vice president, head of environment at The Pew Charitable Trusts; Ben Wolkon of MUUS Climate Partners and his band. Off stage: The event will kick off with a reception starting at 5:30 p.m., and there will be plenty of time for drinks, hors d’oeuvres, and socializing. This is an invite-only event with limited space. Please click on the ‘Get Tickets’ button to put your name on the waitlist for an opportunity to attend if space opens up. The event will also be livestreamed on Canary Media’s YouTube. Click here to join waitlist.
World Resources Institute
CORRECTED:CLIMATE ACTION IN THE U.S.: September 23 (6-9pm ET): Networking Event —Progress No Matter What: Continued Climate Action in The States. Loreley Beer Garden, 7 Rivington St. Please join Climate Cabinet, Data for Progress, Evergreen Collaborative, the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators, and World Resources Institute for a happy hour featuring state and local leaders alongside partners across the climate movement for a discussion on how to advance bold state action. After four years of historic climate progress under the Biden-Harris administration, states have more tools than ever before to act on climate and deliver for communities. As we look ahead to the next phase of climate action, come hear how states are poised to innovate, accelerate, and continue delivering on climate for the next 40 years and beyond. Register here — limited space.
PARKS & EQUITY: September 24 (8:30am ET): In-person event: Climate Week Queens Way Walking Tour. Meet at Stop & Shop, 8989 Union Turnpike, Queens. This tour will highlight the transformative power of reimagining underutilized urban spaces to address the outdoor equity gap for a greener future. Immersed in the dynamic neighborhood of Queens, you’ll explore our ongoing efforts to convert an abandoned LIRR line into a thriving 47-acre park and cultural greenway. We’ll discuss how projects like this are vital to achieving a sustainable and low-carbon future, while also enhancing community connectivity and green space accessibility. RSVP here.
U.S. Farmers & Ranchers in Action:
AGRICULTURAL NATURAL CLIMATE SOLUTIONS: September 24 (10am-12noon) — U.S. Farmers & Ranchers in Action: Webinar – Agriculture’s Potential to Become a Carbon Sink. This event will highlight agriculture’s crucial role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Speakers will include farmers and scientists who will share real world experience and explore the scientific principles underlying farming practices and progress being made in reducing GHG emissions. Speakers include Marilyn Hershey, Farmer & Chair, Dairy Management, Inc.; Dr. Chuck Rice, Kansas State University, Doug Berven, VP of Corporate Affairs, POET; Dr. Hanna Birge, Senior Scientist, Food & Water, The Nature Conservancy, and Dr. Marty Matlock, University of Arkansas. Register here.
Wildlife Conservation Society
CONSERVATION & CLIMATE ACTION: September 24 (10am-12pm ET): In-Person Event: Are Wild Animals the Unsung Heroes of Climate Action?. New York Times Building, 620 8th Avenue Offices of Seyfarth Shaw, LLC, #33, Floor 1. Animals are often ignored in climate action plans, but recent evidence shows that some wild animal species play a massive role in natural carbon sequestration. From whales and sharks to elephants and wolves, beavers and sea otters, iconic species from around the world are the unsung heroes of climate action – acting as carbon cycle engineers who can supercharge the effectiveness of natural climate solutions. But we need the money, policies and projects to make this happen. How are conservation agencies making their operations climate sensitive, so they can deliver benefits for nature, climate, and people? How can finance providers step up to invest in wildlife conservation as a long-term, large-scale climate solution?
Panelists include ecologist Matteo Rizzuto; Monica Medina, Senior Fellow, Conservation International and former U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Oceans and the Environment; Vance Martin, President Emeritus, Wilderness Foundation Global; Jimmiel Mandima; VP of Global Programs at IFAW; Julie McCarthy, Co-CEO of NatureFinance; Diana Denke, Co-Founder and CEO, Fair Carbon; and Paula Francisco Coelho, Secretary of State for Climate Action and Sustainable Development, Republic of Angola. Register here.
U.S. Climate Alliance & Doris Duke Foundation
STATE NCS LEADERSHIP: September 24 (10:30-11:30am ET) – with Doris Duke Foundation & JM Kaplan Fund: Advancing State Leadership on Natural and Working Lands: A Discussion at Climate Week NYC. Convene Chrysler Forum, 101 Park Avenue. States are leading the charge to harness America’s natural and working lands to achieve our climate goals and secure a clean and resilient net-zero future. In communities throughout the country, natural and working lands like farms, forests, wetlands, and coastal areas are providing critical climate benefits – such as sequestering carbon, mitigating floods, and reducing urban heat. At this session, top state officials from across the U.S. Climate Alliance will highlight how governors are advancing next-generation policies on natural and working lands, leveraging historic federal funding to accelerate action, and building resilient communities and ecosystems. Register here.
CORPORATE BIODIVERSITY ACTION: September 24 (3-4:30pm ET) – Nature Action 100: Ramping Up Private Sector Action to Meet Global Biodiversity Goals. In the run-up to COP16, Nature Action 100 is co-hosting an event at Climate Week New York City 2024 to discuss the crucial role of the private sector in achieving global nature action goals. This invite-only event will highlight how Nature Action 100, an investor-led engagement initiative, supports companies in meeting these goals through catalyzing action on nature and biodiversity loss. Participants will hear from Nature Action 100 investors and experts who will dive into important and timely topics. The event will conclude with a networking reception. This event is invitation only, but Ceres provides a link for requesting an invitation to the event.
World Resources Institute
FOOD SYSTEM CLIMATE EMISSIONS: September 24 (4-6pm ET): Networking Event —Step Up Your Plate: A Mixer to Help the Food Industry Cut Emissions.. Pier Sixty, 60 Chelsea Pier. Join us on September 24th, from 4-6pm at Pier 60, as industry experts discuss real-world solutions to reduce the food and beverage industry’s emissions using delicious, research-backed strategies. Speakers include leaders from the New York City Mayor’s Office of Food Policy, Aramark, World Resources Institute, US Tennis Association, and more! Panelists will discuss how to operationalize behavior change strategies in food-service settings, and offer perspectives from the journey of tackling food-related emissions. Guests will also hear insights from WRI’s new “Food Service Playbook for Promoting Sustainable Food Choices,” which features 90 techniques to sell more plant-rich menu items. Programming will be followed by a round of structured speed networking.
Drinks and bites will be served. This event is brought to you by Coolfood, an initiative of WRI. It’s co-hosted by the NYC Mayor’s Office of Food Policy’s Plant-Powered Carbon Challenge and The Sustainable Restaurant Association, with speakers from Aramark, US Tennis Association, and WRI. Registration required – register here.
AG & FOREST CLIMATE RESILIENCE: September 25 (8-10:30am ET) – Hybrid Event: Responding to Climate Disruption of Agriculture: Landscape Approaches for Resilient Farms and Forests (with IDH) and the Forest Positive Coalition of the Consumer Goods Forum). Harvard Club, 35 W. 44th St. Forest protection and regeneration can mitigate global climate change and stabilize supply, as agricultural production flourishes in a healthy and thriving local ecosystem. Savvy food value chain decision-makers are investing early in testing resilient production models at landscape level so that they can be scaled to bigger sourcing areas, end deforestation and reduce supply and business risks. This unique event hosted by IDH, the Forest Positive Coalition of the Consumer Goods Forum and the World Resources Institute will dive into solutions to supply risks in key tropical commodities -palm oil, beef, cocoa and coffee, and explore how landscape-level action can protect and regenerate forests, and support climate-friendly production of these commodities. Panelists include: Emily Kunen, Senior Director, Agriculture and Forests, PepsiCo; Kevin Rabinovitch, Chief Climate Officer, Mars; Wanjora Mathai, Africa Director, WRI. Moderator: Anna Bressanin, Senior Editor, BBC.Register here.
AGRICULTURAL METHANE:September 25 (9am-1pm ET): Hybrid Public Event: From Ambition to Action: Solutions for Lower-Methane Livestock. Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), in partnership with Cornell University, will be hosting a special half-day event at New York Climate Week this year titled “Climate Solutions for Sustainable Livestock.” This event will bring together innovators, scientists, and policymakers to discuss solutions for further reducing methane emissions from animal agriculture, focusing on the need for collaborative research and innovation across the agriculture sector, effective policy levers for supporting implementation at the farm level, and elevating animal health as a pathway for securing a triple win for farmers, food security, and the climate. Register here (note registration link currently goes to EDF website).
CARBON CREDITS: September 25 (10-11am ) – Carbon Credits Forward.Nest Climate Campus. 425 11th Avenue.Although progress has been made, the world is still not on track to reach net zero by 2050 which is essential for meeting global climate goals. Surpassing 1.5°C of global warming implies dangerous and widespread impacts on earth. We are currently on track for 2.7°C. Time is no longer a luxury the world has to close this climate ambition gap. The reality is clear: we need all hands on deck to use every ready, proven and scalable tool now. In this session, NGOs, private sector, scientists, and carbon leaders come together to discuss how to create a VCM purpose designed for the global net zero movement and how innovation in finance, science and collaboration can help us build up the mechanisms that will help the world achieve our shared climate goals. Register here.
Trust for Public Land & World Resources Institute
URBAN CLIMATE SOLUTIONS: September 25 (10am-12pm ET): In-person event: Ross Center Prize for Cities Learning Event. Apella, 450 E. 29th Street. The World Resources Institute will be holding a Q&A discussion with its 2024 Ross Cities Prize finalists. These finalists—which consist of initiatives from cities around the world—have been nominated for their impact in accelerating the urban sustainable transition. In this learning event, the finalist groups will share lessons and insights from their projects with the public. This free public event offers a rare chance to hear directly from the visionary leaders behind these initiatives. The 5 finalists — chosen from hundreds of global submissions—represent diverse approaches to urban sustainability. Among the finalists is Trust for Public Land’s Green Community Schoolyards program. Register here.
The Nature Conservancy
PUBLIC SUPPORT FOR NATURAL CLIMATE SOLUTIONS: September 25 (1-2pm) – The Polls Are In and It’s Nature for the Win. Nest Climate Campus. 425 11th Avenue. The science is clear that we can’t meet our climate goals without nature—but where does the voting public stand on natural climate solutions? Recent national surveys about natural climate solutions in Brazil, Canada and the U.S. led by TNC provide important lessons for policymakers about broad public support for NCS in three unique geographies and political and economic scenarios. The event will cover how to talk about the benefits of NCS in a way that resonates for people across the ideological spectrum; which pathways and outcomes are most salient for local communities; how to build support among the most skeptical audiences, and more, based on results of the most recent USN4C U.S. poll (July 2024), a Nature United poll (June 2024) and Brazil poll (August 2024). Register here. Note that this event will feature a discussion of USN4C’s 2024 national survey.
Trust for Public Land
HEALTH & COMMUNITY BENEFITS OF PARKS: September 25 (1pm ET): Virtual event: Democracy Happens Outside: Leveraging Parks for Community Connection and Health Equity. We all know parks are great for our bodies and minds, but they also have the power to strengthen social bonds and unite communities at a time when toxic polarization and distrust are fraying the country’s social fabric. Join Trust for Public Land and our community partners as we reveal how activating a park generated a movement with long-ranging impacts on community power and health equity. We will dive into the academic research around social capital, cohesion, and civic engagement through park engagement, and explore questions together such as: How can partnerships with the health sector improve community parks and strengthen democracy? and What’s the role of philanthropy in supporting park equity and community power? RSVP here.
1t.org US & Doris Duke Foundation
FOREST RESTORATION: September 25 (1-4pm ET) – with Doris Duke Foundation: Forest Restoration Leadership Forum. Doris Duke Foundation, 444 Madison Avenue, 10th Floor. For the second year during Climate Week NYC, we have partnered with the Doris Duke Foundation to convene leaders across sectors to advance transformative action in forest restoration. In response to climate change, biodiversity loss, and ecosystem degradation, this forum fosters innovative solutions, strategic partnerships, and collective action needed to restore and sustain resilient forests. Register here. There will be two public events during the Leadership Forum:
1pm-2:15pm: Partnership Strategies for Effective & Accountable Restoration: Salesforce will share key findings from an independent evaluation of its global tree projects, offering best practices for private-sector partnerships in forest restoration, followed by a fireside chat with companies and their implementation partners on building successful collaborations. During this panel, Salesforce will share key findings from the evaluation, including best practices that can be replicated by other private sector entities looking to contribute to forest conservation and restoration. We’ll discuss the challenges of tree planting, the importance of resilience and community involvement, and the benefits of a landscape approach to reforestation. The session will conclude with a fireside chat between companies investing in restoration projects and their implementation partners on the elements that have made their partnerships successful.
2:30pm-3:45pm: Flipping the Switch for Forest Finance: As the UN Decade for Ecosystem Restoration reaches its halfway point, it’s clear that we need to accelerate action with increased private sector investment, innovative public-private partnerships, and new policy advancements to protect biodiversity and mitigate climate change. With growing recognition of our dependencies on nature as an economy, we need to properly value the ecosystem services provided by nature by mainstreaming nature through every step of decision-making for federal economic policy, philanthropic strategies and investments, and private sector business strategies. Questions to be addressed include: How can businesses be forest forward? What policy levers can we pull to advance nature in business? What government policies are needed to create a robust enabling environment for nature and forests (e.g. natural capital accounting framework)? What role can philanthropy play in creating the enabling environment for nature and forests? How can opportunities be identified for private-public sector partnerships to leverage forests as a NbS at home or abroad?
COMMUNITY SCHOOLYARDS: September 26 (11am ET): In-person event: Corlears Complex Community Schoolyard Opening. 220 Henry Street. Please join TPL for an inspiring opening on the morning of September 26 in Chinatown to celebrate toe opening of the Corlears Complex Community Schoolyard. This Community Schoolyard is a NYC Mayor’s Extreme Weather Task Force site and is located within the Department of Environmental Protection’s priority flood zone. RSVP here.
Importance of Blue Carbon Ecosystems: Blue carbon ecosystems, such as seagrasses, salt marshes, tidal forests, and mangroves, can play a key role in mitigating climate change due to their high carbon sequestration capabilities, surpassing that of tropical forests.
Multifaceted Benefits: Beyond carbon storage, blue carbon ecosystems provide numerous co-benefits, including protection from extreme weather, water quality improvement, wildlife habitat preservation, and economic advantages for coastal communities.
Scientific Efforts and Collaboration: Scientists at institutions like the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC) are at the forefront of blue carbon research, working to advance scientific understanding and supporting state efforts to integrate blue carbon solutions into their climate mitigation plans.
Policy and Data Stewardship: Robust data collection, stewardship, and sharing are critical for informing policy and enhancing state-level greenhouse gas inventories. Investments in data infrastructure and collaboration through networks like the Coastal Carbon Network are essential for effective blue carbon management.
Community Engagement and Action: Engaging and empowering local communities is vital for the success of blue carbon initiatives. Educating coastal residents about the benefits of blue carbon ecosystems and providing opportunities for community action can enhance resilience and drive meaningful change.
Blue carbon ecosystems, including seagrasses, salt marshes, tidal forests, and mangroves, are increasingly recognized as powerful nature-based solutions for mitigating climate change, also known as Natural Climate Solutions. These ecosystems can play a crucial role in sequestering carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. One study estimated that each acre of coastal wetland can sequester ten times more carbon than tropical forests. In addition, blue carbon strategies offer numerous co-benefits, such as enhanced resilience to storms and flooding, improved water quality, protection of wildlife—including commercially and recreationally valuable fish populations—economic advantages for coastal communities, and the preservation of areas important for cultural and spiritual practices. A recent survey conducted by U.S. Nature4Climate found that 92% of voters across party lines strongly support restoring coastal wetlands to reduce flood risks, provide wildlife habitat, and help address climate change. This widespread public backing highlights the growing recognition of these strategies as essential components in the fight against climate change. The combined climate mitigation potential and significant co-benefits provided by coastal blue carbon habitats are key reasons why states like Oregon, Louisiana, Maine,California, New Jersey, and North Carolina are harnessing blue carbon solutions into their climate change mitigation plans.
At the forefront of this crucial work is the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC), where dedicated scientists are uncovering the mysteries of blue carbon and its significance in addressing climate change. The U.S. Nature4Climate team spoke with scientist Jaxine Wolfe from SERC to learn more about their efforts to advance blue carbon and help states utilize it to meet their greenhouse gas reduction goals while delivering multiple benefits to communities.
The Importance of Blue Carbon as a Natural Climate Solution
“Wetlands are really excellent at a lot of things. They’re culturally significant, nursery habitat for commercial species of fish and crab, a place for refuge, nesting for waterfowl, and they provide storm surge protection and help absorb runoff,” Wolfe explained, highlighting the multifaceted value of these ecosystems beyond carbon storage. It’s essential to support the communities who rely on and benefit from these ecosystems. Thousands of people live in coastal areas, making it crucial to involve them in efforts to enhance their resilience against increasingly frequent and intense storms. “The educational aspect cannot be overstated because these are people’s backyards, and these communities will be the ones most vulnerable and impacted,” Wolfe stated. Additionally, empowering these communities to take action is vital. “Once people are aware, the next question often is, ‘What can I do? I want to help but feel powerless.’ It’s essential to create more opportunities to lower the barriers to community action towards protecting and restoring wetlands,” she emphasized. “This makes the whole effort stronger because people can directly connect to it and say, ‘I did that’ or ‘I advocated for that. Now we have living shorelines in our neighborhood instead of just gray infrastructure.'”
“Leveraging these ecosystems and how we find solutions using natural ecosystems to mitigate climate change impacts is really important. While they may not be the silver bullet, they’re a very important piece of the puzzle, and I think that they can do a lot for us. There are a lot of great infrastructure solutions coming online for climate mitigation, but we have natural ecosystems right here that can help us. There may be an initial investment to restore a degraded wetland, but that investment pays for itself over time. We need to have that long view.”
Jaxine Wolfe
“If we conserve, restore, or create these ecosystems and continue to treat them well, they’ll take care of themselves, and we don’t need to plug them in or charge them or mine resources to fuel them, for them to provide the ecosystem services that they do. Carbon capture is only one of these benefits, but I think maintaining that total ecosystem perspective is really, really important,” Wolfe added.
The Coastal Carbon Network: Bridging Science and Policy
“The Coastal Carbon Network is a consortium of coastal wetland scientists and practitioners in coastal land management,” explained Jaxine Wolfe. The network aims to accelerate discoveries in coastal wetland carbon science and improve ecosystem management. Wolfe emphasized the importance of a robust data foundation to inform policy and predict how these ecosystems will respond to future climate scenarios. “We build that foundation by facilitating the sharing of open data and analysis products,” she said, highlighting the network’s commitment to community feedback and stakeholder involvement. To accomplish this, the Coastal Carbon Network developed the Coastal Carbon Atlas, an interactive web application that “democratizes access to carbon stock and sequestration data for tidal wetlands worldwide, including marshes, mangroves, and seagrass beds”. Researchers and curious minds can explore, query, and download data from these critical ecosystems.
Another key initiative of the Coastal Carbon Network is the Blue Carbon Inventory Report Card. The report card assesses the quantity, quality, and coverage of data available in different states, providing a baseline for blue carbon assessments. “We provide recommendations for individual states on where data coverage is lacking,” Wolfe noted. This tool helps states understand their data needs and improve their data collection efforts to support blue carbon initiatives. Wolfe concluded, “The report card shows a state’s baseline and where improvements can be made in data coverage,” highlighting the network’s role in enhancing blue carbon data and supporting informed decision-making for coastal ecosystem management.
Strategies for States to Enhance Blue Carbon Assessments
Wolfe emphasized the critical need for investing in data stewardship to improve state blue carbon rankings and enhance greenhouse gas inventories. She advises states to allocate specific resources or funding for these efforts, making it a dedicated line item in their budgets. “Investing in data stewardship is crucial for building capacity to integrate coastal wetlands into greenhouse gas inventories,” she stated. Wolfe explained that data limitations often hinder progress and stressed the importance of political discussions to facilitate this investment, noting that providing context and understanding can garner necessary support.
Additionally, Wolfe highlighted the importance of preserving existing data and targeting new data collection to improve coverage. “We need to establish baselines for restoration and understand how ecosystems are changing,” Wolfe explained. Engaging stakeholders and finding common ground is also crucial for success. “Finding common ground and recognizing that data will guide us is essential,” she said. Targeted data collection should address gaps and enhance the comprehensiveness of blue carbon assessments, leading to better-informed decision-making and policy development.
Wolfe shared examples of successful utilization of Coastal Carbon Network resources by other states. “Pew, Silvestrum Climate Associates, and other Pacific Northwest researchers have used the database to develop white papers and influence policy,” Wolfe mentioned. For instance, the California Air Resources Board, working with the state’s Natural Resources Agency, leveraged findings from SERC’s data inventory efforts to encourage inclusion of coastal wetland habitats into their proposed climate change scoping plan. North Carolina’s Coastal Habitats Greenhouse Gas working group also cited the network’s work in their interim report in 2022 for the state’s first coastal habitat greenhouse gas inventory.
Wolfe highlighted the network’s collaboration with Silvestrum Climate Associates to update the National Greenhouse Gas Inventory, integrating new studies and estimates of carbon accumulation rates for vegetated coastal ecosystems. This update resulted in a significant increase in soil accumulation rates. “Between 1990 and 2022, the annual average increase in removals was 2.3 million metric tons of CO₂ equivalent,” Wolfe proudly shared, equating this to the mass of 15,000 blue whales over the entire time series. She emphasized the ongoing development of new tools, such as an inventory calculator, to provide more accessible and summarized data for stakeholders.
Overcoming Data Challenges in Coastal Carbon Science
Wolfe and the team at SERC face significant challenges in creating resources for the Coastal Carbon Atlas due to data inaccessibility and varying data-sharing cultures. “Often, the data exists but is not accessible,” Wolfe explained, noting that valuable information is frequently locked away in publications or on individual hard drives. This issue is compounded by researchers’ limited bandwidth or reluctance to share data due to personal investment. Wolfe stressed that “data sharing is built on trust,” and overcoming these challenges involves building strong relationships and ensuring researchers receive proper credit.
“The Smithsonian is known for its curation of an archive of historical artifacts and connecting this history to present day and making these resources accessible in a way that promotes learning and action. To me, data is also a historical artifact. It’s our record of these ecosystems. We are the conveners of that. We’re the librarians, in a sense. Each data set is like a book or a record, a snapshot, a moment in time. Putting all this information together allows us to have a more enriched understanding of these ecosystems. That’s why our database is referred to as the data library.”
Jaxine Wolfe
To address these issues, Wolfe and her team actively reach out to researchers to help archive and publish their data. “We were able to drum up some small funds internally to work with individual researchers at various institutions that had a lot of data that was not publicly available,” she said. Collaborating with researchers and students, they have published around 19 different datasets covering aspects such as carbon stock and accumulation rates. This effort not only makes the data accessible but also fosters a community of practice around data stewardship, emphasizing the importance of proper data curation and documentation.
Despite their efforts, the team faces challenges due to a small core group and limited resources, making their work time-consuming. Wolfe noted, “We curate data on a study-by-study basis, which is very time-consuming.” However, their dedication has resulted in documenting nearly 15,000 soil cores over seven years. They continue to seek ways to streamline the process and engage more researchers, enhancing the comprehensiveness and usability of the Coastal Carbon Atlas. Wolfe underscored the importance of promoting an open data culture to ease the sharing and integration of valuable information, ultimately aiming to make data more accessible and useful for researchers, policymakers, and community stakeholders.
Inspiration and Innovation: The Global Change Research Wetland at the Smithsonian
Left: Jaxine Wolfe carries a flux chamber out to the Hog Island field site at the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center which is used to measure the amount of greenhouse gases being released from the marsh. Photo by Sarah Parker. Right: Photo of the Global Change Research Wetland by the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center.
At the heart of the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, the Global Change Research Wetland stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration for blue carbon science. “It’s one of my favorite blue carbon spots because of the important work being done there,” Wolfe stated. This marsh in the Chesapeake Bay region has been a living laboratory since the mid-’80s, exemplifying the power of long-term research and its profound impact on understanding our changing world. The pioneering CO₂ experiment—one of the longest-running of its kind—has not only revealed the effects of elevated atmospheric CO₂ but has also sparked innovative studies on sea level rise, nitrogen loading, warming effects, and invasive species.
Wolfe finds the ongoing research “inspiring and mind-blowing,” especially its exploration of “cross-terrestrial, aquatic interface interactions” and adaptation to phenomena like ghost forests emerging due to rising sea levels. Each visit to this vibrant ecosystem deepens her appreciation, as she reflects, “Every time I visit, it’s just so inspiring.” The interplay between field observations and experimental data at this wetland continuously enriches our models and validates predictive approaches, creating a dynamic cycle of discovery and action. For Wolfe, this wetland is not merely a research site but a powerful symbol of nature’s resilience and the relentless quest for knowledge, driving the pursuit of blue carbon science with every new question it inspires.
Harnessing Blue Carbon: A Pathway to Climate Resilience and Community Well-being
Blue carbon ecosystems play a vital role in sequestering carbon and offer a range of co-benefits to coastal communities. From storm surge protection to supporting fisheries and providing wildlife habitat, these ecosystems enhance the resilience of coastal regions. By engaging local communities, raising awareness about the value of blue carbon ecosystems, and involving stakeholders in restoration and conservation efforts, states can harness the full potential of these natural resources for climate change mitigation (Natural Climate Solutions) and community well-being. As we look towards the future, developing new tools and resources, such as an inventory calculator for coastal carbon, will further support state-level efforts to monitor and manage blue carbon ecosystems. By expanding our knowledge, engaging diverse stakeholders, and advocating for the protection and restoration of blue carbon habitats, we can make meaningful strides in addressing climate change and building a more sustainable future for future generations. The work of dedicated researchers like Jaxine Wolfe and organizations such as the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center is paving the way for a brighter, more resilient future driven by the incredible potential of blue carbon ecosystems.
Special thanks to the Pew Charitable Trusts for collaborating with U.S. Nature4Climate on this article.
Scientist Highlight: Jaxine Wolfe
Combining Passion and Skill: Jaxine Wolfe’s Work at the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center
“I’ve been at the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center for over four years now. I started in February of 2020, right before the pandemic,” said Jaxine Wolfe, a data scientist whose journey began with an undergraduate degree in biology from Northeastern University. “During this time, I took classes and pursued internship opportunities that were formative in crafting my foundational understanding of the ecosystems I work with now, and also in developing the data skills I use today.” Wolfe’s early experiences with coding in biostatistics and internships at institutions like Scripps Institution of Oceanography, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, and Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary shaped her expertise in data analysis, leading her to a role at SERC where she applies her skills in marine ecology and data science.
Wolfe emphasized the importance of understanding the context in which data is collected. “I believe in a well-rounded understanding… As someone working with this information downstream, it’s crucial. It gives you a better understanding of the field challenges and why data might raise questions,” Wolfe said. Wolfe’s work at SERC involves standardizing and analyzing data from various studies, ensuring they are comparable and reliable. Wolfe’s hands-on experience in the field, including international training programs and blue carbon projects, has deepened her appreciation for the data she works with, underscoring the value of fieldwork in informing data-driven research and policy.
A new national survey conducted by U.S. Nature4Climate (USN4C) shows that voters across party lines support natural climate solutions more than ever. Unlike other issues that polarize American voters, Natural Climate Solutions are uniquely unifying. Voters largely reject criticism that Natural Climate Solutions are too expensive and distract from other priorities, recognizing the broad array of benefits they provide. The poll also indicates that voters feel more favorably toward Members of Congress who support these solutions. Voters also strongly support a diverse range of practices and policies to fund and implement NCS strategies, including reforestation, wildfire management, and the provision of incentives and technical support for farmers and forest owners keen on adopting climate-smart practices and feel favorably toward Members of Congress that support these solutions. In short, this poll underscores how much voters across all parties support Natural Climate Solutions to help people, nature, and the climate.
An Overwhelming Bi-Partisan Majority of U.S. Voters Support Natural Climate Solutions
In June 2024, U.S. Nature4Climate (USN4C) commissioned a bi-partisan team of pollsters – New Bridge Strategy (R) and FM3 Research (D) – to survey 1,000 registered voters to gauge support for Natural Climate Solutions with an oversample of rural voters.
Poll Question:
“Natural Climate Solutions are actions that reduce emissions and increase carbon storage in forests, farms, grasslands, and wetlands. Practices that could be included are actions like…
Encouraging farming techniques that retain carbon in the soil, such as planting cover crops;
Conserving and replanting forests;
Conserving and restoring coastal wetlands; and
Reducing the loss of natural areas, planting trees, and providing parks in communities.
Efforts to expand these practices could be supported by laws and public funding approved at the federal, state, and local levels.
Does that sound like something you would support or oppose?”
Upon being presented with a succinct description of Natural Climate Solutions (above), voters were asked if they would support or oppose the expansion of these practices through legislation and public funding at federal, state, and local levels. The results were overwhelmingly positive: 94% of voters supported the expansion of Natural Climate Solutions, a 2-point increase from our May 2023 survey, leaving a mere 6% in opposition.
Significantly, this issue transcends party lines. An impressive 99% of Democrats, 94% of independents, and 89% of Republicans all voiced support for broader implementation of Natural Climate Solutions. Notably, the proportion of voters expressing strong support for the expansion of Natural Climate Solutions surged by 8 points, rising from 47% to 55%, suggesting growing enthusiasm among the electorate.
Voters largely reject criticism of Natural Climate Solutions suggesting that they are too expensive and distract from other priorities. After hearing arguments on both sides of the issue (below), an overwhelming 83% majority of voters agrees that Natural Climate Solutions are win-win solutions with a wide range of benefits over an argument that they waste money and won’t solve problems impacting Americans today (17%). Notably, 76% of Republicans, 80% of independents, and 92% of Democrats agree with investing in Natural Climate Solutions.
(click table to expand)
Taking action to expand Natural Climate Solutions is also likely to reap rewards for those who support them. Voters were asked if they would have a more favorable or less 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”. More than two-thirds (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, while only 6% would have a less favorable impression.
Policy Proposals That Help Implement Natural Climate Solutions Garner Strong Support
Voters also strongly support a wide range of policy proposals that would help expand implementation of Natural Climate Solutions on farms and ranches, in forests, and in coastal areas. These include proposals to provide incentives and technical assistance to farmers and forest owners through a variety of different means, reforest areas impacted by wildfire and removing overgrown brush and trees in forests to reduce wildfire threats, restore coastal wetlands, building up America’s conservation workforce, and ensuring that funding and assistance is fairly distributed. All of these proposals are supported by robust majorities across party, suggesting numerous popular options for policy makers to expand Natural Climate Solutions. These proposals enjoy widespread approval across political lines, indicating a robust consensus in favor of these measures. This broad support suggests a multitude of viable options for policymakers to further expand Natural Climate Solutions.
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Conclusion: There Is Growing Bipartisan Momentum for Natural Climate Solutions
The poll results reveal strong and growing cross-party support for the implementation of Natural Climate Solutions in the United States. Our research further reveals that voters envision an inclusive approach, integrating a variety of American landscapes – encompassing farms, forests, urban areas, grasslands, and coastal regions – into these climate initiatives. Importantly, the electorate extends a significant latitude to policymakers in devising the roadmap for Natural Climate Solutions, reflecting their resounding approval for multiple strategies. This suggests fertile ground for bi-partisan cooperation and consensus-building, opening up new avenues for climate action.
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.
Community-Led Efforts: The Boise City of Trees Challenge is a community-led initiative that aims to tackle climate change by planting trees in urban areas and restoring forests, demonstrating the power of local action.
Environmental, Economic, and Community Benefits: Reforestation provides significant environmental benefits such as carbon sequestration, improved water quality, wildlife habitat restoration, and reduced landslide risk, while also enhancing recreational spaces for the community. The Lucky Peak Nursery, part of the U.S. Forest Service network, provides jobs and supports local economies.
Infrastructure Investment: The REPLANT Act, part of the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, increased annual federal funding for reforestation, demonstrating the potential of bipartisan legislation to address environmental challenges.
Successful Collaboration: The City of Trees Challenge showcases the power of collaboration among federal agencies, municipal governments, non-profit organizations, and local volunteers to achieve ambitious tree planting goals.
Urban Tree Canopy Enhancement: The initiative also includes work to enhance Boise’s tree cover, demonstrating the potential of urban forestry efforts to improve local climates, particularly in disadvantaged communities.
Critical Role of Nurseries: The USDA Forest Service’s Lucky Peak Nursery is pivotal in the reforestation process, producing millions of seedlings annually and ensuring they are genetically diverse and suited for their planting locations, thus maximizing survival rates.
In 2022, U.S. Nature4Climate profiled the Boise City of Trees Challenge, a community-led effort to increase urban tree canopy in Boise by planting one tree for every household [100,000] in the city. What makes this effort unique is that the urban forestry effort is coupled with an effort to restore the Boise National Forest, nearly 200,000 acres of which was burned by the Pioneer Fire in 2016. Post-fire reforestation provides many benefits for communities and the environment. In addition to jump-starting carbon sequestration, restored forests provide wildlife habitat, reduce the risk of landslides, improve water quality for surrounding communities, and provide areas for nearby communities to enjoy nature. With proper planning and management, restored forests improved resilience to wildfire, pests, and other climate change-driven threats.
For this reason, the urban forestry goal was complemented by a plan to plant one tree for every person in Boise [235,000] in the Boise National Forest. Former Boise City Council member Elaine Clegg, who has helped lead the City of Trees Challenge, noted that having clearly defined goals was key: “People grasped it because they understood it. More importantly, everybody here said, ‘I think we can lean in and help’ and make it work.
On May 15, the program’s partners gathered at the USDA Forest Service’s Lucky Peak Nursery and in the Boise National Forest itself to celebrate the successful planting of 235,000 seedlings to help support the restoration of the forest. The City of Trees Challenge serves as an example of how federal agencies, municipal governments, and non-profit organizations can work together to accomplish ambitious tree planting goals.
Laying the Groundwork: The Vital Role of Tree Nurseries
The Lucky Peak Nursery, part of the U.S. Forest Service network, plays a crucial role in reforesting areas impacted by wildfire, providing jobs and supporting local economies. Photo by Nathan Henry.
The Lucky Peak Nursery is one of 8 facilities (6 nurseries and 2 seed extractories) in the U.S. Forest Service network. It currently has the greenhouse capacity to produce 1.7 million seedlings per year, and bare root field orders average 1-1.5 million seedlings per year, averaging combined annual orders of 3 million. The nursery plays a key role in successfully reforesting areas impacted by wildfire. Seeds are first collected by volunteers and contractors, who carefully select the healthiest, most vigorous trees – paying attention to genetic diversity. The seeds are then sent to the nursery, where they are extracted, sorted, grown, packaged, and shipped to private clients and to help restore federal public lands. The nursery does more than just grow seedlings. Nursery staff carefully tracks where each tree seed was collected from, including its location and elevation – ensuring that when the seedlings are ultimately planted, they have the best chance for survival.
As noted in the 2021 paper, Challenges in the Reforestation Pipeline in the United States, nursery capacity in the U.S. currently falls well short of what is needed to support ambitious reforestation efforts. Reforesting 64 million acres of land by 2040 with 30 billion trees would require 1.7 billion more seedlings to be produced every year – a 2.3-fold increase over nursery capacity in 2021, with additional investments also made in seed collection and seedling production. Re-building the Forest Service workforce is also necessary to accomplish these goals. According to a Forest Service fact sheet, the non-fire portion of the Forest Service workforce has declined by 40% even as wildfire increases substantially.
The REPLANT Act, passed as part of the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, increased annual federal funding for reforestation from $30 million to $140 million, and mandates removing the 3 to 5 million acre backlog of areas requiring post-fire restoration. This will allow federally owned nurseries to increase capacity and strengthen the reforestation workforce. The Lucky Peak Nursery, which produces a combined 3 million bare root and container plug seedlings a year, is already half a million trees over capacity. According to Forest Service staff interviewed at the City of Trees event, funding from the REPLANT Act will allow the nursery to increase capacity to 7 to 10 million trees in the next 10 years. The City of Trees Challenge serves as an example of the kind of collaborative effort that can be supported with REPLANT Act funding.
Planting the Trees
Once the Lucky Peak Nursery produces the seedlings, the next step is to get them into the ground. The Forest Service undertakes extensive planning to ensure the trees survival, making sure the right trees are planted in the right place at the right time. At the Lucky Peak Nursery, seeds are carefully tracked according to the location and elevation where they are harvested. Nursery staff makes sure to select species and genotypes that are likely to thrive in the Boise National Forest. Silviculture staff ensures that trees are planted in areas that are unlikely to regenerate naturally. Those planting the trees, including volunteers and contractors, are trained to ensure that trees are planted in spots where they are most likely to persevere. According to John Riling, who manages the Forest Service’s wildfire strategy for the region, with careful planning, up to 80% of seedlings planted can survive. “Being strategic about how we plant, thinking about planting density and locations for establishing seed sources so those trees can further spread seeds is all critical in planning, design, and implementation.”
This program’s success can be attributed in large part to the strong partnerships formed between federal and local government agencies and non-profit organizations. Under its silviculture program, the USDA Forest Service lends expertise, nursery capacity, and supports the workforce necessary to get the trees into the ground. The Nature Conservancy, Treasure Valley Canopy Network, Arbor Day Foundation helped provide the funding and support necessary to reach the program’s ambitious goals.
The Forest Service’s John Riling perhaps summed it up best when he said, “It’s an exciting era where tree planting has become sexy again. We’re starting to get funding through the REPLANT Act, a permanent authorized extension of the Reforestation Trust Fund, and also partners recognizing that value and supporting the effort are really allowing us to scale up.”
Don’t Forget the Urban Trees
The effort to replant the Boise National Forest is only one part of the City of Trees Challenge. The partnership is also continuing work to enhance Boise’s tree cover, with several additional communities in the Treasure Valley also participating in the program. Planting urban trees can bring significant benefits to the neighborhoods where they are planted. According to Elaine Clegg, “Right now the climate in some neighborhoods can be 10 degrees hotter than the climate in other neighborhoods on a hot day, solely dependent on their tree canopy cover.”
Enhancing Boise’s urban tree canopy focuses on reducing temperature disparities in different neighborhoods, particularly benefiting disadvantaged communities. Photos by Treasure Valley Canopy Network.
To date, nearly 17,000 trees have been planted in the city and surrounding communities. Partnerships with the Arbor Day Foundation, American Forests, Jayker Nurseries, ExtraMile Arena, and The Nature Conservancy help ensure trees are planted in areas lacking tree canopy – often in disadvantaged communities. The Boise Tree Captains program provides the workforce needed to get the trees in the ground in the neighborhoods where they are needed most. After the trees are planted, Tree Captains – volunteer leaders who work with neighborhood residents to plant trees – play an important role in maintaining the trees. According to Elaine Clegg, “We still have a lot of trees to go in the city, but I’m confident because of our success so far that we’re going to get there.”
Federal programs like the Forest Services’ Urban and Community Forestry Program, funded by the Inflation Reduction Act, can help support urban reforestation. Indeed, in 2023, the Treasure Valley Canopy Network was awarded a $1,076,500 million grant to support equitable access to tree canopy and urban tree maintenance programs. Tools like American Forests’ Tree Equity Score can help ensure that these trees are placed in the neighborhoods that need them most.
An Example for Future Efforts
Throughout the country – especially in Western states – urban areas are located in close proximity to National Forests that have been impacted by wildfire. Because these forests provide recreational services and a wide range of environmental benefits to those cities, they have a vested interest in restoring healthy forests. Accessing available sources of federal funding and establishing partnerships along the lines of the Boise City of Trees Challenge provides a way to bring together the funding, expertise, and workforce necessary to replant these forests. Coupling these efforts with community-led programs to restore urban tree canopy can help ensure the benefits of trees are shared equitably. Whether in a city or in a rural forest, every tree planted also helps pull carbon dioxide out of the air – helping to mitigate climate change and reduce threats to cities and forests alike. In the Boise National Forest, 235,000 new seedlings have joined the fight.
Extent of Farmland Conversion: Research by the American Farmland Trust reveals that significant acreage of American farmland has been converted to uses detrimental to agriculture between 2001-2016, with further projected losses by 2040, posing threats to rural economies, national food security, and our ability to address climate change.
Climate Implications: Conversion of agricultural land to other uses contributes to greenhouse gas emissions by displacing efficient agricultural production and encroaching upon carbon sinks like forests, grasslands, and farmland and ranchland managed using climate-smart practices, underlining the importance of farmland protection in mitigating climate change.
Role of Agricultural Conservation Easements: Agricultural conservation easements emerge as a crucial tool in addressing climate change by preventing agricultural land conversion, encouraging adoption of climate-smart practices, retaining land benefits for carbon sequestration, and protecting associated lands like woods and wetlands.
Impact of Federal Farmland Programs: Programs such as the Farm and Ranch Land Protection Program (FRPP) have shown a causal link between land protection and adoption of climate-smart practices, providing incentives and financial support for landowners to engage in long-term conservation efforts.
Federal Government’s Role: The federal government plays a significant role in farmland conservation through programs like ACEP-ALE and RCPP, but additional funding and administrative streamlining is necessary to make these programs more accessible and efficient in supporting agricultural land conservation.
According to research by the American Farmland Trust (AFT), from 2001-2016, 11 million acres of American farmland were converted to uses that threaten the future of agriculture. Looking ahead, AFT modelling indicates that the U.S. will lose an additional 18.4 million acres by 2040 in the absence of significant policy interventions. Continued conversion of our working lands threatens the future of agriculture, rural economies, and national food security, while pushing land prices beyond the reach of established and aspiring farmers and ranchers alike. Land use change from cropland to other uses is also a driver of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions as it displaces efficient agricultural production, which often leads to agricultural development in other areas including forests and grasslands that act as carbon sinks. Therefore, agricultural land protection is an essential tool for addressing climate change.
“Agricultural conservation easements are an essential – and too often overlooked – tool in our efforts to address climate change,” said Cris Coffin, Director of AFT’s National Agricultural Land Network and Senior Policy Advisor. “These easements help reduce greenhouse gas emissions generated from low-density development. And protecting America’s disappearing farm and ranch lands is foundational to securing broader climate gains from American agriculture.”
Avoid the conversion of agricultural land to developed uses with higher GHG emissions.
Encourage greater adoption of practices that sequester carbon, reduce GHG emissions, and build climate resilience.
Retain the benefits of conservation practices and the potential of lands to serve as a carbon sink.
Reduce the threat of converting grasslands and more marginal land into production.
Protect other lands associated with farms and ranches – like woods and wetlands – that often provide valuable carbon sequestration.
Federal Farmland Programs Foster Adoption of Climate-Smart Agricultural Practices
The paper builds off of survey results – published by AFT last September – of owners whose land was protected by the federal Farm and Ranch Land Protection Program (FRPP). This program is the precursor to the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service’s (NRCS) current Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP). The survey showed a direct relationship between program participation and implementing “climate-smart” practices, the subset of conservation practices identified by USDA NRCS as delivering carbon sequestration and GHG reductions.
“We found that participation in the federal farmland protection program resulted in a so-called ‘permanence syndrome,’” said AFT Director of Farmland Information Center and Senior Advisor Jen Dempsey, who led the research effort which was conducted in partnership with the Resources Social Science Lab at Purdue University. “Proceeds from the voluntary sale of conservation easements gave landowners money to help adopt new practices. But more than that, owners said the protected status of the land motivated them to make long-term investments and improvements to their land.”
The FRPP survey shows higher adoption rates of climate-smart practices by owners of eased land than the general farming population. For instance, 65 percent of respondents used conservation tillage and 57 percent implemented cover crops or green manure crops. The National Agricultural Statistic Service’s 2017 Census of Agriculture of the general farming population shows 34 percent of farms using no-till or reduced tillage and 10 percent implementing cover crops.
The white paper also points to how permanently protecting agricultural land can avoid GHG emissions when coupled with Smart Growth. This approach has been taken by the State of California through its Sustainable Agricultural Land Conservation program, which funds agricultural conservation easements based on quantifying their potential GHG benefits. AFT is presently exploring how such an approach could be used nationally.
“To date, over 8 million farmland acres have been protected,” said Coffin. “While this is an incredible achievement, it represents less than 1 percent of our nation’s farmland. If we are to meet our climate goals and feed a growing world, we must redouble our support for agricultural conservation easement programs at all levels of government.”
The Federal Government Plays an Important Role in Farmland Conservation
The federal government plays a large role in where and how development occurs, and its influence should be harnessed to steer development away from our most productive, versatile and resilient agricultural land. The federal government is also a valuable partner in protecting working lands by funding several programs through the Farm Bill.
USDA’s Agricultural Conservation Easement Program-Agricultural Land Easements subprogram (ACEP-ALE) compensates willing landowners who permanently protect their land from development; USDA’s Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) can also be used to permanently protect working lands. ACEP-ALE and RCPP offer landowners a valuable way to extract equity from their land to implement new conservation practices, pay down debt, finance farm expansion, or enable retirement and a farm or ranch transfer to a next generation. Permanently protected land is often significantly more affordable for the increasing number of next generation farmers and ranchers who did not grow up on a family farm. Both programs experience high demand and oversubscription, yet they prove excessively burdensome for both landowners and state and local partners, highlighting the necessity for administrative streamlining.
Congress is currently working on the next Farm Bill, which will include opportunities to improve and strengthen ACEP, the sole federal program devoted to the purchase of agricultural conservation easements.
In conclusion, it is evident that agricultural land protection is crucial in our collective efforts to address climate change and ensure food security for future generations. As highlighted throughout this article, agricultural conservation easements serve as a powerful tool in this endeavor, offering landowners incentives to protect their land from development while providing opportunities for financial stability and succession planning. By harnessing the influence of the federal government and implementing necessary reforms, we can pave the way for a future where our agricultural lands remain productive, resilient, and accessible to the generations of farmers and ranchers to come.
This article was adapted from the original version published by American Farmland Trust. Access original article here.
See AFT’s Soil Health Case Studies page to read how farmers across the US are embracing soil health practices for increased resilience, efficiency, and environmental benefits while improving their bottom line.
