Introduction
Natural Climate Solutions, also called Nature-Based Solutions, are actions that reduce emissions and increase carbon storage in forests, farms, grasslands and wetlands, while providing a host of additional benefits for people and the environment.
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.
Not only do these efforts help address climate change – they can improve water quality, prevent natural disasters like wildfire, drought, and flooding, protect wildlife habitat, and provide opportunities for hiking and fishing. Best of all, these solutions are cost effective, and can often improve local economies.
Below you can explore how people in Arizona are benefiting from implementing nature-based solutions in their community through a diverse set of resources from USN4C members and others, including blog articles, videos, comprehensive reports, and more.
Blog Articles
Photo by Jonathan Elias on behalf of Paideia Academies/ American Forests
American Forests Article: Phoenix Metro Urban Forestry Roundtable Works to Cool America’s Hottest City
© Morgan Heim for TNC
The Nature Conservancy Article: Harvesting Hope: Water Scarcity and a Looming Land Sale Threatened the Family Farm — Until Opportunity Knocked
National Association of Conservation Districts Article: Tonto NRCD: Driving Restoration and Conservation Through Good Neighbor Authority
- U.S. Climate Alliance Press Release: State of the State Roundup: U.S. Climate Alliance Spotlights Governors’ Commitment to Climate Action in 2024
- Hispanic Access Foundation Press Release: Latinos Show Concern about Water and Public Lands in the 14th Annual Conservation in the West Poll — see Spanish language version here.
- National Wildlife Federation Press Release: Westerners Flag Growing Concerns for Future of Public Lands Water, Wildlife
Forests:
- American Forests Article: Community Takes Action on Extreme Heat in El Mirage, Arizona
- USDA Forest Service Blog Article: Valentine Fire Restores Forest and Community
- USDA Forest Service Article: Our Forest Fire Bill Is Due
- Trust for Public Land Press Release: Trust for Public Land Announces Five Cities for Millions in Focused Urban Canopy Investment in Community Schoolyards
- SCIENCE: Frontiers & Forest and Global Change Research Article (The Nature Conservancy): ‘Mind the Gap’ -Reforestation Needs vs. Reforestation Capacity in the Western United States
- SCIENCE: Forest & Ecology Management Study (The Nature Conservancy): Tamm Review: A Meta-Analysis of Thinning, Prescribed Fire, and Wildfire Effects on Subsequent Wildfire Severity in Conifer Dominated Forests of the Western US
- SCIENCE: The Nature Conservancy Article: Comprehensive Science Review Shows Fuel Treatments Reduce Future Wildfire Severity
- SCIENCE: USDA Forest Service Fact Sheet: Science You Can Use (In 5 Minutes): New Review Examines 30 Years of Fuel Treatments on Wildfire Severity
- SCIENCE: Earth’s Future Study (Cary Institute): Forest Carbon Storage in the Western United States: Distribution, Drivers, and Trends
- SCIENCE: Ecological Applications Study (University of California-Davis): Moderating Effects of Past Wildfire on Reburn Severity Depend on Climate and Initial Severity in Western U.S. Forests
- Pew Charitable Trusts Article: The Era of Extreme Heat Is Here: Federal and State Governments Roll Out Strategies to Cope
- SCIENCE: Ecological Applications Study (University of California-Davis): Moderating Effects of Past Wildfire on Reburn Severity Depend on Climate and Initial Severity in Western U.S. Forests
- USDA Forest Service Fact Sheet: Forest Legacy 2024 Funded Projects
- Department of Interior Press Release: Assistant Secretary Estenoz Highlights New Investments for Urban Parks, Outdoor Access in Arizona, Tennessee
Agriculture and Grasslands:
- The Nature Conservancy Press Release: The Nature Conservancy in Arizona Awarded $11.5M for Upper Verde River Conservation and Grassland Protection
- The Nature Conservancy Press Release: The Nature Conservancy, Partners Protect Water for People and Nature with Landmark Easement
- Environmental & Energy Study Institute Article: Eternal Optimists: How Farmers and Ranchers Are Innovating in Response to a Shrinking Colorado River
- National Wildlife Federation Article: Grasslands: A Disappearing Ecosystem
- SCIENCE: Soil Health Institute Article: Maximizing Weed Suppression with Cover Crops in Cotton Production
- Soil Health Institute Fact Sheet: Using Cover Crops as a Weed Suppression Tool in Cotton Production
- Soil Health Institute Fact Sheet: Cover Crop Species Comparison for Weed Suppression in Cotton Production
Reports
Center for American Progress Report: Extreme Heat Is More Dangerous for Workers Every Year
Videos & Podcasts
Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership Article: New Video Highlights Why Investments in Arizona’s Sky Islands Will Benefit Hunters for Generations
Explore More!
A new national survey conducted by U.S. Nature4Climate shows that voters across party lines support natural climate solutions more than ever, suggesting fertile ground for bi-partisan cooperation and consensus-building, opening up new avenues for climate action. Learn more.
Explore U.S. Climate Alliance‘s Climate Policy Database.
Explore Nature4Communities, a resource that shows you how nature-based solutions are critical for your community’s well-being and become a better advocate for their implementation.