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 Colorado 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
© Rory Doyle for TNC
The Nature Conservancy Article (featuring The Land Institute): Field of Dreams: Alternative Crops Offer Hope for the Colorado River
© Cavan Images for Pew
Pew Charitable Trusts Article: Key Unprotected Lands in Colorado National Forests Provide Vital Ecosystem Services
- Pew Charitable Trusts Article: 300,000 Acres of Wild Lands in Eastern Colorado Gain Protection
- Colorado College Conservation in the West Landing Page: 2024 Conservation In The West Survey
- 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
- SCIENCE: Environmental Defense Fund Article: New Research Could Help Resource Managers Improve the Health and Resilience of the Mississippi River Basin
Forests:
- 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
- SCIENCE: The Nature Conservancy Article: Comprehensive Science Review Shows Fuel Treatments Reduce Future Wildfire Severity
- Forest Ecology & Management Study: Tamm review: A Meta-Analysis of Thinning, Prescribed Fire, and Wildfire Effects on Subsequent Wildfire Severity in Conifer Dominated Forests of the Western US
- USDA Forest Service Fact Sheet: Science You Can Use (In 5 Minutes): New Review Examines 30 Years of Fuel Treatments on Wildfire Severity
- SCIENCE: Frontiers & Forest and Global Change Research Article (The Nature Conservancy): ‘Mind the Gap’ -Reforestation Needs vs. Reforestation Capacity in the Western United States
- USDA Forest Service Article: Wildfire: A Modern Day Paradox
- Pew Charitable Trusts Article: Rising Wildfire Risks Prompt States to Look for New Approaches to Resilience
- U.S. Nature4Climate Blog Article: Sharing is Caring: How a New Approach to Forest Management is Paying Dividends
Agriculture:
- American Farmland Trust Press Release: American Farmland Trust Releases First-Ever Survey on Agrivoltaics in Colorado
- National Wildlife Federation Article: Grasslands: A Disappearing Ecosystem
- Pew Charitable Trusts Article: Public Wants Stronger Protection of Sage-Grouse Habitat in West
- Pew Charitable Trusts Press Release: Poll Shows Strong Support for Strengthening Sage-Grouse Habitat Protections
- U.S. Nature4Climate “Conservation IS Climate Action” Article: Climate Solutions in the Sagebrush Steppe
- Environmental & Energy Study Institute Article: Eternal Optimists: How Farmers and Ranchers Are Innovating in Response to a Shrinking Colorado River
Reports
The Nature Conservancy in Colorado Annual Report: Year in Review 2024
U.S. Climate Alliance Press Release: U.S. Climate Alliance Releases Annual Report Highlighting Surge in Climate Investment and Action — “There’s No Turning Back”
Videos & Podcasts
Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership Video: Benefits of BIL and IRA Investments to Colorado’s Hunters and Anglers
The Nature Conservancy Video: The Sagebrush Sea
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.