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 Florida 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
Environmental Defense Fund Article: How Florida Built Resilience this Hurricane Season and What Can Be Done to Prepare for Future Storms
© Jared Lloyd for American Forests
American Forests Article: Reviving longleaf pine: A critical habitat for southeast wildlife
Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership Fact sheet: Everglades Agricultural Area Reservoir
- Pew Charitable Trusts Article: Expansion of Federal Land-Use Program Would Benefit Military, Nature, and Communities
- The Nature Conservancy Article: The Osceola Greenprint: A Smart Growth Analysis and Planning Tool
Forests:
- SCIENCE: Geoplatform.Gov (U.S. Geological Survey): Modeling and Mapping Burn Severity of Prescribed and Wildfires Across the Southeastern United States (2000-2022)
- National Wildlife Federation Article: Using Fire to Fight Fire: How Beneficial Burns are Helping Forests, Wildlife and People to Adapt to a Changing World
- National Wildlife Federation Article: A Tremendous Year of Growth for Trees for Wildlife
- U.S. Nature4Climate/American Forests Blog Article: The United States of Fire
Agriculture:
- SCIENCE: Carbon Balance and Management Study (Conservation International): Maximizing Tree Carbon in Croplands and Grazing Lands While Sustaining Yields
- 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
Coastal Wetlands:
- The Nature Conservancy Article: Coastal Resilience: Using nature-based solutions to protect Florida’s coasts
- National Wildlife Federation Article: What Is Marine Carbon Dioxide Removal?
- U.S. Nature4Climate Blog Article: Harnessing Blue Carbon: A Natural Solution to Climate Change and Coastal Resilience
- Pew Charitable Trusts Article: States Improve How They Assess Coastal Wetlands’ Impacts to Reduce Climate Pollution
- Pew Charitable Trusts Article: Change in Federal Protections for Wetlands Poses Resilience Challenge for States
- U.S. Nature4Climate/Pew Charitable Trusts Blog Article: Carbon Captured by Coastal & Ocean Habitats Can Advance States’ Climate Goals: Experts discuss growing ‘blue carbon’ data and resources, and their potential role in policy
- U.S. Nature4Climate/Pew Charitable Trusts Blog Article: Salt Marsh Conservation on the Atlantic Coast – Where Blue Carbon Supports Diverse Partnership
Reports
The Nature Conservancy Report: 2024 Florida Impact Report
The Nature Conservancy Report: The Economic Benefits of Decarbonization in Florida
Hispanic Access Foundation & Headwaters Institute Report (November 2023): Latinos Face Higher Flood Risk Than Other Groups
- Center for American Progress Report: Extreme Heat Is More Dangerous for Workers Every Year
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.