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 Georgia 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.
Co-Benefits Research for Georgia
Blog Articles
Photo courtesy of HDR 2021 Paul Dingman
U.S. Nature4Climate/Trust for Public Land Blog Article: Climate Resilient Conservation on Atlanta’s West Side
Caroline Brehman Getty Images/Pew Charitable Trusts
Pew Charitable Trusts Article (2022): How the Pentagon and Partners are Working Together to Combat Climate Change
- SCIENCE: Pew Charitable Trusts Article (ft. University of Georgia Institute for Resilient Infrastructure Systems): How the University of Georgia Champions Nature’s Ability to Reduce Climate Impacts
Forests:
- American Forests Article: Reviving longleaf pine: A critical habitat for southeast wildlife
- 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: Nature-Based Solutions Needed to Combat Appalachia’s Growing Flood Risks
- USDA Forest Service Fact Sheet: Forest Legacy 2024 Funded Projects
- American Forest Foundation Article: Family Forest Carbon Program Expands Availability in the Southeast
- American Forest Foundation Article: AFF Expands to Reforestation with Field to Forest
- American Forest Foundation Article: Georgia Landowner Grows Pines for Profit with Field to Forest
- American Forest Foundation Press Release: Tree Planting Initiative Brings Financial Opportunities to Georgia Landowners
- National Association of Conservation Districts Press Release: NACD Announces Urban and Community Conservation Grants for 35 Recipients
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: Stories in Georgia: Leveraging the Power of Nature for Coastal Communities
- U.S. Nature4Climate Blog Article: Tapping into the Potential of 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
- National Wildlife Federation Article: What Is Marine Carbon Dioxide Removal?
Reports
The Nature Conservancy Report: 2023 Georgia Impact Report
Videos & Podcasts
The Nature Conservancy Video: How Fire Can Restore a Forest: A Time-Lapse
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.
Learn about Trust for Public Land‘s Work in Georgia, from Community Schoolyards to protecting places like Cumberland Island National Seashore.
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.