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 Illinois 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
© Alita Films
U.S. Nature4Climate‘s Blog Article: Advancing Agroforestry in the Midwest: Hudson Demonstration Farm
© Nathan Speagle/TNC
The Nature Conservancy Article: Using Fire to Restore Illinois Prairies and Woodlands
© Laura Stoecker
Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership‘s Nature-based Solutions Map: Illinois – The Nature Conservancy’s Emiquon Preserve Reconnection Project
- SCIENCE: Environmental Defense Fund Article: New Research Could Help Resource Managers Improve the Health and Resilience of the Mississippi River Basin
- Hispanic Access Foundation In the News (Latin Times): Latinos Face Disproportionately Higher Risk of Flooding in the U.S.; Here’s Why.
Forests:
- U.S. Nature4Climate Article: Seeing the City for the Trees
- The Nature Conservancy Article: Urban Conservation in Illinois
- National Association of Conservation Districts Press Release: NACD Announces Urban and Community Conservation Grants for 35 Recipients
- USDA Forest Service Region 9 Press Release: USDA Forest Service Invests Nearly $3.9M to Restore Tribal, State and Private Forests Across Eastern Region
Agriculture:
- American Farmland Trust Article: Program Pays Illinois Farmers to Improve Soil Health
- American Farmland Trust Article: A Peek at Potential Soil Health System Performance in the Next 50 Years of Climate Change in Four US Cropping Systems
- Savanna Institute Article: Our Latest Perennial Report
- National Wildlife Federation Report: Navigating Climate Challenges in the Quad Cities: A Comprehensive Assessment and Paths to Resilience
- Environmental Defense Fund Growing Returns Blog Article: Lenders Want To Support Farmers’ Conservation Efforts. Here’s How Their Executives Can Help
- Environmental Defense Fund EDF+ Business Blog Article: Lender Perceptions and Actions on Conservation Agriculture
- SCIENCE: (University of Tennessee-Knoxville & Doane University): Journal of Human Sciences & Extension Study: A Midwest Perspective on Biochar Integration in Extension
- (The Nature Conservancy & Savanna Institute): Yale Environment 360 Article: How Agroforestry Could Help Revitalize America’s Corn Belt
- SCIENCE: (Conservation International): Carbon Balance and Management Study: Maximizing Tree Carbon in Croplands and Grazing Lands While Sustaining Yields
- U.S. Nature4Climate Article: Cargill and Soil Health Institute find farmer experience with soil health pays off. Here’s how.
- U.S. Nature4Climate Article: The Math is in: Soil Health Practices Produce Real Return on Investment
Wetlands:
- Pew Charitable Trusts Article: Change in Federal Protections for Wetlands Poses Resilience Challenge for States
Case Studies
American Farmland Trust Case Study: Illinois, Thorndyke Farms – Soil Health Case Study
American Farmland Trust Case Study: Illinois, Ifft Yorkshires Farms – Soil Health Case Study
Reports
American Farmland Trust Report: Illinois Soil Health: The Resilience Report
The Nature Conservancy‘s 2023 Illinois Impact Report
Environmental Defense Fund Report: Lender Perceptions and Actions on Conservation Agriculture
Other reports:
- American Farmland Trust Report: Soil Health: The Resilience Reports – Technical Note
- Hispanic Access Foundation & Headwaters Institute Report (November 2023): Latinos Face Higher Flood Risk Than Other Groups
- National Wildlife Federation Report: Navigating Climate Challenges in the Quad Cities: A Comprehensive Assessment and Paths to Resilience
Videos & Podcasts
U.S. Nature4Climate‘s video: Advancing Agroforestry in the Midwest: Hudson Demonstration Farm
Savanna Institute Video: 4-H Memorial Camp | Savanna Institute Agroforestry Demonstration Farm
Savanna Institute Video: Fields Restored | Oregon, IL | Savanna Institute Agroforestry Demonstration Farm
- See more videos from Savanna Institute‘s demo farms in Illinois in this YouTube playlist.
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.