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 Iowa 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
FARM CONSERVATION FINANCE: Environmental Defense Fund Growing Returns Blog Article: Lenders Want To Support Farmers’ Conservation Efforts. Here’s How Their Executives Can Help
The Nature Conservancy Article: Conservation Agriculture – Iowa Solutions for a Sustainable Farming Future
- FLOODING RESILIENCE: The Nature Conservancy Article: Natural Solutions for Flooding
- REGIONAL CONSERVATION PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM: Land Trust Alliance Article: USDA Invests $1.5 Billion in Climate Solutions and Conservation
- SCIENCE: MISSISSIPPI BASIN HEALTH & RESILIENCE: Environmental Defense Fund Article: New Research Could Help Resource Managers Improve the Health and Resilience of the Mississippi River Basin
- REGIONAL CONSERVATION PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM: Land Trust Alliance Article: This Federal Program is Funding Land Trust Conservation Efforts Across the Country
Forests:
- USDA Forest Service Fact Sheet: Forest Legacy 2024 Funded Projects
Agriculture:
- GRASSLAND RESTORATION: Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership Nature-Based Solutions Map: Iowa – South Skunk Wildlife Area Restoration
- AGROFORESTRY (The Nature Conservancy & Savanna Institute): Yale Environment 360 Article: How Agroforestry Could Help Revitalize America’s Corn Belt
- BIOCHAR: SCIENCE: (University of Tennessee-Knoxville & Doane University): Journal of Human Sciences & Extension Study: A Midwest Perspective on Biochar Integration in Extension
- PRAIRIE RESTORATION: SCIENCE: Nature-Based Solutions Study: Short Rotation Willow to Restore Degraded Marginal Land and Enhance Climate Resiliency within the Prairie Pothole Region: A Potential Nature-Based Solution
- FARM CONSERVATION FINANCE: 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
- Environmental Defense Fund Report: Lender Perceptions and Actions on Conservation Agriculture
- U.S. Nature4Climate Article: Cargill and Soil Health Institute find farmer experience with soil health pays off. Here’s how.
Wetlands:
- WETLANDS & CLIMATE: Pew Charitable Trusts Article: Change in Federal Protections for Wetlands Poses Resilience Challenge for States
- WETLANDS: Environmental Defense Fund Vital Signs Article: Wetlands are Worth It
Reports
INCREASING COMMUNITY CLIMATE RESILIENCE: National Wildlife Federation Report: Navigating Climate Challenges in the Quad Cities: A Comprehensive Assessment and Paths to Resilience
The Nature Conservancy Report: Conservation Agriculture: Iowa Solutions for a Sustainable Farming Future
Videos & Podcasts
U.S. Nature4Climate Video: Agroforestry: A Climate Solution with Big Potential
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.