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 Maryland 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
The Nature Conservancy Article: The Future Forest: The Appalachians face multiple threats. Scientists are working to boost their adaptability.
- U.S. Nature4Climate Article: Why Greenhouse Gas Inventories Are Important for Natural and Working Lands — and How to Fix Them
Forests:
- National Wildlife Federation Article: Nature-Based Solutions Needed to Combat Appalachia’s Growing Flood Risks
- The Nature Conservancy Article: Restoring Red Spruce Forests
- American Forest Foundation Article: For Conservation, Climate and Grapes
Agriculture:
- The Nature Conservancy Article: Regenerative Agriculture in Maryland
- Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership Interactive Map: Maryland – Cover Crops for a Cleaner Chesapeake Bay
- SCIENCE: Carbon Balance and Management Study (Conservation International): Maximizing Tree Carbon in Croplands and Grazing Lands While Sustaining Yields
- U.S. Nature4Climate/American Farmland Trust Article: The Math is in: Soil Health Practices Produce Real Return on Investment
- The Nature Conservancy Article: Building a Farming Partnership for a Sustainable Future
Wetlands:
- Pew Charitable Trusts Article: States Improve How They Assess Coastal Wetlands’ Impacts to Reduce Climate Pollution
- U.S. Nature4Climate Blog Article: Tapping into the Potential of Blue Carbon: A Natural Solution to Climate Change and Coastal Resilience
- 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
Reports
American Forests Report: Impact of Forest Management and Wood Utilization on Carbon Sequestration and Storage in Pennsylvania and Maryland
Videos & Podcasts
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.