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 Massachusetts 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


© Erika Nortemann/TNC
U.S. Nature4Climate Blog Article: Building a Robust Reforestation Pipeline: Key Takeaways and Recommendations from Interviews with Nursery Managers in the Northeastern United States


© Robin Lubbock/WBUR
WBUR Article: Saving eelgrass, the most important plant you’ve likely never heard of
- U.S. Nature4Climate/The Nature Conservancy Article: Ambitious Climate Legislation in Massachusetts Sets the Bar for Other States
- The Nature Conservancy Article: Connecting Lands for Climate Resilience
Forests:
- SCIENCE: Ecosphere Study: Net carbon sequestration implications of intensified timber harvest in Northeastern U.S. forests
- Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy & Environmental Affairs: Healey-Driscoll Administration Announces $50 Million Investment and Milestones for Forests as Climate Solutions Initiative
- American Forest Foundation Article: New England Climate-Smart Commodities Program Now Enrolling Landowners in Four States
- The Nature Conservancy Press Release: The Nature Conservancy Awards Over $1.2 million To Projects in Northern Appalachian States Through New Grant Program
- USDA Forest Service Fact Sheet: Forest Legacy 2024 Funded Projects
- U.S. Nature4Climate/Trust for Public Land Blog Article: Saving America’s forestlands one community forest at a time
Agriculture & Grasslands:
- American Farmland Trust Article: There Is No More Normal: New England’s Farmers Respond to a Changing Climate
- American Farmland Trust Article: Demystifying Soil Health Management Planning: Farmers Share Perspectives on a New England Peer-to-Peer Program
- SCIENCE: University of Massachusetts-Amherst Helen Harrison Masters Thesis: Regenerative Farming Practices as Nature-Based Solutions: Potential Actions for Municipalities in Massachusetts
- The Nature Conservancy Article: Restoring Imperiled Grasslands on Martha’s Vineyard
Wetlands:
- Pew Charitable Trusts Article: States Improve How They Assess Coastal Wetlands’ Impacts to Reduce Climate Pollution
- U.S. Nature4Climate Blog Article: Harnessing 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
- Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership Nature-based Solutions Interactive Map: Massachusetts – Reclaiming Retired Cranberry Bogs
- The Nature Conservancy Article: Experimental Solutions to Reduce Nitrogen Pollution on Cape Cod
- The Nature Conservancy Article: On the Edge: Rising sea levels and strong storms are hurting coastal communities. Here’s how some are fighting back.
- The Nature Conservancy Article: Case Studies: Living Shorelines in New England
- The Nature Conservancy Article: Piloting Living Shorelines in New England
- The Nature Conservancy Article: A Fisherman on the Front Lines of Climate Change
Reports

The Nature Conservancy Report: 2024 Year In Review Massachusetts
Videos & Podcasts
- The Nature Conservancy Video: Restoring Unique Habitats on Martha’s Vineyard
- The Nature Conservancy Video: Trees in Peril
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.