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 Minnesota 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 Minnesota
Blog Articles
© Alita Films
U.S. Nature4Climate Article: Reforesting Minnesota: Building Capacity in a Changing Climate
© Dudley Edmondson
U.S. Nature4Climate/The Nature Conservancy Article: Conserving a Way of Life: John Reed
© Derek Montgomery
U.S. Nature4Climate/The Nature Conservancy Article: Just Add Water? Restoring Carbon Sinks in Minnesota
- SCIENCE: Environmental Defense Fund Article: New Research Could Help Resource Managers Improve the Health and Resilience of the Mississippi River Basin
Forests:
- The Nature Conservancy in Minnesota Article: The Need for Seed
- National Association of Conservation Districts Article: Growing Forests, Building Futures: Hubbard SWCD’s Forestry Initiatives in Minnesota
- The Nature Conservancy in Minnesota Article: Climate-Smart Seedling Production Network Aims to Grow More Trees for Minnesota Reforestation Efforts
- Trust for Public Land Press Release: Washington, DC, Park System Ranked as Nation’s Best In Trust for Public Land’s Annual ParkScore® Index; Minneapolis Places Second and Saint Paul Finishes Third
- American Forest Foundation Article: The Latest News on the Family Forest Carbon Program
- U.S. Nature4Climate Article: Seeing the City for the Trees
Agriculture:
- U.S. Nature4Climate Article: Partnerships for Developing ‘Forever Green’ Agriculture in the Upper Midwest
- U.S. Nature4Climate Article: Kernza®: A Perennial Grain with Climate Solution Potential Baked Right In
- 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: 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
- SCIENCE: Carbon Balance and Management Study (Conservation International): Maximizing Tree Carbon in Croplands and Grazing Lands While Sustaining Yields
- Yale Environment 360 Article (featuring The Nature Conservancy & Savanna Institute): How Agroforestry Could Help Revitalize America’s Corn Belt
- Environmental Defense Fund Business Article: Understanding the Costs and Returns of Cover Crops: What Farmers Need to Know
- Environmental Defense Fund Business Summary: Financial Impacts of Cover Crops in Minnesota and Wisconsin
- SCIENCE: (University of Tennessee-Knoxville & Doane University): Journal of Human Sciences & Extension Study: A Midwest Perspective on Biochar Integration in Extension
- U.S. Nature4Climate/Environmental Defense Fund Article: Cargill and Soil Health Institute find farmer experience with soil health pays off. Here’s how.
- U.S. Nature4Climate/U.S. Farmers & Ranchers in Action Article: Sustainable Farming: Is There a Payoff?
Wetlands:
- The Nature Conservancy in MN-ND-SD Landing Page: Rinse & Repeat: Restoring Minnesota’s Peatlands for Climate & Water
- Pew Charitable Trusts Article: Change in Federal Protections for Wetlands Poses Resilience Challenge for States
Reports
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.