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 Missouri 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
© Doyle Murphy/TNC
The Nature Conservancy in Missouri Article: Habitat Strike Teams: Combating invasive species and restoring Missouri’s vulnerable landscapes.
© Dan Videtich/Courtesy TNC
U.S. Nature4Climate/The Nature Conservancy Article: The Seed Collector: An interview with seed harvest and restoration technician Keith Bennett, who is helping restore Missouri’s native tallgrass prairie.
- SCIENCE: Environmental Defense Fund Article: New Research Could Help Resource Managers Improve the Health and Resilience of the Mississippi River Basin
Forests:
- U.S. Nature4Climate/The Nature Conservancy Article: Treesilience: Urban Forestry for Communities and Climate
- University of Missouri School of Natural Resources Study: Carbon and Biomass Dynamics in Missouri Forests and Implications for Climate Change
Agriculture:
- The Nature Conservancy Article: Collaborating to Improve Water Quality in Missouri
- The Nature Conservancy Article: Partnering with NRCS in the Great Plains
- (The Nature Conservancy & Savanna Institute): Yale Environment 360 Article:How Agroforestry Could Help Revitalize America’s Corn Belt
- SCIENCE: (University of Tennessee-Knoxville & Doane University): Journal of Human Sciences & Extension Study: A Midwest Perspective on Biochar Integration in Extension
Wetlands:
- Pew Charitable Trusts Article: Change in Federal Protections for Wetlands Poses Resilience Challenge for States
- Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership Nature-based Solutions Interactive Map: Missouri – Swan Lake National Wildlife Refuge Wetland Conservation Project
Reports
High Plains Journal Article: Report: Missouri forests play role in long-term carbon storage
Videos & Podcasts
The Nature Conservancy Video: Grand River Grasslands: A Story of Restoration and Collaboration
The Nature Conservancy in Missouri Podcast: It’s in Our Nature: A Podcast Celebrating the Connection Between People and Nature
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.