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 New Jersey 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
Photo by Khurt Williams for LTA
Land Trust Alliance Blog Article: Talking Climate Change ‘Til the Cows Come Home: Could Land Practices in Hopewell, New Jersey, Hold a Key to Mitigating Worldwide Climate Change?
Photo by Driendl Group/Getty Images for Pew
Pew Charitable Trusts Article: States Harness Coastal Wetlands to Meet Climate Goals
Photo by Jenna Farineau for AFT
American Farmland Trust Article: The Land Beneath the Panels: How Agrivoltaics Can Transform the Future of Farming
Forests:
- The Nature Conservancy Article: The Future Forest: The Appalachians face multiple threats. Scientists are working to boost their adaptability.
- The Nature Conservancy Article: Urban Conservation in New Jersey
- Pew Charitable Trusts Article: The Era of Extreme Heat Is Here: Federal and State Governments Roll Out Strategies to Cope
- U.S. Nature4Climate Blog Article: Building a Robust Reforestation Pipeline: Key Takeaways and Recommendations from Interviews with Nursery Managers in the Northeastern United States
- The Nature Conservancy Press Release: The Nature Conservancy Awards Over $1.2 million To Projects in Northern Appalachian States Through New Grant Program
- National Association of Conservation Districts Press Release: NACD Awarded $585,82 U.S. Forest Service Landscape Scale Restoration Grant to Advance Regional Conservation Efforts
- U.S. Nature4Climate/American Forests Article: The United States of Fire
Wetlands:
- The Nature Conservancy Article: On the Edge – Rising sea levels and strong storms are hurting coastal communities. Here’s how some are fighting back.
- Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership Nature-based Solutions Interactive Map: New Jersey – Abbots Meadow Marshland Restoration
- U.S. Nature4Climate Blog Article: Harnessing Blue Carbon: A Natural Solution to Climate Change and Coastal Resilience
- Pew Charitable Trusts Article: States Improve How They Assess Coastal Wetlands’ Impacts to Reduce Climate Pollution
- 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
The Nature Conservancy Report: 2024 New Jersey Annual Report
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.