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 Mexico 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
© Roberto Rosales for TNC
The Nature Conservancy Article: Plant These Trees to Help Battle Climate Change Across New Mexico
© Alan W. Eckert/TNC
U.S. Nature4Climate/The Nature Conservancy Article: Creating Resilient Forests in the Jemez Mountains
© Shannon Romeling for TNC
The Nature Conservancy Article: Hold It High: 3 Restoration Projects That Are Improving Life in the Rio Grande Watershed. Local conservation leaders share how restoring streams & wetlands along the Rio Grande is bringing fresh water & economic opportunity to New Mexico.
- Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership Nature-based Solutions Interactive Map: New Mexico – Restoring Native Ecosystems in the Santa Clara Pueblo
- Colorado College Conservation in the West Landing Page: 2024 Conservation In The West Survey
- Hispanic Access Foundation Press Release: Latinos Show Concern about Water and Public Lands in the 14th Annual Conservation in the West Poll — see Spanish language version here
- National Wildlife Federation Press Release: Westerners Flag Growing Concerns for Future of Public Lands Water, Wildlife
- U.S. Climate Alliance Press Release: State of the State Roundup: U.S. Climate Alliance Spotlights Governors’ Commitment to Climate Action in 2024
- SCIENCE: Environmental Defense Fund Article: New Research Could Help Resource Managers Improve the Health and Resilience of the Mississippi River Basin
- Trust for Public Land Press Release: Trust for Public Land Protects 3,700 Acres Bordering Rio Grande del Norte National Monument
Forests:
- American Forests Article: Reforestation can happen in the desert, too
- The Nature Conservancy Article: Future Forests: Living with Fire
- SCIENCE: The Nature Conservancy Article: Comprehensive Science Review Shows Fuel Treatments Reduce Future Wildfire Severity
- SCIENCE: Forest Ecology & Management Study: Tamm review: A Meta-Analysis of Thinning, Prescribed Fire, and Wildfire Effects on Subsequent Wildfire Severity in Conifer Dominated Forests of the Western US
- SCIENCE: Ecological Applications Study (University of California-Davis): Moderating Effects of Past Wildfire on Reburn Severity Depend on Climate and Initial Severity in Western U.S. Forests
- National Association of Conservation Districts Press Release: NACD Announces Urban and Community Conservation Grants for 35 Recipients
- U.S. Nature4Climate Article: Sharing is Caring: How a New Approach to Forest Management is Paying Dividends
- U.S. Nature4Climate/American Forests Article: Growing Trees, Growing Jobs
- American Forests Article: Project Showcase: Reforesting the Sky Islands of New Mexico
Agriculture & Grasslands:
- The Nature Conservancy Article (featuring The Land Institute): Field of Dreams: Alternative Crops Offer Hope for the Colorado River
- Environmental & Energy Study Institute Article: Eternal Optimists: How Farmers and Ranchers Are Innovating in Response to a Shrinking Colorado River
- The Nature Conservancy Article: Prairie and Desert Grasslands: Our Most Fragile Lands
Reports
The Nature Conservancy Report: New Mexico 2024 Year in Review
Videos & Podcasts
The Nature Conservancy Video: Good Fire: Restoring New Mexico’s Forests
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.