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 Rhode Island 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
© George Steinmetz/TNC
The Nature Conservancy Article: On the Edge: Rising sea levels and strong storms are hurting coastal communities. Here’s how some are fighting back.
American Farmland Trust Article: There Is No More Normal: New England’s Farmers Respond to a Changing Climate
Forests:
- USDA Forest Service Fact Sheet: Forest Legacy 2024 Funded Projects
- National Association of Conservation Districts Press Release: NACD Announces Urban and Community Conservation Grants for 35 Recipients
- National Association of Conservation Districts Press Release: NACD Awarded $585,82 U.S. Forest Service Landscape Scale Restoration Grant to Advance Regional Conservation Efforts
- SCIENCE: Ecosphere Study: Net carbon sequestration implications of intensified timber harvest in Northeastern U.S. forests
- U.S. Nature4Climate Blog Article: Building a Robust Reforestation Pipeline: Key Takeaways and Recommendations from Interviews with Nursery Managers in the Northeastern United States
- U.S. Nature4Climate/Trust for Public Land Blog Article: Saving America’s forestlands one community forest at a time
- U.S. Nature4Climate Article: Seeing the City for the Trees
Agriculture:
- American Farmland Trust Article: Demystifying Soil Health Management Planning: Farmers Share Perspectives on a New England Peer-to-Peer Program
Wetlands:
- Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership Nature-based Solutions Interactive Map: Rhode Island – Restoring “The Kickie”
- The Nature Conservancy Article: Case Studies: Living Shorelines in New England
- 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
Videos & Podcasts
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.