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 Vermont 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
© John Tully/TNC
The Nature Conservancy Article: Sleepy Hollow: A Local Example of Natural Climate Solutions
Photo via Ecophotography/LTA
Land Trust Alliance Article: Vermont Trees Will Continue to Breathe for the Whole Planet
Photo by Burlington Conservation Board
U.S. Nature4Climate/Trust for Public Land Article: The City of Burlington Goes To The Head of the Class in Implementing Natural Climate Solutions
- The Nature Conservancy Article: Nature-Based Solutions For Clean Water in Vermont
Forests:
- Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership Nature-based Solutions Interactive Map: Vermont – Lake Champlain Basin Trout and Salmon Habitat Restoration
- The Nature Conservancy Article: The Future Forest: The Appalachians face multiple threats. Scientists are working to boost their adaptability.
- The Nature Conservancy Article: Forest Carbon in Vermont
- Trust for Public Land Article: In Vermont, All Trails Lead to Rolston Rest
- Open Space Institute Article: Connectivity for Wildlife and People (2022)
- Open Space Institute Article: Funding Forests for Our Future (2022)
- USDA Forest Service Fact Sheet: Forest Legacy 2024 Funded Projects
- 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
- SCIENCE: Ecosphere Study: Net carbon sequestration implications of intensified timber harvest in Northeastern U.S. forests
- American Forest Foundation Article: New England Climate-Smart Commodities Program Now Enrolling Landowners in Four States
- 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
Agriculture:
- American Farmland Trust Article: Demystifying Soil Health Management Planning: Farmers Share Perspectives on a New England Peer-to-Peer Program
- American Farmland Trust Article: There Is No More Normal: New England’s Farmers Respond to a Changing Climate
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.