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Role of NbS for Climate Change Adaptation in UK Policy
Just ahead of tomorrow's Climate Ambition Summit, this report considers the important role of nature-based solutions (NbS) in climate change adaptation policy for the UK and its fourteen overseas territories. The report was written by NbSI, in collaboration with WWF and RSPB; together we will work w [...] read more
On the misuse of nature-based carbon ‘offsets’
Nature-based solutions (NbS*) are being misused for greenwashing. Promoting NbS as carbon 'offsets' while continuing business as usual in fossil fuel use is not a solution to climate change. In fact, it can encourage continued or even increased fossil fuel consumption leading to more emissions o [...] read more

4 countries have submitted updated NDCs

This year, countries have the chance to submit updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) with new targets for how they will contribute to the goals of the Paris Agreement. Although the informal deadline for submission of updated NDCs was 9th February 2020, to date, only four countries have submitted new documents: Norway, the Marshall Islands, Moldova, [...] Read more
March 9, 2020

Absolute Zero Report

This report summarises actions required to deliver net-zero emissions in the UK by 2050, without the emergence of not-guaranteed new technologies. The authors calculated that this would require much more drastic actions than suggested by government bodies such as the Committee on Climate Change (CCC). For example, all airports would need to be closed between [...] Read more
March 9, 2020

COP25, Madrid

For two weeks in December, delegates from across the world met in Madrid for the 25th Conference of the Parties (COP25). Despite being set against a backdrop of growing public demand for immediate climate action, this meeting saw disappointing progress. Only 80 nations committed to increasing ambition in their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) i.e. commitments [...] Read more
January 13, 2020

UK Government Environment Bill

In October 2019, the UK Government introduced a landmark Environment Bill, which will come into action when the country leaves the European Union. It includes measures to improve air and water quality, reduce plastic pollution, and restore natural habitats. A new Office for Environmental Protection will be established, which will ensure that environmental standards are [...] Read more
January 13, 2020

IPCC Special Report on the Ocean and Cryosphere in a Changing Climate

This latest IPCC report describes observed and projected impacts of climate change on our oceans, coastal zones, and cryosphere (polar and mountain ecosystems), and the human communities that rely on them. It reports widespread shrinking of ice sheets, glaciers, and reduction in snow cover, and the associated rise of global mean sea level. Such changes [...] Read more
November 18, 2019

Climate Change and Land: An IPCC special report on climate change, desertification, land degradation, sustainable land management, food security, and greenhouse gas fluxes in terrestrial ecosystems

This IPCC report highlights the importance of our lands as both a source and a sink for GHGs. It estimates that around 23% of total GHG emissions are derived from the way we currently use land (agriculture, forestry, and other uses), while natural land processes absorb 29% of total CO2 emissions. The report assesses how [...] Read more
November 18, 2019

Enhancing climate ambition through NbS

On the basis of an analysis of comparative assessments of nature’s prominence in NDCs to date, our new report with IUCN highlights what can be done to fully harness the potential of NbS in global climate action. National commitments to NbS are also available via our NBS Policy Platform.
October 6, 2019

UN resolution passed calling for urgent action on peatlands

This March, a UN Resolution was passed that urges member states to conserve, sustainably manage, and restore their peatlands. This is a welcome development because peatlands are found in 180 countries, cover approximately 3% of the Earth’s land area, and provide habitats for diverse flora and fauna. Moreover, peatlands store vast amounts of soil carbon [...] Read more
May 25, 2019

Nature-based Solutions highlighted in the IPBES Report

The much anticipated global assessment report on biodiversity and ecosystem services of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) was launched on May 6th. The report paints a bleak picture. While our dependence on natural resources has grown dramatically, the capacity of nature to provide these resources is being severely diminished due [...] Read more
May 25, 2019

United Nations Secretary General’s Climate Summit – NbS coalition

NbS are one of nine core themes for the upcoming UNSG Climate Summit. The NbS Coalition is being led by China and New Zealand, includes Costa Rica, Fiji, Norway, Portugal and Tajikistan, and is being supported by UN Environment, the CBD and coordinated by David Nabarro. The NbS coalition is calling for more systemic understanding [...] Read more
May 25, 2019

Biodiversity loss is a development issue

“From genes to micro-organisms to top predators and even whole ecosystems, we depend on biodiversity for everything from clean air and water to medicines and secure food supplies. Yet human activities are destroying biodiversity around 1,000 times faster than natural ‘background’ rates. This global biodiversity crisis is hitting the poorest communities first and hardest because they [...] Read more
April 8, 2019

Nature-based solutions: delivering national-level adaptation and global goals

“Many of the world’s vital natural ecosystems, and the communities reliant on them, are vulnerable to climate change. But there is increasing recognition that ecosystems — if sustainably restored and protected — can also form a strong line of defence against the direct impacts of climate change and support human adaptation over the long term. [...] Read more
November 8, 2018

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