The global theme of Earth Day 2024 is Planet vs. Plastics. This theme clearly indicates that we should act quickly to reduce the use of plastic to protect the Earth before it is too late.
However, it is not only plastic that is threatening the planet. Several other human-induced activities are negatively impacting the environment and provoking climate change. For example, fossil fuels (e.g., oil, natural gas, and coal) produce large quantities of carbon dioxide when burned, and carbon emissions trap heat in the atmosphere and lead to global warming and climate change.
Nature-based solutions (NBS) hold significant promise in combating climate change and protecting our planet. These sustainable approaches leverage the essential capabilities of natural ecosystems to mitigate and adapt to climate change impacts while benefiting biodiversity, human well-being, and sustainable development.
Some of the critical components, such as carbon sequestration, biodiversity conservation, climate resilience, natural resources management, sustainable agriculture, urban green infrastructure, community engagement, and policy development, would have a significantly positive impact on curtailing global warming and improving the environment, which ultimately helps maintain a healthy planet in the future. For example, forests, wetlands, and other natural ecosystems act as carbon sinks, uptaking and storing significant amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
We must protect, increase, and restore ecosystems that can enhance carbon sequestration, helping to mitigate climate change. Moreover, preserving biodiversity is crucial for maintaining ecosystem functions and adapting to the impact of climate change because healthy ecosystems support various plant and animal species, which contributes to overall ecosystem resilience.
Additionally, managing natural resources, such as wetlands, forests, and grasslands, is essential in regulating water cycles and maintaining soil health. This includes flood control, groundwater recharge, and water purification. Protecting and restoring these natural resource systems can enhance natural resource security and a clean environment in the face of climate change.
It is time to work on climate resilience because natural features like forests and pastureland/grassland ecosystems protect against extreme weather events like storms, floods, and erosion. Restoring and conserving these ecosystems can bolster community resilience to climate-related disasters.
Sustainable agricultural practices, such as agroforestry, soil conservation, and biodiversity-supported farming, can improve soil health, increase agricultural resilience, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture. Meanwhile, incorporating green infrastructure into cities can mitigate the urban heat island effect, improve air quality, and enhance urban resilience to climate change impacts.
NBS often involves local communities in conservation and restoration efforts, providing opportunities for sustainable livelihoods and fostering stewardship of natural resources. NBS can also complement traditional climate mitigation and adaptation strategies, offering cost-effective and scalable solutions that align with broader sustainable development goals.
However, it is essential to understand that NBS should be integrated into comprehensive climate action plans alongside other strategies such as decarbonization, carbon sequestration, renewable energy deployment, and technological innovation. Additionally, ensuring the equitable distribution of benefits and addressing potential trade-offs is crucial for the success of NBS in supporting climate change initiatives and protecting the planet.
Global warming is not a distant threat; it’s a reality we face today. But it’s also an opportunity for us to innovate and adapt.
Ram L. Ray Ph.D., P. E.
Dr. Ram Ray is a professor at the College of Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources at Prairie View A&M University. He holds a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering, an M.S. in Soil Science, and a B.S. in Civil Engineering. With over a decade of experience as a faculty member/scientist at PVAMU, Dr. Ray has expertise in various areas, including natural hazards, natural resource management through GIS/remote sensing, interactions between hydrology, land surfaces, and the atmosphere, as well as studies on NBS to mitigate climate change and enhance carbon sequestration. Furthermore, he is leading several NBS-based research projects that address climate change issues through carbon sequestration and improving the environment.