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Climate change

Nature-Based Solutions: A Critical Tool for Climate Action

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

In the face of existential threats from climate change, Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) have emerged as a vital option for addressing climate change and biodiversity loss. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN, 2016), NbS involves protecting and restoring natural ecosystems to provide both human well-being and biodiversity benefits. This approach recognizes the importance of natural systems, such as mangroves, sea grasses, and tidal marshes, in absorbing and storing carbon dioxide, as well as mitigating the impacts of climate change.

Key Takeaways:

  • NbS can provide a more affordable long-term solution to climate change challenges compared to engineered interventions, which can be expensive and have limited effectiveness.
  • Mangroves are significant examples of NbS, storing nearly four times more carbon than other forests, and providing a strong natural infrastructure against large waves and storm surges.
  • The Youth4Nature mission aims to mobilize youth to advocate for 30% of climate solutions to be delivered through NbS by 2030, and Bangladesh has been a pioneer in promoting NbS through coastal afforestation.
  • Urban areas can benefit from NbS, including flood management, cooling effects, and recreational values, andRestore River", and "Salinity Intrusion in Bangladesh" projects in Bangladesh and the Mongla City Water Treatment Project in Bangladesh demonstrate the effectiveness of NbS in addressing salinity intrusion and providing a sustainable water supply.

Statistics:

  • Mangroves store nearly four times more carbon than other forests (IUCN, 2016).
  • Over 550 square miles of mangrove forests are found in the Everglades Mangrove Forest in South Florida (Everglades Mangrove Forest, n.d.).
  • The Kudalichora Canal restoration project in Moulvibazar, Bangladesh, improved drainage capacity by 50% and reduced wasterlogging by 75% (LGRD, n.d.).

Sources:

  • IUCN (2016). Nature-Based Solutions (NbS): an initiative of the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
  • Everglades Mangrove Forest (n.d.). Everglades Mangrove Forest: A resilient ecosystem.
  • LGRD (n.d.). Kudalichora Canal Restoration Project: A success story of NbS in urban areas.
  • Youth4Nature (n.d.). Mission to scale up NbS for climate action by 2030.
  • Bangladesh Government (n.d.). National Adaptation Plan of Bangladesh (2022).
  • Deane et al. (2025). Nature-Based Solutions as a Climate Policy Tool: An Environmental Justice Perspective.
  • Frugal Innovation Forum (2025). Frugal Innovation and Sustainable Development: The Role of Nature-Based Solutions.

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