Over the years, climate change and global warming have had many effects on the earth and its citizens, none too positive. Heat waves, wildfires, droughts leading to agricultural crises, and more acidic oceans are but a few of the effects of global warming and climate change. Suffice it to say, this does not bode well for the future of Earth and its occupants. It is therefore imperative to employ means to mitigate the effects of greenhouse gas emissions and reduce global warming and climate change trends to the barest minimum.
INTENDED BENEFITS, PROVEN SUCCESSES AND FAILURES OF NATURE-BASED SOLUTIONS
Benefits
Numerous studies emphasize tackling climate change and global warming through nature-based solutions. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) World Congress in 2012 advocated for "Nature+", emphasizing nature's role in societal resilience and introducing "nature-based solutions" to address climate change, sustainable energy, food security, and socio-economic development.
Successes
Since 2013, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has prioritized Nature-Based Solutions (NBS), recognizing their ability to leverage well-managed ecosystems for human resilience and development in impoverished communities. NBS enhances sustainable urban growth, fostering economic prosperity, environmental improvement, and human well-being.
Source: iStock
They restore ecosystems, bolstering resilience and vital ecosystem services while addressing societal challenges. NBS surpasses conventional methods in risk management and resilience, offering cost-effective and sustainable solutions for climate change, biodiversity conservation, and socio-economic development i.e Urban Green Infrastructure for urban resilience, mangrove restoration for coastal protection, agroforestry for soil health and carbon sequestration, and Ecosystem-Based Adaptation for climate resilience
Failure
The main causes of failure of Nature based solution are lack of proper project implementation. Some projects have not been properly monitored or maintained, which has led them to becoming overgrown or damaged.
CRITICISMS AGAINST NATURE-BASED SOLUTIONS
Critics argue against nature-based solutions (NBS), claiming they offer little substantial difference and raise concerns such as indigenous rights violations and corporate greenwashing. Despite criticism, NBS proponents highlight benefits like job creation, sustainable tourism, and agriculture promotion. While effective locally, critics doubt NBS's ability to address global issues like climate change. However, wider adoption could transform ecosystems and foster sustainability, countering claims of NBS's insignificance.
Source: iStock
OBJECTIVE VIEW OF NATURE-BASED SOLUTIONS
We don’t think Nature-based solutions are unimportant or unnecessary. Nature-based solutions are a way of applying the strength, resources, and abundance of NATURE to the global environment and social challenges. NBS helps cities manage climate hazards in combating various problems including adaptation to climate change, drought, water scarcity, extreme heat, flooding, etc. Coastal cities should seek to understand the likely local impact of sea level rise in the decades to come and begin discussion and planning for the response now. Early climate change impacts are already here and may get worse.
The risk should be considered in the adaptation strategy the city faces and be developed with the engagement of local people, businesses, and government departments at various levels. Everyone needs to work together to make the earth a sustainable place to live in and guarantee a green future for her and her inhabitants sooner rather than later.
Call to action
Government and organizations should invest in research and development of new nature based solutions and should provide incentive and finding for the implementation.
Individuals can make a difference by supporting nature based solution in their community and advocating for their use in the local, state and national levels.
References
IUCN. (2016). Guidelines for applying the IUCN global standard for nature-based solutions. International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity. (2020). Nature-based solutions to address global challenges: Recommendations for the implementation of nature-based solutions to address climate change and disaster risk reduction. Montreal, Canada: CBD Technical Series No. 99.
Kabisch, N., Stadler, J., Korn, H., & Bonn, A. (2017). Nature-based solutions to climate change adaptation in urban areas: Linkages between science, policy and practice. Cham, Switzerland: Springer.
Article written by NATURE BASED SOLUTIONS GSAG
MEMBERS
Aishat SHUAIB
Deborah AJIBOYE
Adamu DAHIRU
Folasade ADEBUSUYI
Babatunde AJAYI
Abalike GODWIN
Jennifer AGBIISI
Blessings NWODU
Ibukunoluwa ADEJUWON
Abigail Queen ALHASSAN
Peace POPOOLA
Huswah SIDEEQ
Vikun Ebenezer MAKAMA
Azeezat Omobolanle AMOLE
Success OMOTOSO
Basirat ADENIJI
GSAM: Rodney Ighalo
0 Comments