Harnessing nature: the ecosystem approach to climate-change preparedness
The author of this report argue that by preserving and rebuilding green infrastructure, we can “harness nature” to help provide protection from extreme events. She aims to promote this strategy of harnessing nature as an essential, viable and cost-effective approach to climate-change preparedness.
To underscore the urgency of the need to act now, the report begins with a review of the extreme weather events of 2011 and a summary of the latest weather trends and scientific predictions about climate events. It summarizes the benefits of strengthening green infrastructure and offers case studies of communities around the USA that are 'harnessing nature' to lessen the impacts of floods, storms, droughts, wildfires and rising sea levels. Finally, it concludes with recommendations to help agencies and communities incorporate ecosystem-based measures into their climate-change adaptation plans.