Nature-based solutions for climate change in the UK

The main focus of this report is the joint role of nature-based solutions (NbS) for addressing the climate and biodiversity crises currently facing the UK. Nature-based solutions address societal problems in ways that benefit both people and nature.. Natural habitats act as NbS for climate if they sequester carbon (contributing to Net Zero targets) or provide adaptation to climate change effects (for example, reducing flooding, protecting coastline against sea-level rise or creating cool spaces in cities). As well as these climate benefits, they can enhance biodiversity, create improved and more resilient ecosystem functioning, enhance human wellbeing and provide economic benefits, in terms of monetary value and job creation. 

There are five key themes that emerge from this report, across the multiple habitats and the multiple NbS studied: 

1. Nature-based solutions for climate and nature. 
2. Nature-based solutions for health and prosperity. 
3. Getting the right frameworks and policies in place to deliver nature-based solutions at scale: a window of opportunity.
4. Getting the right nature-based solutions in the right places. 
5. Getting the right evidence for NbS.