WASHINGTON, D.C. — Investments in nature-based climate solutions must be a cornerstone of climate change mitigation strategies that protect nations from the growing impacts of the climate crisis while addressing its root causes. In recent days, nature-based solutions have taken center stage on the domestic and international stage and should be prioritized throughout discussions in Congress and the United Nations Climate Change Conference.

“Time and time again, we have seen leaders in Congress and on the international stage embrace the benefits of harnessing nature to protect our communities against the impacts of climate change,” said Collin O’Mara, president and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation. “The nature-based solutions laid out in the bipartisan infrastructure framework, the Build Back Better Act, and the investments in forests pledged by countries around the world are not only cost-effective, but also lifesaving. We urge policymakers and world leaders to commit to these promised investments — there is no time to lose for our wildlife, people, and planet.” 

The Build Back Better framework laid out by the Biden Administration last week makes historic investments in nature-based climate solutions, including investments in forests, wildfire prevention, and coastal resilience. 

In Glasgow, at the United Nations Climate Change Conference, nations around the world made the largest ever commitment to protecting forests, which are crucial for people and wildlife around the world and protect against climate change by acting as natural carbon sinks. Newly announced public and private investments of $19 billion will protect against deforestation and accelerate restoration efforts.

“Forests around the world support the livelihoods of billions of people along with countless ecosystems. They are crucial sources of climate change mitigation, acting as a significant source of carbon sequestration,” said Nathalie Walker, director of tropical forests and agriculture at the National Wildlife Federation’s International Program. “Newly announced investments in forests, both American and worldwide, will be vital to averting climate disaster.”