Climate change is driving a surge in natural disasters, from severe droughts and floods to wildfires and extreme storms. These events are taking a devastating toll on biodiversity, with over one million animal and plant species facing extinction.
But nature itself holds the key to combating climate change and mitigating its impacts. Protecting and restoring ecosystems not only preserves wildlife but also helps to address loss and damage from climate change.
In 2023, the world experienced the warmest year on record, and 2024 is likely to follow in the same direction. With global temperatures on track to rise by 1.5°C by 2040, it’s more urgent than ever to implement nature-based climate solutions—actions that protect, restore, and sustainably manage natural ecosystems.
These solutions are central to the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) strategy to tackle the climate crisis. Here are eight key nature-based climate solutions IFAW is working on to protect the planet and its inhabitants.
1. Wildlife Conservation
Climate change is intricately linked to biodiversity loss, and protecting wildlife is crucial to maintaining ecosystem services. Elephants, for example, play a key role in dispersing seeds that help plants thrive. Conserving these species ensures that ecosystems remain functional, which supports both wildlife and human communities.
2. Marine Conservation
Marine life, including whales, sharks, and coral reefs, plays a significant role in combating climate change. Whales, for instance, help stimulate the growth of phytoplankton, which capture about 37 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide annually—roughly 40% of all carbon emissions.
Coral reefs are home to over a quarter of all fish species and offer ecosystem services such as food, flood protection, and opportunities for ecotourism. Protecting marine environments, including whales and sharks, is critical for reducing carbon in the atmosphere and preserving biodiversity.
3. Ecosystem Reservation
Designating land for the preservation of natural ecosystems—such as forests, lakes, and rivers—is a fundamental approach to protecting wildlife and combating climate change. By setting aside land for conservation, we prevent its conversion to agricultural or urban use, which can degrade ecosystems.
Preserving these areas allows plants to thrive, and since plants capture and store carbon through photosynthesis, they play a critical role in reducing atmospheric carbon.
4. Blue Carbon Projects
The ocean is a major carbon sink, storing up to 50 times more carbon than the atmosphere. Marine life such as whales and seagrasses help capture and store carbon, making ocean conservation vital to climate mitigation. One key initiative is the protection of the High Seas, areas of the ocean outside national jurisdiction.
5. Landscape Management
Sustainable landscape management helps protect vital resources like watersheds and forests. This involves practices such as agroforestry, regenerative farming, and recharging aquifers. In Kenya, IFAW is working with the Taita community to plant fruit trees that reduce soil erosion, protect against floods, and prevent droughts.
6. Disaster Response and Wildlife Rescue
Effective disaster response is essential to saving vulnerable species and protecting biodiversity. IFAW’s work in disaster response includes rescuing animals, such as African elephants and North Atlantic right whales, whose low populations make the survival of every individual critical.
7. Supporting Wildlife-Friendly Livelihoods
Promoting livelihoods that support wildlife conservation is a key component of nature-based solutions. For example, IFAW helps communities transition from activities that harm wildlife, like poaching, to sustainable alternatives, such as eco-tourism.
8. Combating Wildlife Crime and Trafficking
Tackling wildlife crime and trafficking ensures that species remain in their natural habitats, where they can continue to perform critical ecological roles. By strengthening policies and taking action to rescue and rehabilitate animals affected by illegal trade, IFAW helps safeguard biodiversity and support the health of ecosystems.
IFAW’s Commitment to Nature-Based Solutions
At IFAW, we recognize that climate change is already impacting wildlife and their habitats. Through climate-smart conservation, we work with governments, community conservancies, and local organizations to develop strategies that not only protect nature but also help communities adapt to a changing climate.
Nature-based solutions provide a holistic approach to tackling the climate crisis, benefiting both wildlife and human populations. By preserving ecosystems, we create a more resilient world for all living beings.
Nature-based solutions are not just about protecting wildlife; they are vital for the health of the planet and its people. By investing in these solutions, we can build a more sustainable and resilient future for generations to come.
What are Nature-based Climate Solutions?
Video by Boreal Conservation
