Restoring natural spaces can help mitigate the effects of climate change in several ways:
Carbon Sequestration
Restored forests, wetlands, and other ecosystems can act as carbon sinks, sequestering carbon from the atmosphere and helping to mitigate climate change[1].
Ecosystem-Based Adaptation
Nature can act as a defense against climate impacts. For example, coastal ecosystems like mangroves can serve as cost-effective seawalls, protecting against coastal flooding and shoreline disintegration[2].
Biodiversity Conservation
Conserving and restoring natural spaces is essential for limiting carbon emissions and adapting to a changing climate. Biodiverse ecosystems are more resilient to climate change and can provide various benefits, including carbon storage and climate regulation[3].
Nature-Based Solutions
Restoring and protecting natural spaces are part of nature-based solutions to climate change. These solutions include avoiding emissions through protecting landscapes, restoring ecosystems, and integrating nature into urban areas and agricultural landscapes[4].
Conclusion
Restoring natural spaces is a multifaceted approach that not only helps mitigate the effects of climate change but also provides numerous co-benefits, such as supporting biodiversity, protecting against natural disasters, and enhancing overall ecosystem resilience[2][4].
Citations:
[1] https://www.nature.com/articles/s41558-021-01198-0
[2] https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/story/six-ways-nature-can-protect-us-climate-change
[3] https://www.un.org/en/climatechange/science/climate-issues/biodiversity
[4] https://www.lse.ac.uk/granthaminstitute/explainers/what-are-nature-based-solutions-to-climate-change/
[5] https://www.epa.gov/climateimpacts/climate-change-impacts-ecosystems
