Nature-based solutions are critical for climate change mitigation by providing over 30% of the emission reductions needed to limit global warming to below 2°C by 2030.6
They are also essential for climate change adaptation by reducing the direct impact on communities of climate change-related disasters such as floods, erosion, landslides, water stress, storm surges, and heatwaves (table).7 8,9, 10
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Because of these mitigation and adaptation benefits, nature-based solutions can help avert collapses of health-care systems and other crucial services such as availability of clean water and sanitation. Nature-based solutions also aid in recovery from disasters, including livelihood regeneration,11 and support biodiverse ecosystems, which in turn lead to improved mental health, enhanced nutrition, reduced risk of infectious diseases (including potentially pandemic-prone pathogens), and more.12 Nature-based solutions are also often cost-effective compared with engineering structures to reduce disaster risks and impacts.11
Paradoxically, despite the massive impact of nature-based solutions, investment levels are only approximately a tenth of what is required.15
Unlocking their full potential for the benefit of humanity and the planet will therefore require a new coordinated approach across society, including the health sector. The health sector can meaningfully enhance uptake of nature-based solutions in three ways.
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A specific opportunity to promote nature-based solutions is the upcoming COP29 in Azerbaijan (November, 2024). Health professionals should also join teams responsible for developing nationally determined contributions, which outline a country's efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate change, and advocate for adoption of national climate change adaptation plans that incorporate nature-based solutions. Health professionals should join teams responsible for developing national biodiversity strategies and include co-benefits to health in their design.17
Integrated climate and biodiversity solutions should also be incorporated into national disaster risk reduction strategies, such as by incorporating ecosystem maintenance into land and water management plans.18
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