Solving the climate change crisis naturally

IUCN news release  

Promoting natural solutions

 

The most pressing issue, upon which any possible agreement in Durban may rest, is whether there will be at least a political agreement on a second commitment period for the Kyoto Protocol. This is closely linked to the legally binding form of any future global agreement on climate change.

While the politicians deliberate, IUCN for many years has been getting on with the urgent task of helping countries adapt to climate change impacts and pressing governments to include nature-based solutions in national climate change policies.

Conserving and sustainably managing nature can help people become resilient to climate change. Healthy mangroves and wetlands can shield us from extreme weather and help to regulate floods. These natural buffers are often less expensive to maintain and in some cases, can be as effective as built structures such as dykes or concrete walls. Managing agricultural land using local knowledge of crop varieties and maintaining diverse landscapes can help ensure food supplies in uncertain conditions.

IUCN is also promoting the implementation of an environmentally-sound and equitable mechanism on REDD—Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) at the national level.

“A tool that both conserves forest resources and reduces greenhouse gas emissions can help in the battle to assuage the impacts of climate change,” says Stewart Maginnis, IUCN’s Director of Environment and Development. “In order to be effective, however, implementation needs to take place at the national level, and address issues such as benefit sharing, governance and participation of women and indigenous peoples.”

Our experts are reporting live from the Durban conference, giving the inside track on the key issues and developments as they happen.