Issue Area

Nature-Based Climate Solutions

Overview

Carbon sequestration involves the process of capturing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide. Healthy habitats, such as forests, grasslands, soil, and oceans naturally sequester carbon while producing co-benefits. For example, reforestation can sequester carbon, create wildlife habitat, and provide opportunities for recreation. Habitat conservation and careful land management is also a nature-based climate solution that can help sequester carbon.

NCEL Point of Contact
Ava Gallo

Climate and Energy Program Manager

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Key Facts

Land sinks--such as forests and grasslands--currently sequester 26% of emissions. Conservation and improved land management can enhance this natural sequestration capacity.

Project Drawdown

Deforestation, wetlands destruction, and soil degradation increase greenhouse gas emissions, but there are ways to reverse these trends and enhance natural ecosystem health to sequester carbon.

New York Times

Reforestation is not only a climate solution, but also improves water quality, reduces heat, and improves mental health.

American Forests
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Resources

NCEL Resources

Online Resources

State Healthy Soil Policy Map

The State Healthy Soil Policy Map is a useful crowdsourced depository of policies.

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State & Local Soil Health Strategies

Report by Izaak Walton League

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Legal Pathways to Carbon-Neutral Agriculture

This article examines the agricultural strategies, practices, and technologies available to increase soil carbon sequestration and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

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The Carbon Farming Solution

Excerpt from The Carbon Farming Solution: A Global Toolkit of Perennial Crops and Regenerative Agricultural Practices for Climate Change Mitigation and Food Security

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Legal Pathways for Deep Decarbonization - Forestry

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American Forests

American Forests has programs on forests and climate change.

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News and Events

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Media Contact

For more information please contact NCEL Climate and Energy Manager Ava Gallo

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