We need a solid scientific basis for nature-based climate solutions in the United States

Authors

• Kimberly A. Novick, Indiana University
• Trevor F. Keenan, University of California, Berkeley
• William R. L. Anderegg, University of Utah
• Caroline P. Normile, Bipartisan Policy Center, Washington, DC
• Benjamin R. Runkle, University of Arkansas, FayettevilleFollow
• Emily E. Oldfield, Environmental Defense Fund, Washington, DC
• Gyami Shrestha, Carboneers, Oakton, VA
• D. D. Baldocchi, University of California, Berkeley
• Margaret E.K. Evans, University of Arizona
• James T. Randerson, University of California, Irvine
• Jonathan Sanderman, Woodwell Climate Research Center, Falmouth, MA
• Margaret S. Torn, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA
• Anna T. Trugman, University of California, Santa Barbara
• Christopher A. Williams, Clark University, Worcester, MA

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

3-27-2024

Keywords

climate, policy, NbCS

Abstract

Nature-based climate solutions (NbCS) have courted both enthusiastic support and considerable controversy (1–8). Defined as deliberate human actions that manipulate ecosystems to improve the planet’s greenhouse gas balance, NbCS provoke disagreement, in large part because their implementation has so far outpaced a science-based understanding of their long-term climate mitigation potential.

Citation

K.A. Novick, T.F. Keenan, W.R.L. Anderegg, C.P. Normile, B.R.K. Runkle, E.E. Oldfield, G. Shrestha, D.D. Baldocchi, M.E.K. Evans, J.T. Randerson, J. Sanderman, M.S. Torn, A.T. Trugman, & C.A. Williams, We need a solid scientific basis for nature-based climate solutions in the United States, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 121 (14) e2318505121, https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2318505121 (2024).