In the face of the climate and biodiversity crises, Nature-based Solutions (NbS) have gained momentum as a possible approach to tackle both challenges synergistically. NbS encompass a broad set of approaches, such as ecosystem conservation and restoration, agroecology, urban green and blue infrastructures, etc, that generally strive to work with Nature rather than against it toward sustainable development. However, the potential contribution of NbS to climate change mitigation and adaptation is still uncertain and highly debated. Should NbS be a central element in a road map toward climate neutrality or are they a distraction from more urgent actions to decarbonize human activities? Beyond mitigation, can NbS also help human communities and ecosystems become more resilient to climate change impacts? Is there scientific evidence of the climate benefits of NbS locally and what are the opportunities and risks arising from upscaling different types of NbS at larger scales?
In this course, lectures providing the scientific background will be complemented by group projects, a field visit and many interventions from practitioners and academics working with NbS.
See Nature-Based Solutions for Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation in KSL
See Nature-Based Solutions for Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation in ILIAS