As the urgency for climate action grows stronger, so does the need for reliable solutions especially with targets looming closer, but with more options thank ever before, it can be hard to decide which one is right for you.
One of the most powerful and cost-effective solutions is nature based solutions. It is a simple solution which includes reforestation, seaforestation and responsible agriculture.
In fact, nature based solutions could deliver up to one third of the emissions reduction needed by 2030, showing how investing in nature today is key to transitioning to net zero to meet the Paris Agreement.
In this blog, we will be exploring:
- What are Nature Based Solutions? (NBS)
- Why do we need Nature Based Solutions?
- Examples of NBS
- Social benefits of NBS
- The ROI of implementing sustainability into your business
- How Carma can help
What are nature based solutions?
According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), nature-based solutions involve protecting, restoring, and managing natural spaces in a way that tackles major challenges like climate change and biodiversity loss, while also supporting communities and improving wellbeing.
Why do we need nature based solutions?
Nature based solutions such as reforestation is so important not only because trees absorb carbon dioxide and therefore improves climate change but also because of the mass amount of deforestation and biodiversity loss in the past 30 years.
Deforestation is responsible for up to 20% of global greenhouse gas emissions, with 3.7 million hectares of tropical forests lost in 2023 alone—that’s 10 football fields of forest disappearing every minute.
Closer to home, the UK is one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world. Since 1970, UK species have declined by 19%, with 1 in 6 now facing extinction. In just over two decades, the UK has lost 563,000 hectares of tree cover, a 15% decline since 2000.
The UK only has about half its original biodiversity remaining, placing it in the bottom 10% for biodiversity intactness. Biodiversity is vital for healthy ecosystems, providing essential resources like food, clean water, and medicines, while also contributing to climate regulation, disease prevention, and economic stability.
These stats show that importance for NBS, not only for the environment but for overall health of the planet.
Examples of Nature Based Solutions:
Reforestation and Aforestation: The most popular form of nature based solutions is tree planting across the globe. Reforestation is the act of replanting in previously deforested areas whereas aforestation is planting in brand new areas.
- Trees absorb carbon dioxide and release clean air into the atmosphere
- Reforestation helps restore soil health, regulate water cycles, and protect biodiversity.
- Tree roots stabilise soil and reduce surface runoff. Forested areas can reduce flood risk by up to 27% during peak rain events.
- Forests help cool the local environment. Tree canopies can lower land surface temperatures by as much as 5°C, which is vital in urban areas.
Seaforestation: The restoration or expansion of underwater forests through things such as kelp.
- Kelp absorbs excess nitrogen and phosphorus, improving water quality and reducing the impacts of agricultural runoff and ocean acidification.
- Like mangroves, kelp acts as a natural wave barrier, absorbing up to 70% of wave energy and protecting coastlines from erosion and storm damage.
- Kelp forests support marine life by providing food and habitat. Over 700 marine species have been recorded in and around kelp ecosystems.
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The Social Benefits of Nature Based Solutions
Beyond their environmental impact, nature-based solutions offer incredible social value, improving lives either directly or indirectly.
Projects, such as tree planting don’t just capture carbon. They create jobs, improve mental health, and strengthen local economies.
Research shows that 1 job can be created for every 100 trees planted, contributing directly to economic stability and giving employment opportunities to the local community. Working in or near green spaces can lead to higher productivity and job satisfaction, while engagement in nature-based activities is linked to better mental wellbeing.
Mangrove restoration supports livelihoods through fishing, sustainable forestry, and natural storm protection. Wherever forests are planted, communities are included in the process through education, monitoring, and management, communities develop a real sense of ownership, ensuring both environmental and social outcomes are sustained for the long term.
Impact in Action: Gait and Motion Clinics
An example of businesses utilising nature based solutions to build and strengthen their sustainability strategy is Gait and Motion Clinics.
They knew traditional materials and production methods of orthotic devices contribute to carbon emissions, so they knew they had to do something.
Since January 1st, 2024, every pair of Phits 3D Printed Orthoses ordered through Gait and Motion Clinics has resulted in a tree being planted.
Since launching their sustainability initiative, Gait and Motion Clinics have planted over 10,000 trees — a significant milestone that showcases the impact of consistent, purpose-led action over time.
Among the trees planted are mangroves, which offer powerful environmental and social benefits. Their dense root systems serve as natural flood barriers, reduce coastal erosion, and create rich habitats for marine life, helping to restore and protect biodiversity.
How Carma can Help Your Business
We offer a range of nature based solutions that you and your business can use as part of the ESG strategies. Whether that is planting trees with every sale, or taking out a monthly tree planting plan, there is a way you can implement it today.
Book a call to find the right strategy for your business today.
