Nature-Based Climate Solutions: Current Uncertainties and Data Gaps in the Assessment of Soil Carbon Sequestration Potentials

Abstract

Nature-based solutions (NBS) to climate change, which harness natural ecosystems to achieve diverse environmental objectives, are becoming increasingly central to climate action plans due in large part to their multifaceted benefits and potential for immediate scalability. This white paper explores the classes of ecosystem intervention that present these salient opportunities to mitigate climate change. Interventions that enhance and preserve ecosystems provide opportunities to protect and strengthen the terrestrial carbon sink, while also reversing the degradation and damage caused by centuries of human development. The paper explains the strategic vision for NBS engagement, which is developing through industry-academic partnership at the MIT Climate & Sustainability Consortium (MCSC). The white paper explores different yet complementary sides of the multifaceted measurement and NBS conversations.