Natural climate solutions for the United States
A nationwide U.S. assessment finds natural climate solutions can reduce emissions by up to 1.2 Pg CO₂e annually—about 21% of current net emissions—through reforestation, improved forest and agricultural management, wetland restoration, and avoided habitat conversion, while delivering air, water, soil, biodiversity, and climate resilience benefits.
Subject Tags
- Natural climate solutions
- Carbon storage
- Forest
- Grassland
- Wetlands
- Habitat restoration
- Climate resilience
Abstract
Limiting climate warming to <2°C requires increased mitigation efforts, including land stewardship, whose potential in the United States is poorly understood. We quantified the potential of natural climate solutions (NCS)—21 conservation, restoration, and improved land management interventions on natural and agricultural lands—to increase carbon storage and avoid greenhouse gas emissions in the United States. We found a maximum potential of 1.2 (0.9 to 1.6) Pg CO2e year−1, the equivalent of 21% of current net annual emissions of the United States. At current carbon market prices (USD 10 per Mg CO2e), 299 Tg CO2e year−1 could be achieved. NCS would also provide air and water filtration, flood control, soil health, wildlife habitat, and climate resilience benefits.
Citation
Joseph E. Fargione et al., Natural climate solutions for the United States. Sci. Adv.4, eaat1869(2018).
TNC Authors
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Joe Fargione
Director of Science, North America Region
The Nature Conservancy
Email: jfargione@TNC.ORG -
Susan Cook-Patton
Science and Strategy Integration Director
The Nature Conservancy
Email: susan.cook-patton@TNC.ORG -
Peter Ellis
Dir, Global Natural Climate Solutions Science
The Nature Conservancy
Email: pellis@TNC.ORG -
Timm Kroeger
Senior Environmental Economist
The Nature Conservancy
Email: tkroeger@TNC.ORG