Realizing the Value of Nature to Unlock Billions for a Stronger, More Resilient Canadian Economy
This policy brief, developed by Canada's Nature Advantage—an initiative of Nature United, TNC’s Canadian affiliate—synthesizes new economic and policy research demonstrating how Natural Climate Solutions (NCS) can unlock billions in value while strengthening Canada’s long-term economic resilience.
Subject Tags
- Policy
- Natural climate solutions
- Policy, Finance, and Markets
Abstract
This policy brief, developed by Canada's Nature Advantage—an initiative of Nature United, TNC’s Canadian affiliate—synthesizes economic and policy research demonstrating how Natural Climate Solutions (NCS) can unlock billions in value while strengthening Canada’s long-term economic resilience. Drawing on leading analyses from academic, financial, and Indigenous organizations, it shows that investments in protecting, restoring, and managing nature could mitigate up to 78 million tonnes of CO₂e annually while generating substantial returns across sectors such as agriculture, forestry, and Indigenous-led economies. The brief highlights key barriers to scaling NCS, including misaligned costs and benefits, delayed financial returns, and weak market signals. It also emphasizes the critical role of carbon markets, co-investment models, and improved data systems in overcoming these challenges. The research underscores that Indigenous stewardship and governance are foundational to durable and equitable outcomes. The report concludes that coordinated action to align policy, finance, and markets with the full value of nature can position Canada as a global leader in nature-based economic growth while delivering significant public and private benefits.
Executive Summary
Explore the policy and finance mechanisms needed to unlock the full potential of NCS.
View the SummaryExecutive Summary
Download and view an Executive Summary of Realizing the Value of Nature to Unlock Billions for a Stronger, More Resilient Canadian Economy.
Suggested Citation
Canada's Nature Advantage. Realizing the Value of Nature to Unlock Billions for a Stronger, More Resilient Canadian Economy. Policy Brief no. 5. Canada's Nature Advantage, April 2026.