Authors: R. Swetha
Abstract: Climate change poses one of the most formidable challenges to global ecological and socioeconomic stability in the twenty-first century. As atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases continue to rise, the scientific community has increasingly turned to Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) as a viable and cost-effective complementary strategy to conventional technological mitigation approaches. This report provides a systematic analysis of Nature-Based Solutions, examining their mechanisms, classifications, documented effectiveness, and real-world implementation challenges. NbS encompass a spectrum of ecosystem-centred interventions — including reforestation, wetland restoration, urban greening, and sustainable agricultural practices — that simultaneously deliver climate mitigation benefits while enhancing biodiversity and community resilience. Key findings of this report indicate that NbS possess the theoretical capacity to contribute between 10 and 12 gigatons of CO₂ equivalent reductions annually by 2030, representing approximately 30% of the mitigation required to limit global warming to 1.5°C. However, this potential is contingent upon significant upscaling of political commitment, financial investment, and cross-sector governance frameworks.
