Nature-Based Solutions for Natural Hazards and Climate Change

About this Research Topic

Background

Climate change, environmental degradation, and natural disasters are some of the most important global environmental threats nowadays. Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) refers to the sustainable management and use of nature for tackling climate impacts and are increasingly proposed as part of the solution for decarbonization, climate resilience, and risk management. They may include different types of interventions such as reefs and beach and dune systems that protect people from coastal hazards; management of forest to reduce floods or landslides; or use of wetlands for flood management. NBS also underpin the Sustainable Development Goals because they support vital ecosystem services and biodiversity. NBS can be part of the solution for managing natural hazards, especially in developing areas, small island states, and other regions at the forefront of climate change.

However, most of the evidences and knowledge thus far are based on the science of natural ecosystems instead of human interventions. Implementation of NBS remains disproportionately limited compared to other approaches for managing and adapting to natural hazards and climate change. Recent research has identified specific regulatory, technological, and experience challenges, developed reviews, discussed and valued benefits, and built a general case for NBS. However, specific research that can help plan with Nature at scale and identify available and replicable options is critically needed.

This Research Topic's focus is open to NBS in relation to climate hazards and perils, including wildfires, floods, erosion, and drought, and may include different environments such as forests and terrestrial ecosystems, urban areas, freshwater habitats, and coastal zones, including small island states.

The main goal of this Research Topic is to enhance cooperation and scalability of NBS for climate risk management, hazard mitigation, climate resilience, and adaptation, with a special focus on regions at the forefront of climate change such as small island states. The Topic aims to cover all multidisciplinary aspects of NBS in relation to natural hazards and climate risk adaptation and mitigation.

We welcome original research articles that show significant advances in these areas. Specific themes that would be prioritized include the following natural hazards: floods, erosion, wildfires, and landslides. In general, the research topic will focus on scientific advances that address gaps in knowledge, planning, or implementation of NBS. Some examples include experiences and review of successes, processes for implementation, changes and fragility, remarkable examples, demonstration and analyses of their benefits, innovative financing, or conditions to expand their application.

The Topic Editors credit Dr. Katie Arkema (Woods Institute for the Environment, Stanford University), who offered critical contributions to the development of this description.

Photo Credit: Kelly Fike/USFWS

Keywords: climate change, natural hazards, ecosystem-based adaptation, mitigation, disaster risk reduction

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