The principles of natural climate solutions

Abstract

Natural climate solutions can mitigate climate change in the near-term, during a climate-critical window. Yet, persistent misunderstandings about what constitutes a natural climate solution generate unnecessary confusion and controversy, thereby delaying critical mitigation action. Based on a review of scientific literature and best practices, we distill five foundational principles of natural climate solutions (nature-based, sustainable, climate-additional, measurable, and equitable) and fifteen operational principles for practical implementation. By adhering to these principles, practitioners can activate effective and durable natural climate solutions, enabling the rapid and wide-scale adoption necessary to meaningfully contribute to climate change mitigation.

Fig. 1. Overlap of natural climate and nature-based solutions.

Conceptual diagram showing the overlap between nature-based solutions (NbS) and natural climate solutions (NCS). While NCS focus on have a single outcome (CO₂ equivalents; CO₂e), NbS can be defined by multiple outcomes with multiple metrics.

Fig. 2. The wheel of natural climate solutions.

Foundational principles are shown along the outer edge of the wheel, while operational principles are the ‘spokes’ inside the wheel. See Box 1 and main text for the full definition of each principle.

Fig. 3. Schematic representation of additionality calculations.

Figure shows how additionality (Principle 3.1) is calculated for improved forest management projects within the Family Forest Carbon Program (FFCP)^,. Increasing stocks over time represent long term increases in timber and carbon yields predicted under FFCP practices, ensuring sustainability (Principle 2.3). Periodic harvests show that FFCP is committed to maintaining working forests (Principle 1.1). Adapted from the Dynamic Baselines infographic with permission from The Nature Conservancy.