Nature Is Our Greatest Climate Ally. Why Aren't We Using It? | Opinion
Summary
The article argues that healthy ecosystems can help protect communities from climate hazards and should receive more investment alongside built infrastructure. It says institutional divisions, short-term funding and investment assessments that undervalue nature can limit nature-based adaptation projects.Key Facts
- The article reports that a rock and glacial-ice avalanche in Nepal in August sent a fast-moving torrent toward communities along the Trishuli River.
- It says that, two months after the disaster, more than 1,500 people had died and 5,600 remained missing.
- The article says countries agreed at the previous U.N. climate summit to triple financing for climate adaptation by 2035.
- It describes mangroves, wetlands and forests as natural defenses against storm surges, floods and unstable hillsides.
- A study cited in the article estimated that Florida's mangroves prevented $1.5 billion in flood damage during Hurricane Irma and $4.1 billion in property damage during Hurricane Ian.
- A study in Colombia found that conserving and restoring forests along roads could cost 16 times less than paying for landslide damage.
- The article identifies divided government responsibilities, short grant periods and assessments that undervalue nature's benefits as barriers to nature-based adaptation.
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