Nature-based solutions (NBS) have gained prominence as effective strategies to address climate change by promoting the conservation, restoration, and sustainable management of ecosystems. In Brazil, these solutions are especially relevant due to the country’s vast biodiversity and environmental challenges.
Use of Nature-Based Solutions in Brazil
Brazil has implemented several NBS, such as the restoration of degraded areas, forest conservation, and sustainable management of ecosystems. Projects such as reforestation in the Amazon and the recovery of mangroves are examples of initiatives that aim to sequester carbon and protect biodiversity.
Oil exploration in the Amazon is a threat to NBS.
The negative point that threatens these solutions is the oil exploration issue in the Amazon. The Lula government continues to maneuver to force Ibama (Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources) to license oil drilling in Block 59, in the mouth of the Amazon, to encourage investors to purchase 47 more blocks in the same sedimentary basin in June. Under Lula, the number of oil wells drilled in the Amazon is the highest since 2016. The Amazon Rainforest is the largest tropical forest in the world, covering an area of approximately 6.7 million km², of which around 4.2 million km² are located in Brazil
Impact on CO2 Emissions
NBS have significant potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Brazil. The conservation of intact forests and the restoration of degraded areas help to maintain carbon stocks and sequester CO2 from the atmosphere. However, the impact of these solutions still faces challenges, such as increased deforestation and the lack of comprehensive data to monitor their effectiveness.
Impact Data
Although some studies and initiatives track the impact of NBS, such as the Latin American-wide Greenhouse Gas Emission Estimation System (SEEG) (https://seeg.eco.br/), there are still significant gaps in data collection and analysis. These gaps make it difficult to assess the impact of NBS on carbon emissions fully.
Comparison with Other Approaches
NBS offers more benefits than technological approaches, such as industrial carbon capture. In addition to being economically viable, they promote biodiversity and human well-being. However, their effectiveness depends on adequate implementation and public policies encouraging adoption.
Challenges and Opportunities
Despite the progress, Brazil faces challenges such as deforestation and ecosystem degradation. Investments in NBS, combined with conservation and restoration policies, can transform the country into a global leader in the fight against climate change.
Nature-based solutions represent a promising approach to mitigating climate change, but they require coordinated efforts to maximize their impact and overcome existing challenges. With its rich biodiversity, Brazil has the potential to lead this transformation.
This Post was submitted by Climate Scorecard Brazil Country Manager Carlos Alexandre de Oliveira.