Locally, nationally and globally, humanity is facing multiple challenges from the collapse of natural systems and a warming global climate. There is also evidence of marked declines in the physical and mental wellbeing of some segments of the wider population.
Humanity will not be able to tackle these problems unless society lets nature help. Natural climate solutions can provide around one-third of the cost-effective climate mitigation needed between now and 2030 to stabilise warming to below 2°C whilst simultaneously tackling the ecological crisis.
However, all too often, decision-makers are not aware or fully appreciative of the role nature could and should be playing in helping society address these challenges and drive positive change. Degraded and exploited natural systems are not able to provide the nature-based solutions that are such a big part of the answer, and people and communities disconnected from nature are unable to fully access and value the wide range of benefits nature can bring into our lives.
North Wales Wildlife Trust, working in partnership with others, will restore our natural ecosystems at scale and demonstrate what is possible, so that natural habitats can sequester carbon, help prevent flooding, reduce soil erosion, improve soil fertility, provide pollination services, allow nature’s recovery at sea and support improvements to people’s physical and mental wellbeing.
Through the Wildlife Trust movement, we will use our collective voice to advocate for how – as a society – we could and should be using nature-based solutions to help address multiple challenges and drive positive global change.
Finally, as a major owner of land, energy-user, consumer of water, event organiser, vehicle fleet operator, educator, retailer and consultancy, we recognise that we need to lead by example in how we manage our own environment and community impacts.