Nature-based Solutions

ACT has been working since 2017 to develop research insights into ways climate adaptation can benefit biodiversity, and vice versa. Nature-based solutions are emerging worldwide as a low carbon, resilient option in urban and rural planning, and it's important that we begin to consider how these approaches can also be designed to benefit species struggling to survive and adapt in a changing climate. ACT is now embarking on the third phase of this work with a focus on regionalizing green infrastructure, which includes development of collaborative engagement activities and resources that will support advancement of low carbon resilience through strategic regional planning of nature-based solutions in southwestern BC.

This initiative represents the third phase of ACT’s work on ecosystem and biodiversity health in cities in a changing climate. It includes development of engagement activities and resources designed to advance projects that support low carbon resilience through strategic regional planning of nature-based solutions in southwestern BC. Many municipalities are including ecosystem-based adaptation approaches in climate action and other areas of planning, helping to reduce flood risk and heat, and alleviating pressure on ageing grey infrastructure while benefitting groundwater recharge, carbon sequestration and emissions reduction, and human health.