News releases

A report from the British Ecological Society offers a complete assessment of the potential of nature-based solutions in the UK for the first time.

Nature-based solutions: Scientist looking at microscope surrounded by plants
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The report

Published on 12 May 2021, the British Ecological Society report examines how nature-based solutions can be implemented to mitigate and adapt to climate change, and also their limitations and the inevitable trade-offs involved.

It has been led by world-class independent scientists and incorporates contributions from over 100 experts. Its review of the evidence offers a guide for policy development on nature-based solutions in all four devolved nations of the UK.

It could help more widely as the majority of countries worldwide look to make new commitments with the CBD and COP26 conferences likely to set new climate change and biodiversity targets later this year.

News story – report launch – 12 May 2021

Nature has enormous potential to fight climate change and biodiversity loss in the UK

A new report launched today (12 May) by the British Ecological Society details how nature can be a powerful ally in responding to the twin crises of biodiversity loss and climate change.

The report offers, for the first time, a complete assessment of the potential of nature-based solutions (NbS) to mitigate climate change and benefit biodiversity in the UK.

Professor Jane Memmott, President of the British Ecological Society, said: “The Nature-based Solutions report offers a real basis for setting effective policies and incentives that will maximise the benefits of nature-based solutions in the UK for the climate and biodiversity.”

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News story – built environment – 29 Apr 2021

New report highlights the benefits of bringing nature into our cities

Cooling our streets, reducing air pollution and improving our wellbeing, nature can provide a host of solutions to the issues facing our cities, according to a new report by the British Ecological Society.

Woodberry wetlands. Credit: Katy Glennon
Woodberry wetlands in London. Credit: Katy Glennon

Our cities and towns may not seem an obvious place to tackle climate change and biodiversity loss. But the high concentration of people mean that nature-based solutions can have significant and direct impacts on people’s lives.

These conclusions, released today (29 April), form part of the nature-based solutions report produced by the British Ecological Society which will be published in full on 12 May.

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