Human activity has modified and deteriorated natural ecosystems in ways that reduce resilience and exacerbate environmental and climate problems. Physical measures to protect, manage and restore these ecosystems that also address societal challenges in sustainable ways and bring biodiversity benefits are sometimes referred to as “nature-based solutions” (NBS). For example, reducing deforestation and restoring forests is a major opportunity for climate mitigation, while protecting or restoring coastal habitats can mitigate damage to coastal areas from natural hazard events, in addition to potentially providing co-benefits related to livelihood, recreation, and biodiversity. There is now an impetus to shift towards greater deployment of nature-based solutions. Not only do they offer an alternative to conventional fossil fuel-based or hard infrastructure solutions but, if implemented correctly, they also hold great promise for achieving multiple goals, benefits and synergies. These include climate mitigation and resilience; nature and biodiversity protection; and economic and social gains. 2020 saw an explosion in publications about NBS, which have contributed to filling many of the knowledge gaps that existed around their effectiveness and factors for their success. These publications have also highlighted the knowledge gaps that remain and have revealed a lack of critical reflection on the social and economic sustainability aspects of NBS. Building on these gaps, we decided to launch this mini-series of four briefs to provoke a more nuanced discussion that highlights not only the potential benefits, but also the potential risks and trade-offs of NBS. The purpose is not to downplay the importance of NBS for biodiversity, ecosystems, and coastal mitigation and adaptation, but to ensure that we establish a dialogue about ways to overcome these challenges while leaving no one behind.
This report provides a concise and forward-looking summary of how a transformative transition towards a more sustainable blue economy could take place in Sweden, and thereby also contribute to a more sustainable development outside Sweden. The report constitutes a basis for analysis of obstacles to and incentives for the opportunities of a sustainable blue economy, and a roadmap for the implementation of Sweden’s Maritime Strategy.
Research from the ClimVis Europe project shows that climate information must be presented in more effective ways to reduce climate risks and support adaptation. Users need information that is easy to access, in their own language, and designed to help them make connections between real-time weather events and long-term climate developments. Users of weather and climate data in Europe are aware of only a few (if any) relevant, available tools that provide them with the insights into current, future and long-term meteorological trends that they seek. However, efforts to boost awareness of available tools, while important, will not be enough to meet user demands. Providers of climate information need to consult with stakeholders to co-develop new tools to meet needs and support the uptake of information. Existing European tools have two key shortcomings: limited language and insufficient context. The provision of climate information exclusively in English excludes many users (especially at local and regional levels and in Eastern Europe and Russia). Tools do not link real-time extreme weather with long-term past or future climate trends; such connections are essential to assess climate change-related impacts and adaptation needs. We interpret the results as a call to action, to enhance related communication that is fundamental to the need to reduce climate risks and support adaptation.
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