The links between the climate and nature crises are clear. Climate shapes patterns of biodiversity at all scales from global to local; ecosystems are key to the global carbon cycle and often mediate the impacts of climate change on people.

The latest IPCC reports show how the impacts of climate change on ecosystems and biodiversity are now being reported around the world; they also show that habitat degradation and fragmentation increases vulnerability of both people and nature to climate change. It is possible to adapt to climate change and to build resilience, but there are limits to this which would become increasingly apparent at higher levels of global warming. Nature-based Solutions, which provide benefits for people and biodiversity are an essential element of climate change mitigation and adaptation. It is however essential that they are planned and delivered in ways that are scientifically robust, draw on local knowledge and are equitable and inclusive.

Mike will give an overview of the global issues based on his experience as an IPCC Coordinating Lead Author and present research that he is leading at Natural England, to test the effectiveness of Nature-based Solutions for climate change in practice and to learn how to implement then to deliver their full potential.

The Leverhulme Centre for Nature Recovery is interested in promoting a wide variety of views and opinions on nature recovery from researchers and practitioners.  The views, opinions and positions expressed within this lecture are those of the author alone, they do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of the Leverhulme Centre for Nature Recovery, or its researchers.