Nature-based climate solutions (NBCSs) are increasingly viewed as potentially significant contributors to combating climate change. They are of particular interest in countries such as Canada, which has a vast land base with globally significant carbon stocks; these systems have the potential to help advance climate change mitigation goals by intentionally enhancing carbon sequestration or reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. However, more research is needed to better understand the potential contribution of NBCSs to Canada’s GHG emission reduction and net-zero carbon targets, and the potential of NBCSs varies regionally and across different ecosystems.
A recent report by the Council of Canadian Academies (CCA), entitled Nature-Based Climate Solutions, brought together 15 experts to explore the potential for NBCSs to help meet Canada’s GHG emission reduction goals. The report provides an overview of the mitigation potential of natural carbon sinks to enhance carbon sequestration or reduce emissions while also exploring feasibility considerations and the potential co-benefits and trade-offs associated with implementing NBCSs in Canada. It also explores how Indigenous Peoples are key partners in carbon sequestration initiatives in Canada.
This webinar provides an overview of the report and the complexities associated with NBCSs. It also includes a panel discussion with some of the panel experts who contributed to the report, who share their knowledge on the potential of NBCSs to sequester carbon or mitigate GHG emissions.
Panelists:
- David Olefeldt, Associate Professor, Department of Renewable Resources, University of Alberta (Edmonton, AB)
- Melissa Arcand, Associate Professor, College of Agriculture and Bioresources, University of Saskatchewan (Saskatoon, SK)
- Susan Ziegler, Canada Research Chair, Boreal Biogeochemistry and Professor, Department of Earth Sciences, Memorial University of Newfoundland (St. John’s, NL)