Analysis by Cambridge Econometrics published in a report by the RSPB shows that investing in nature-based solutions (NBS) can help rebuild a stronger and greener economy.

The study presented today at the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Climate, shows that restoring natural habitats can contribute towards the UK achieving nature and climate goals, such as net zero by 2050 and the 25 Year Environment Plan, whilst also creating jobs and delivering vital ecosystem services for people and businesses.

NBS are nature-based processes which have the potential to remove carbon from the atmosphere and store it for a long time, providing a ‘natural’ way to mitigate climate change. Forests, mangroves, swamps, peat bogs, salt marshes and seagrass beds are all examples of nature-based solutions which have the ability to sequester carbon.

Cambridge Econometrics conducted a cost benefit analysis (CBA) of three habitats of interest in the UK, namely peatlands, salt marshes and woodlands.

Investing in NBS could also be considered part of a long-term green stimulus package. Whilst the Government announced a 10-point plan in November 2020 and included in its 2020 Budget announcement a £640 million Nature for Climate fund to plant more than 40 million trees and restore 35,000 hectares of peatlands in England, no further funding was announced in the 2021 Budget earlier this month. More could be done to fully optimise the benefits of nature-based climate solutions in peatlands, salt marshes and woodlands.