Climate change is here.
It's already having an enormous impact on our region's waters, lands, wildlife and people. And while far from rising seas, we're still seeing the effects of climate change locally. It's showing up in the form of droughts and dying trees, extreme weather and flooding events, and the compounded effects of both in far too many of our waterways. We must act now to preserve nature and protect our quality of life.
Nature-Based Solutions Can Help!
Nature is our first line of defense against many climate impacts. It also provides a cost-effective solution to protecting communities and economies from the impacts of climate change like urban heat, extreme flooding, catastrophic storms and stormwater runoff.
How We Tackle Climate Change
People Must Be Part of the Equation
Our Approach
-
Natural Climate Solutions
We have powerful tools at our disposal that can help mitigate the effects of climate change. These natural climate solutions—conservation, restoration and improved land management—are tools we can deploy right now in landscapes across the globe. Explore NCS.
-
Nature-Based Adaptation
We’re working hard to ensure our natural and working lands are resilient to climate change. Nature-based adaptation refers to nature-based tactics to facilitate climate adaptation both for biodiversity and the people who rely on these systems. Watch the video.
-
People for Climate
We know that the scale of the problems we're facing requires all hands on deck. That's why we're working to engage people like you to speak up in support of nature-based solutions to the climate crisis. Use your voice!
what the science says
Nature Can Provide 30% of Climate Solutions
Science
Prairie DNA
Prairie reconstruction and restoration offers conservation practitioners a unique opportunity to armor prairies against the effects of climate change by prioritizing genetic diversity.
Tool
Growing Shade Mapping Tool
Created in partnership with the Metropolitan Council and Tree Trust, Growing Shade is an interactive resource to inform tree canopy enhancement and preservation for the Twin Cities region. Explore the tool to learn about tree cover in your neighborhood!
Campaign
Trees. Water. Soil.
Through simple actions like planting cover crops, changing the way we manage forests and installing community rain gardens, Minnesotans are already making an impact for people and nature.
Reforestation Hub
Across Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota, we have a total opportunity area of 4.2 million suitable acres for reforestation. Learn about the reforestation potential of your area by visiting the Reforestation Hub—an interactive tool created by The Nature Conservancy and American Forests.
Want to Dig Deeper?
-
North Dakota Biological Carbon Capture SolutionsA new report shows how agriculture producers and land managers can help capture 31% of the state’s carbon emissions.
DOWNLOAD -
Nature and Climate Solutions for MinnesotaDig into the science of natural climate solutions and explore nature-based strategies for Minnesota.
DOWNLOAD -
Carbon Sustainability PlaybookA roadmap for small and medium enterprises ready for climate action.
DOWNLOAD
More Climate Resources
Resilient and Connected Plains
By protecting our most well-connected and resilient land and water networks in the Great Plains, we can save some of our most important wildlife.
Site Renewables Right
To help accelerate the deployment of wind and solar energy in a way that helps people and nature thrive, The Nature Conservancy is providing the award-winning Site Renewables Right map.
Reforesting the U.S.
The Reforestation Hub identifies up to 148 million acres of total opportunity for reforestation, which could capture up to 535 million metric tonnes of carbon dioxide a year.