I will act to conserve existing ecosystems and restore damaged ecosystems. Fact: Researchers estimate the “mitigation potential” of nature-based solutions at around 10-12bn tonnes of CO2 equivalent per year – enough to reduce peak warming by about 0.3C. Source: Can ‘nature-based solutions’ help address climate change?
- Acting to conserve natural systems is an essential part of any plan to draw down CO2.
- The protection of wildlife habitat is key to preserving biodiversity, and we know that the extinction of an increasing number of species is a serious concern.
- The human health benefits of nature are well documented. Getting out into nature is just what the doctor ordered for physical and mental health.
In Muskoka, rapid subdivision sprawl and extensive waterfront development are threatening our lakes, forests, and wetlands.
Our local councils have declared a “Climate Emergency” but have no plan to act.
Our local councils must look at every decision they make through a climate change lens. That means greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation assessment which will measure the anticipated GHG emissions impact, and a climate change resilience assessment for climate change adaptation.
Concerned? Call your local municipal representatives. Find their contact information here.
Contact your MPP, Graydon Smith (Parry Sound—Muskoka) who is also Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry. Contact information here.
Learn more about local conservation efforts and how you can participate at Muskoka Conservancy.
Nature-based solutions are not a silver bullet. Among Indigenous communities and non-governmental organisations, they are often seen as a “dangerous distraction” from the need to cut emissions from fossil fuel use. We need both and more!
Resources:
- Nature-based solutions: How can they work for climate, biodiversity and people?
- Explainer: Can climate change and biodiversity loss be tackled together?
- Squeezed by housing crisis, Ontario farmland becomes dangerously rare
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