500 Word Pitch - Climate-Resilient Nature-Based Aid
The Paris Climate Change Agreement was hailed as one of the greatest diplomatic successes, and at the heart of its success was the collaborative spirit of all 196 nations. This submission examines the role of the United Kingdom in its commitment to the Paris Agreement by proposing a concentrated effort to support nature-based solutions for mitigation and adaptation to climate change. Currently, there is a significant gap between the UK's climate policies and commitments, requiring substantial improvements to be consistent with the Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C temperature limit. The role of developed countries in helping the Global South to transition away from fossil fuel-dependent economies is one of the most pressing issues globally. This submission argues that funding and delivery of mechanisms to identify and expand successful nature-based solutions to tackle climate change is needed. Furthermore, the UK needs to establish a collaborative approach when working with the Global South for the transfer of knowledge. Examples like the green corridors and vertical gardens used in Colombia’s city Medellin which in three years reduced its average temperature by 2°C are nature-based solutions much needed for the rapid urbanisation in the Global South and solutions that need financial support to combat the urban heat island. Similarly, these partnerships can promote the UK to adopt more nature-based solutions domestically. The number of climate-related refugees is set to rise drastically. The UK needs to deliver climate-resilient and climate-informed interventions that are culturally and contextually appropriate to ensure they are effective and sustainable. The climate is in crisis and set to exacerbate existing conflicts and disasters with devastating consequences on millions of lives throughout the world. The UK needs to develop policies that will drive nature-based solutions to promote climate-resilient communities, especially with those affected by conflicts, disasters and uneven development. The UK would also benefit through meeting commitments under the Paris Agreement to deliver climate-related capacity building for developing countries.
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