Nature-Based Solutions to Climate Change
Nature-Based Solutions (NBS)
Climate change represents one of the most pressing challenges facing our global society today. Its impacts are evident in the increasing intensity of natural disasters, rising sea levels, and significant alterations to natural ecosystems and biodiversity.
Every sector of human well-being is under threat, prompting an urgent call to action for sustainable and resilient solutions. Herein lies the importance of harnessing the inherent capabilities of nature itself.
Nature-Based Solutions Definition
Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) are actions that work in synergy with nature, ensuring long-term ecological balance and resilience while providing multiple benefits to Earth and its population.
NBS aims to address societal challenges such as human health, climate change, food security, and biodiversity loss. It offers a holistic and sustainable approach to solving environmental problems.
Examples of Nature-Based Solutions to Climate Change Adaptation
- Reforestation & Afforestation: Trees act as carbon sinks, reducing carbon emissions from the atmosphere and storing it in their biomass and soil. This contributes to climate change mitigation while rejuvenating degraded lands, fostering biodiversity, and maintaining healthy ecosystems.
- Wetland Restoration: Wetlands play a crucial role in disaster risk reduction by acting as natural sponges that absorb excess water during floods, reducing the impact on surrounding areas. They also filter pollutants from water, improving water quality and providing habitat for animals.
- Mangrove Restoration: Sea level rise poses a threat to coastal ecosystems, but mangroves help mitigate these impacts. Their dense root systems stabilise shorelines against storm surges and erosion, providing a natural barrier.
- Urban Green Infrastructure: Urban environments can benefit greatly from green infrastructure. Green roofs, parks, and tree-lined streets help reduce urban heat islands by cooling the air, enhancing air quality, and providing green spaces for recreation.
Key Benefits of Nature-Based Solutions
- Environmental Benefits: Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) play a crucial role in carbon sequestration, biodiversity conservation, and water quality improvement. They capture CO2, create habitats, and filter pollutants. NBS also mitigates extreme weather impacts and controls soil erosion, boosting agricultural productivity and climate resilience.
- Social and Economic Benefits: Nature-based solutions (NBS) boost economic growth by creating jobs in restoration and conservation. They enhance food security through sustainable agriculture, improve public health with urban green spaces, and address environmental challenges while promoting societal welfare and well-being.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Nature-based solutions (NBS) offer sustainable, cost-efficient alternatives to traditional grey infrastructure like dams and levees. They provide ecosystem services such as habitat creation and air purification, adapt naturally over time, and reduce maintenance costs. NBS offers a holistic approach to addressing environmental and societal challenges, balancing economic, environmental, and social benefits.
Ajinomoto Malaysia’s Nature Based Solutions Projects
Ajinomoto Malaysia's new green factory stands as a beacon of environmental stewardship, setting a remarkable example for Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) in Malaysia.
A notable achievement is the factory's substantial 58% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions relative to the year 2019, contributing to the reduction of the overall carbon footprint.
Ajinomoto Malaysia's use of rainwater for landscaping not only conserves water resources but also exemplifies an innovative approach to environmental conservation.
Furthermore, the facility has reduced plastic consumption by 10.80 tonnes, highlighting a proactive approach to sustainable waste management. The factory has also implemented robust recycling initiatives, successfully diverting 87% of non-scheduled waste away from landfills.
Collectively, these efforts not only address crucial environmental challenges such as climate change and biodiversity loss but also establish Ajinomoto Malaysia as a leader in sustainable industrial practices within the region.
