Natural carbon solutions

Natural carbon solutions

Kelp forest (Laminaria sp.) grows beneath the cliffs of Lundy Island, Devon, England, British Isles. Bristol Channel. - Alexander Mustard/2020VISION

Restoring our natural landscapes is more crucial now than ever... Joanna Richards, Head of Communicatons at The Wildlife Trusts, tells us why.

We face a climate emergency.

Extreme weather events are increasing and the impacts of a warming climate are becoming evident on our wildlife. Some UK species are being pushed to the furthest limits of their natural ranges.

To tackle a crisis of this scale, it is imperative every tool in the box is used, and this includes the natural solutions offered by our planet. Over half of all carbon emissions released into the atmosphere by humans are re-absorbed by the Earth’s natural systems.

And yet, many of these systems are broken, the habitats providing them damaged and degraded. Restoring these systems would allow even more carbon to be absorbed – and The Wildlife Trusts are playing a leading role.

From the land...

For decades, The Wildlife Trusts have pioneered peatland restoration and sustainably managed woodlands and grassland meadows. This work continues, thanks to our supporters, helping in the fight against climate change.

...to the sea

The Wildlife Trusts fought for the Marine Act 2009.

Properly implemented, it restores our most important carbon absorber and the wildlife that lives within it, including kelp and phytoplankton.