Nature-based solutions are emerging as vital tools to tackle the dual crises of climate change and biodiversity loss by leveraging nature’s inherent resilience to protect and restore ecosystems. This episode explores how innovative approaches can make these solutions mainstream and economically viable while addressing complex challenges like urban flooding, ecosystem restoration, and sustainable investment opportunities.

As species vanish at unprecedented rates, ecosystems lose their resilience, diminishing their ability to mitigate climate impacts such as floods and heatwaves. Traditional grey engineering solutions, like concrete sea walls, often address a specific issue but can create long-term challenges. In contrast, nature-based solutions leverage the inherent adaptability and efficiency of natural systems, offering multifunctional benefits like enhanced biodiversity, flood management, and improved urban living conditions. Nature-based solutions integrate ecological processes into infrastructure and land management, delivering diverse benefits to urban and rural settings. However, scaling these methods requires overcoming challenges in measuring their long-term benefits, articulating their value, and shifting industry focus from short-term cost efficiencies to long-term systemic resilience. 

Economic viability is crucial for the widespread adoption of nature-based solutions. Companies like Nattergal are pioneering models that make nature restoration an investable asset, transforming public goods like carbon sequestration and clean water into marketable ecosystem services. Incentives like biodiversity net gain credits in the UK show how policy can direct funding toward environmental recovery. By demonstrating tangible financial returns alongside environmental benefits, these initiatives aim to align corporate interests with sustainable practices, ensuring businesses can protect their futures while contributing to global climate resilience.

Guests

Philip Hoare, Chief Operating Officer, AtkinsRéalis

Stuart McLaren, Global Director for net zero innovation, AtkinsRéalis

Claire Wansbury, Fellow and technical director for ecology, AtkinsRéalis

Zoe Metcalfe, Client director for local and central government, AtkinsRéalis

Francis Heil, Associate director for climate change and resilience, AtkinsRéalis

Ben Hart, head of operations, Nattergal 

Ivan de Clay, head of natural capital, Nattergal

The post #305 Making the Case for Nature-Based Solutions first appeared on Engineering Matters.