Using an interdisciplinary research approach, the Nature, People and Climate Lab works to better quantify the benefits, outcomes, trade-offs and synergies of ecosystem services, and to provide evidence that can leverage nature-based solution policy and investment change.
Our themes
Social outcomes of nature-based solutions
In this theme we explore the enablers and constraints of social equity across all phases of nature-based solutions.
We try to understand the relationship between equitable and effective nature-based solutions, and the ways in which different solutions build adaptive capacity and reduce sensitivity of different social groups to climate risks.
Environmental outcomes of
nature-based solutions
In this theme we investigate what ecosystem-service trade-offs and synergies exist between nature-based solutions used for adaptation and those used for mitigation.
We also explore how nature-based solutions impact water-carbon couplings from an earth system perspective.
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Finally, we want to know what suitable combinations of land management systems can synergize climate change mitigation and adaptation, contribute equitably to earth system resilience, and manage potential eco-hydrological tipping points.
Resourcing nature-based solutions
In this theme we focus on both finance and capacity.
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From a finance perspective, we are working to understand what factors would incentivise investment by different types of investors in equitable and/or effective nature-based solutions. To understand how to scale up nature-based solutions, we are also exploring 1) how critical the economic values of nature-based solution benefits are for securing finance from different investor types and 2) the kinds of innovative partnerships needed. Lastly, and for a range of societal challenges, we want to understand how the cost-benefit ratios (compared across multiple valuation methods and systems) for nature-based solutions compare with other actions.
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From a capacity perspective, we are researching what capacities would be required by different and diverse types of actors (e.g., non-governmental organisations, community-based organisations, residents, researchers, students, government officials, private sector) for nature-based solutions to be equitable and effective. Following on from that, we are exploring what curricula and/or capacity-strengthening programmes are needed to build these capacities across diverse actor groups, including the most marginalised.
Governance of nature-based solutions
In this theme – which is informed by the other three themes – we are exploring the underlying principles of the governance of nature-based solutions.
We want to know whether nature-based solutions for climate adaptation can play an important role in ensuring that development is just, sustainable and climate resilient, particularly for the most marginalised.
We are also exploring what practices, processes and principles are required for achieving meaningful co-governance for equitable nature-based solutions for climate adaptation, and what (co-)governance processes would be required to scale effective and equitable nature-based solutions.