Convenient Solutions to an
Inconvenient Truth : Ecosystem-based Approaches to Climate Change

Global warming and changes in climate
have already had observed impacts on natural ecosystems and
species. Natural systems such as wetlands, mangroves, coral
reefs, cloud forests, and Arctic and high-latitude
ecosystems are especially vulnerable to climate-induced
disturbances. However, enhanced protection and management of
biological resources and habitats can mitigate the impacts
and contribute to solutions as nations and communities
strive to adapt to climate change. Biodiversity is the
foundation and mainstay of agriculture, forests, and
fisheries. Biological resources provide the raw materials
for livelihoods, agriculture, medicines, trade, tourism, and
industry. Forests, grasslands, freshwater, and marine and
other natural ecosystems provide a range of services often
not recognized in national economic accounts but vital to
human welfare: regulation of water flows and water quality,
flood control, pollination, decontamination, carbon
sequestration, soil conservation, and nutrient and
hydrological cycling. Current efforts to address climate
change focus mainly on reducing greenhouse gas (GHG)
emissions by adopting cleaner energy strategies and on
reducing the vulnerability of communities at risk by
improving infrastructure to meet new energy and water needs.
This book offers a compelling argument for including
ecosystem-based approaches to mitigation and adaptation as
an essential pillar in national strategies to address
climate change. Such ecosystem-based strategies can offer
cost-effective, proven, and sustainable solutions that
contribute to, and complement, other national and regional
adaptation strategies.