Policy Brief - Protected Areas: Natural Solutions to Climate Change

Abstract

Protected Areas are key in helping communities and nature face a changing climate. They can help buffer the impacts of extreme climate events, ensure maintained provision of ecosystem services that are fundamental for human wellbeing, such as clean water, facilitate the adaptation of people and nature to new climate conditions, and contribute to climate change mitigation. Integrating protected areas in global climate planning and finance within and outside the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change -UNFCCC- is an essential element in building resilience to climate change and supporting sustainable development globally. Several technical and political arguments support the case for including protected areas in climate change strategies that can contribute to climate-resilient development and promote a safer climate future.