What is ecosystem-based adaptation?

UN Environment Programme

Healthy ecosystems can reduce the negative impacts of climate change. For instance, coastal habitats like mangroves provide natural flood defenses, well-protected lakes retain water sources during droughts, and healthy forests reduce the risk of devastating wildfires.

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Notes from our reviewers

The CLEAN collection is hand-picked and rigorously reviewed for scientific accuracy and classroom effectiveness. Read what our review team had to say about this resource below or learn more about how CLEAN reviews teaching materials.

Consider showing this video as an introduction to ecosystem-based climate solutions.
The video does a nice job of presenting the co-benefits of an ecosystem-based approach to combatting climate change. The United Nations Environmental Program is a great source of well-backed scientific material. The accompanying page where the video is housed also connects to the Sustainable Development Goals. Passed initial science review - expert science review pending.
This resource strikes a hopeful tone and presents climate solutions that are good for both people and the natural world. Teachers may want to discuss or ask students to research which ecosystem-based solutions to climate change are available in their community or region. One fundamental concept for students to understand this video is what an ecosystem is and does. This could be taught before or after watching the video.