Climate Facts: Healthy ecosystems can reduce temperature rise by 37%, says UN

The complexities of climate change and its associated jargon can prove difficult to digest. TheCable’s quick climate facts will help to demystify these climate concepts through easy-to-understand and straight-to-the-point explanations.

Here are some to keep at the tip of your fingers:

The New Climate Economy (MCE) says sustainable agriculture and forest protection could produce over $2 trillion per year of economic benefits, create millions of jobs and enhance food security, while proffering more than a third of the climate change solutions.

The United Nations Environment (UNEP) says wetlands are effective carbon sinks that absorb and store CO2, which reduces greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

UNEP said wetlands could serve as a barrier against extreme weather patterns, providing a natural shield against storm surges and excess rainfall. 

According to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), healthy ecosystems can provide 37 percent of the mitigation needed to reduce global temperature rise. Damaged ecosystems release carbon rather than store it.

The organisation said adequate land use systems can increase local resilience and community-based adaptation projects like smart climate villages.