🔖 This pages welcomes you and introduces you to GCE, the Nature-based Solutions team providing this training.
Introduction
Welcome to this training on nature-based solutions.
Let’s start by introducing ourselves, Generation Climate Europe (GCE) is the largest coalition of youth-led networks—bringing together 381 national organizations across 46 countries in Europe—on climate and environmental issues at the European level. GCE aims at creating a platform for the youth to advocate for a just and green transition in Europe.
This project has been conceived by the NbS Team, one of the three biodiversity projects at GCE.
In a few words, NbS are holistic, long-term solutions that provide climate change adaptation and mitigation benefits, as they promote environmental restoration and decarbonation. In addition, NbS plays an important role in the physical and mental well-being of people, as you will discover in this course.
Context on the environmental crisis
The world is currently facing an environmental crisis on an unprecedented scale. This is mainly caused by human activities such as deforestation, pollution and overuse of natural resources. Rising global temperatures, extreme weather events, sea level rise, and changing precipitation patterns are increasing risks for communities, especially vulnerable populations. These impacts are disrupting food production, freshwater availability, and displacing communities, particularly those most vulnerable. Moreover, biodiversity is rapidly decreasing. Due to loss of habitat, more than one million animal species are threatened with extinction.
This loss of biodiversity is not only an ecological disaster, but it also poses a direct threat to human life. Healthy ecosystems are important as they effectively control the climate, purify the air and water and support agriculture. When the presence of forests, wetlands and coral reefs is reduced, the delicate balance of life is compromised. Scientists have made it clear that the time for meaningful action is running out. Reports from agencies such as the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and the Intergovernmental Science and Policy Forum on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) emphasize the urgency of recovery of natural systems and their adaptation to rapidly changing environments. By working in harmony with nature, rather than against it, we can address the root causes of climate change, biodiversity loss, and ecosystem degradation, paving the way for a more resilient and sustainable future for all.
What are the objectives of this course?
Introducing the concepts behind Nature-Based Solutions (NBS)
- Understand the fundamental concepts of NBS, including what they are, why they are important, where they can be applied, when to use them, and their function.
- Their relation with SDGs
- Ethical commitment and importance of taking action now to ensure a sustainable future.
Scope and Application
- Present NBS across different ecosystems and scales, from local community projects to large-scale initiatives.
- Practical Examples of real-world applications of NBS to understand their practical implementation.
Insights from Experts
- Guest speakers sharing their personal experiences and expertise in the field of NBS.
Career Opportunities
- Potential career paths and emerging opportunities in the field.
Interactive Learning
- Engage in activities and discussions that enhance understanding and application of NbS concepts.
Quiz
Have you followed well the course? Try out our quiz!
↪︎ Proceed to the next module Key Concepts or have a look at our dedicated NbS map for a visual and interactive overview of Nature-based Solutions.
↩︎ Get back to the main NbS training page
