Achieving SDGs through natural climate solutions

Africa's journey towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through natural climate solutions is gaining traction, amidst lagging promises of climate finance from wealthier nations. Bronson Griscom, the Vice President of Natural Climate Solutions at Conservation International, sheds light on the pivotal role of natural climate solutions in building green finance in Africa. Griscom emphasizes that investments in both technologies and natural climate solutions are essential to combat the climate crisis effectively. The unique advantage of natural climate solutions lies in their ability to deliver a myriad of sustainable development goals alongside climate benefits, such as rural economic development, clean water, clean air, and biodiversity conservation. Despite its potential, the natural climate solutions sector remains significantly under-invested in climate mitigation efforts. Griscom attributes this underinvestment to a prevailing bias towards technological solutions over landscape-based approaches. However, he underscores the immense economic potential inherent in natural climate solutions, particularly in sectors like agriculture and forestry. Modernizing and professionalizing these sectors can enhance carbon sequestration, boost crop yields, and capitalize on the emerging market for carbon storage. Griscom also introduces the concept of a carbon law for nature, which advocates halving net emissions through a combination of emission reductions and removals from restoration and protection efforts. This framework sets ambitious decadal targets to align with the global goal of limiting warming well below two degrees. The implementation of the carbon law for nature presents a transformative opportunity for African nations to embrace climate-smart strategies in agriculture and forestry, catalyzing sustainable economic growth. One of the key challenges in mobilizing funds towards natural climate solutions in Africa lies in the inadequate infrastructure for research and voluntary carbon projects on the continent. Additionally, issues related to land tenure and concessions, as well as the involvement of private companies, pose significant hurdles in the transition towards climate-friendly practices. To address these challenges, Griscom emphasizes the need for concurrent advancements in emissions trading systems and governance structures. Robust emissions trading frameworks are essential to facilitate international carbon trading and integrate ecosystems into economic models positively. Simultaneously, enhancing governance practices to ensure equitable distribution of benefits to local communities and fostering sustainable outcomes are critical for aligning investments with climate and conservation objectives. Ultimately, unlocking Africa's green finance potential through natural climate solutions demands a harmonized effort to leverage innovative financing mechanisms, catalyze technological advancements, and enhance governance frameworks for sustainable development and climate resilience.