Practical applications of nature based solutions
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Nature-based solutions, an umbrella term for ecosystem services, green infrastructure, and ecosystem-based adaptation (Pauleit et al., 2017), are effective means for mitigating the cross-cutting global challenges that society currently faces, including climate change, biodiversity loss, and water insecurity (Brill et al., 2021). This capstone project reports on my work with the Pacific Institute - a global leader in water research - and their efforts to bring nature-based solutions to the forefront of business investment opportunities. This project also highlights three key nature-based solutions that should be considered for implementation within urban and coastal areas - alternative lawns, living shorelines, and green infrastructure. These nature-based solutions offer a plethora of benefits that contribute to ecological functioning, human health and safety, and economic efficiency; their position within densely populated areas creates opportunities for governments, organizations, and individuals to participate in their implementation, sparking a shift in societal thinking towards a more resilient and biodiverse future.