A study led by Yale’s Oswald Schmitz and co-authored by 15 scientists shows that protecting and restoring populations of just nine key species – including whales, wolves, and elephants – could capture an additional 6.41 billion tons of carbon dioxide annually.1
As Schmitz puts it, “Wildlife species are the missing link between biodiversity and climate.” This suggests that rewilding efforts could be one of the most effective nature-based solutions in our climate action toolkit, offering a compelling reason to explore the fascinating world where wildlife conservation meets climate mitigation.
Here is the fascinating intersection of wildlife and climate action.
The Missing Link: How Animals Regulate the Carbon Cycle
Wild animals are critical in controlling the carbon cycle in terrestrial, freshwater, and marine ecosystems through various processes, including foraging, nutrient deposition, disturbance, and seed dispersal.
The presence or absence of certain species can fundamentally change the dynamics of carbon uptake and storage in their habitats.
For example, African forest elephants help maintain the Congo Basin rainforest, a massive carbon sink, by stomping out invasive plants and allowing large trees to grow and store carbon.
Tigers in India have been found to inhabit forests with three times the carbon density of areas where the cats have been eradicated, as their presence deters human activity that degrades habitats.
Protecting these and other key species is essential for preserving the ecosystems that regulate our climate.
Protected Areas: A Powerful Tool for Adaptation
Creating and effectively managing protected areas, particularly marine protected areas (MPAs), (ref) is another powerful adaptation strategy that can help address climate change and biodiversity loss.
Well-managed protected areas provide long-term protection for ecologically significant regions, which in turn helps build resilience to climate impacts and supports local economies through activities like tourism.
On land, protected areas offer a thermal buffer against rising temperatures, providing cooler conditions and refuge for climate-threatened species.
In the oceans, MPAs can help restore dwindling marine populations, which are declining at twice the rate of those on land due to the combined effects of climate change and human activity.
Restoring Habitats, Rebuilding Resilience
Habitat restoration is another key strategy for protecting wildlife and mitigating climate change. Techniques like:
- Agroforestry, which provides habitats and food for wildlife while improving shading and reducing drought severity
- Wetland and mangrove restoration, which creates shelter and breeding grounds for marine and bird species while protecting coral reefs and acting as nurseries for seafood
- Reforestation to enhance wildlife habitats and support biodiversity
These efforts not only help species adapt to changing conditions but also rebuild the natural infrastructure that helps regulate the climate and protect human communities from the impacts of global warming.
Empowering Communities through Locally Led Adaptation
Engaging local communities, particularly Indigenous peoples and marginalized groups, is crucial for successful wildlife conservation and climate adaptation.
Community-based conservation initiatives that prioritize local needs and values alongside conservation goals can be empowering and sustainable in the long term.
Locally led adaptation (LLA) approaches unlock the creativity and potential of these communities, supporting them in securing climate-resilient livelihoods that reduce dependence on resource exploitation.
Conservation programs can employ local people, help secure land rights, promote wildlife-friendly businesses, and support adopting climate-smart agricultural practices.
By linking these efforts to markets and leveraging innovative financing mechanisms, wildlife conservation can generate significant revenue for reinvestment in conservation and sustainable development.
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.