Environmental Science & Policy, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 132, P. 273 - 281

Published: March 12, 2022

Nature-based Solutions (NbS) are increasingly proposed in international environmental governance settings to address the interlinked crises of climate change, biodiversity loss, and growing inequality. Thus far, scholarly research on NbS has been largely conceptual, empirical from social sciences is widely absent, as insights into narratives that surround them. Using 2019 United Nations Climate Action Summit Change Conference (COP 25) a case study, we set out analyze range associated with proposals for (and against) NbS. We used discourse coalition approach, drawing data systematic document analysis public-facing texts actors, expert interviews. Results reveal two central opposing narratives: 1) Leveraging power nature—NbS multifunctional, powerful, must play critical role addressing global challenges, especially change (held by proponents): 2) Dangerous distraction—NbS being co-opted continue what seen unsustainable, unjust, status-quo critics). Both make use ambiguity NbS, though contrasting ways, their respective coalitions reflect reproduce existing fault-lines governance. Our findings indicate that, despite its promise, 'NbS' currently unable foster inclusive participation support transformative change.

Language: Английский