The document discusses the critical role of Nature-based Solutions (NbS) in addressing climate change and biodiversity loss in Scotland. It emphasizes that scaling up NbS is essential for achieving net-zero targets, as only 3% of global climate funding currently supports nature initiatives. The document outlines the increasing risks posed by climate change, such as extreme weather events and degradation of natural capital, particularly impacting urban areas and peatlands. Dark Matter Labs (DML) collaborated with NatureScot and the Scottish Government to explore new markets in natural assets, identifying systemic interventions needed to promote NbS. Key areas for action include building political support, fostering citizen engagement, and developing innovative funding models. The ongoing efforts aim to lay the foundations for a Natural Assets Economy in Scotland, with a focus on sustainable urban development and peatland restoration.
| name | description | change | 10-year | driving-force | relevancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Increased Investment in Nature-based Solutions | Growing recognition of the importance of Nature-based Solutions for climate mitigation. | Shifting from minimal investment to prioritizing Nature-based Solutions funding. | More significant financial resources will be allocated to Nature-based Solutions, improving climate resilience. | Urgent need to combat climate change and biodiversity loss drives investment in Nature-based Solutions. | 5 |
| Urban Nature-based Solutions Development | Focus on integrating nature into urban planning and infrastructure. | Transitioning urban planning from traditional methods to nature-centric approaches. | Cities will increasingly incorporate green spaces and natural elements, enhancing urban living conditions. | Recognizing the health and environmental benefits of urban green spaces encourages this shift. | 4 |
| Regulatory Innovation for Natural Assets | Emerging regulatory tools and frameworks to support natural asset markets. | Moving from outdated regulations to innovative frameworks for managing natural assets. | New regulatory approaches will foster sustainable management of natural resources and urban spaces. | Demand for sustainable practices and compliance with climate goals motivates regulatory innovation. | 4 |
| Rise of Blended Capital Investments | Combining public and private funding for natural asset projects. | From traditional funding sources to blended capital models for financing NbS. | Investment strategies will evolve to include diverse funding sources for sustainability projects. | Need for more effective and flexible funding solutions for environmental initiatives drives this change. | 4 |
| Cultural Shift Toward Nature Engagement | Increasing citizen and community engagement with natural environments. | Shifting from passive consumption of nature to active participation in its stewardship. | Communities will play a vital role in maintaining and enhancing local natural assets. | Growing awareness of environmental issues and personal responsibility fosters community engagement. | 4 |
| Technological Advancements in Environmental Monitoring | Use of remote sensing and technology for monitoring natural capital. | Transition from manual monitoring to advanced technological solutions for environmental management. | Enhanced monitoring capabilities will improve decision-making and resource management in natural areas. | Advancements in technology and the need for accurate data drive this transformation. | 5 |
| Peatland Restoration Initiatives | Increased focus on restoring damaged peatlands as a climate solution. | From neglect and degradation to active restoration and conservation of peatlands. | Restored peatlands will significantly contribute to carbon sequestration and biodiversity support. | Recognition of peatlands’ role in carbon storage and climate mitigation spurs restoration efforts. | 5 |
| Integrated NbS in Urban Infrastructure | Nature-based Solutions becoming integral to urban infrastructure planning. | Transitioning from separate planning processes to integrated NbS in urban development. | Urban areas will feature integrated nature-based infrastructure, improving livability and resilience. | The need for sustainable urban growth and resilience against climate impacts drives integration. | 4 |
| Emerging Financial Models for Sustainability | Development of innovative financial instruments for Nature-based Solutions. | Shift from traditional financing to new, adaptable financial models for sustainability. | A variety of new financial products will support the growth of Nature-based Solutions markets. | The urgency of addressing climate change necessitates innovative funding approaches. | 4 |
| Increased Frequency of Extreme Weather Events | Rising occurrences of extreme weather affecting communities and ecosystems. | From sporadic events to a new normal of frequent extreme weather challenges. | Communities will adapt to a reality where extreme weather requires resilient infrastructure and practices. | Climate change is exacerbating extreme weather patterns, necessitating adaptation and resilience strategies. | 5 |
| name | description | relevancy |
|---|---|---|
| Inadequate Investment in Nature-based Solutions | Only 3% of global climate funding is invested in nature despite its potential for significant climate mitigation. | 4 |
| Failure to Meet Climate Targets | Scotland faces strategic risks from not achieving its climate emergency targets amid extreme weather events. | 5 |
| Increasing Frequency of Extreme Weather | Rising extreme weather, such as storms and flooding, threatens both human life and natural ecosystems. | 5 |
| Biodiversity Loss and Ecosystem Degradation | Damage to peatlands and natural habitats leads to biodiversity loss and ecological instability, impacting health and infrastructure. | 4 |
| Urban Air Pollution | City dwellers are significantly more likely to die from air pollution than car accidents, indicating a public health crisis. | 4 |
| Insufficient Coordination in Natural Asset Development | The need for systemic intervention across multiple levels may not be adequately addressed to develop necessary infrastructures for NbS. | 3 |
| Land Degradation and Increased Fire Risk | Damaged peatland is at risk of increased fire frequency, releasing carbon and further damaging the ecosystem. | 4 |
| Market Risks and Land Speculation | The potential impact of market speculation on natural asset delivery poses challenges for sustainable investment practices. | 3 |
| name | description | relevancy |
|---|---|---|
| Investment in Nature-based Solutions (NbS) | A growing emphasis on funding and implementing NbS for climate mitigation and community adaptation, despite current low investment levels. | 5 |
| Systemic intervention for natural capital | Recognition of the need for coordinated actions across various sectors and levels to enhance nature-based solutions. | 5 |
| Integration of natural assets in urban planning | Emerging practices focusing on incorporating urban nature solutions into city planning and infrastructure development. | 4 |
| Development of innovative funding models | New financial instruments aimed at supporting the growth of nature-based solutions and natural capital markets. | 4 |
| Cultural shifts towards environmental stewardship | Changing public behaviors and values towards greater engagement and advocacy for nature and sustainability. | 4 |
| Collaborative approaches across sectors | Fostering partnerships among various stakeholders to enhance the effectiveness of NbS initiatives. | 4 |
| Regulatory reforms for NbS | Emergence of new regulatory frameworks aimed at supporting and facilitating nature-based solutions in urban environments. | 3 |
| Use of remote sensing technologies | Adoption of advanced technologies for monitoring and managing natural capital effectively. | 3 |
| description | relevancy | src |
|---|---|---|
| Strategies integrating natural processes to address environmental challenges, enhance biodiversity, and support climate mitigation efforts. | 5 | c7d3021c1b6298e7c47bc455cd7d8391 |
| Technologies for monitoring and collecting data about the environment from a distance, crucial for managing natural assets effectively. | 4 | c7d3021c1b6298e7c47bc455cd7d8391 |
| New funding mechanisms designed to support investments in natural assets and regenerative practices. | 4 | c7d3021c1b6298e7c47bc455cd7d8391 |
| Policies and regulations that facilitate the implementation of nature-based solutions in urban planning and development. | 4 | c7d3021c1b6298e7c47bc455cd7d8391 |
| Changes in public attitudes and behaviors that support environmental sustainability and the adoption of nature-based solutions. | 3 | c7d3021c1b6298e7c47bc455cd7d8391 |
| Interdisciplinary partnerships that enhance the development and implementation of nature-based solutions. | 4 | c7d3021c1b6298e7c47bc455cd7d8391 |
| Investment strategies that combine various funding sources to support nature-based projects. | 4 | c7d3021c1b6298e7c47bc455cd7d8391 |
| Innovative methods and technologies aimed at reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainability in urban environments. | 5 | c7d3021c1b6298e7c47bc455cd7d8391 |
| name | description | relevancy |
|---|---|---|
| Nature-based Solutions (NbS) Funding | Only 3% of global climate funding is invested in nature, despite its potential for climate change mitigation. | 5 |
| Climate Emergency and Extreme Weather | Scotland faces strategic risks from rising extreme weather events threatening its natural capital and climate targets. | 5 |
| Urban Air Pollution | City dwellers in the UK are significantly more likely to die from air pollution, highlighting a public health crisis. | 4 |
| Peatland Degradation | 80% of the UK’s peatland, primarily in Scotland, is damaged, risking biodiversity and carbon release. | 5 |
| Systemic Intervention for NbS | Need for systemic interventions across the economy to develop and implement Nature-based Solutions. | 4 |
| Emerging Technical and Cultural Shifts | There is a need to leverage new regulatory tools and cultural behaviors to enhance natural capital management. | 4 |
| Collaborative Working Across Sectors | Establishing collaboration among various sectors is essential for effective Nature-based Solutions. | 3 |
| Innovative Funding Models for NbS | Development of new financial mechanisms is crucial for scaling Nature-based Solutions in Scotland. | 4 |