Select committee: Science and Technology Committee
Conclusion 10
2nd Report - Nature-based solutions: rhetoric or reality? - The potential contribution of nature-based solutions to net zero in the UK
Published 27 Jan 2022
Paragraph 80
Science and Technology Committee Nature-based solutions for climate change All items in this report Report on parliament.uk ↗ Inquiry on parliament.uk ↗
Conclusion (the committee's words)
While it is important that gaps in the evidence base are filled, the gaps should not act as a barrier to the large-scale adoption of nature-based solutions. The exact impact of nature-based solutions will be known only after they have been tried and monitored in the long-term, but evidence already indicates a positive impact. Given the urgency of the climate and biodiversity crises, there is no time to waste. The fact that it is not possible to quantify exactly the carbon loss due to marine shelf sediment disturbance, or to other activities, should not prevent the protection of these habitats.
From: Science and Technology Committee, 2nd Report - Nature-based solutions: rhetoric or reality? - The potential contribution of nature-based solutions to net zero in the UK, paragraph 80, 27 January 2022
Government response
The government responded to the whole report on 21 April 2022 (deadline 27 March 2022).
Summary written by Accountability Index from the government's response. It is not the government's own words.The government welcomes the Committee's report and sets out action on its recommendations, accepting some points (including blue carbon research and a precautionary approach) while saying the need for a land use strategy "will be kept under review".
- On marine research, it says "We accept the importance of the recommended areas of research" and "We accept there is more evidence to be gathered", pointing to the planned UK Blue Carbon Evidence Partnership.
- On a precautionary approach where evidence is lacking, it "accept[s] and agree[s]" it is appropriate, but would not "automatically see gaps in data as a barrier".
- On a land use strategy, it does not commit to one, saying the approach and "the need for a land use strategy" will be kept under review as spatial analysis progresses this year.
- On private finance, it agrees buyers and sellers should be able to aggregate projects and combine revenue streams, subject to scheme rules, and plans to develop a standards framework "later this year".