California has unveiled 81 targets for nature-based solutions, aligning with Gov. Gavin Newsom’s (D) Climate Commitment.
These targets aim to aid in achieving the state’s ambitious climate goals, including carbon neutrality by 2045. Nature-based solutions play a crucial role in absorbing carbon emissions, the state said, investing approximately $9.6 billion in such initiatives since 2020.
By 2045, some targets include managing 33.5 million acres to reduce wildfire risk,11.9 million acres of forest for biodiversity and carbon storage and conserving 7.6 million acres and 3.4 million acres of croplands for healthy soils and drought resilience.
“We’re setting aggressive and ambitious new targets to use California’s lands to fight the climate crisis,” Newsom said. “This scale of action is unprecedented, and yet another example of California punching above its weight. From restoring and conserving lands to greening our urban spaces and treating more acres to prevent wildfires, we’re protecting nature and allowing it to work for our communities.”
