Developing countries can adapt to climate change effectively using nature-based solutions

This paper investigates the effectiveness of climate change adaptation interventions in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), focusing on the agricultural and coastal sectors. A systematic review of 363 empirical observations reveals that nature-based solutions (NbS) have the strongest positive effects on both risk reduction and development-related outcomes. While the coastal sector shows more evidence of risk reduction, the agricultural sector demonstrates more development-related outcomes. Social/behavioural interventions in the coastal sector show negative effects on development, requiring further investigation. The findings highlight the potential for co-benefits beyond risk reduction, especially with NbS.

Sergio Villamayor-Tomas, Alexander Bisaro, Kevin Moull, Amaia Albizua, Isabel Mank, Jochen Hinkel, Gerald Leppert, Martin Noltze