Nature-based Solutions for Disaster and Climate Resilience from edX

Nature offers many solutions for reducing the impacts from disasters and climate impacts. This may include protecting forests on steep slopes, maintaining sand dunes along coastlines, wetlands to buffer excess rainwater. These so-called ‘Nature- based solutions’ (NbS) are an important piece in the puzzle to building the resilience of households and communities to an ever-increasing number of disaster events around the world.

For years, experience and evidence on NbS from around the world has been growing. But many people – from policy makers, through to engineers and businesses – don't yet know how NbS can help them solve the challenges they’re facing from events like floods, heatwaves, or droughts. These events affect the lives of millions of people every year.

So, what are ‘Nature-based solutions’, or NbS? How can they help build resilience to disasters and climate change impacts? Why is NbS relevant? How can I apply NbS in my work and everyday life?

In this online course, UNEP and environmental experts from around the world will provide you with answers to those questions, reaching out to you and me, to planners, policy makers, engineers, businesses, and youth. This is an opportunity for you to join a community of learners and environmental advocates.

First touching upon the “why”, the course provides an introduction to nature-based solutions for disaster and climate resilience, the benefits and potential opportunities. Then, specific modules aimed at different target audiences will focus on the practical application of nature-based solutions, the “how”.

Who is the course aimed at? Nature-based solutions are relevant to everyone, and we all benefit from seeing them applied. With this in mind, the course is designed to be accessible to everyone, no matter your background.

What you'll learn

Learn how to apply Nature-based Solutions in enhancing resilience to disasters and climate change, whether you are a youth leader, practitioner, policy maker, engineer or business owner.
Learn about how human activities are interlinked with ecological systems and main tools and approaches for applying Nature-based Solutions to reducing disaster and climate risks.
Learn how policy makers are including nature as a solution in policy processes for reducing disaster and climate risks.
Learn how practitioners are applying nature-based solutions for reducing risks of natural hazards by investing in restoration and protection.
Learn about green infrastructure and designing with nature as a viable complement to grey engineered protection structures for reducing impacts of disaster events.
Learn what young people and teachers, policy makers, practitioners, businesses and engineers can do to get involved in our race against the climate emergency.

What's inside

Syllabus

Unit 1: Why is this course relevant to me?

This unit introduces the course, its learning objectives and explains why we are currently at cross-roads in terms of disaster and climate risks and how nature can provide solutions.

Unit 2: What are Nature-based Solutions?

This unit explains that Nature-based Solutions is an umbrella term that encompasses many different approaches.

Unit 3: Nature-based Solutions applied to pressing challenges: urbanization, coastal development and dryland expansion

This unit focuses on the applications of Nature-based Solutions in specific contexts that are both challenging but also critical for ensuring disaster and climate resilience worldwide.

Unit 4: Including communities, youth and indigenous people in Nature-based Solutions

This unit focuses on the need to promote inclusive and community-led approaches in Nature-based Solutions initiatives.

Unit 5: From policy to practice

This unit answers two questions:

What do policy makers need to know about Nature-based Solutions?

How can engineers and practitioners implement Nature-based Solutions?

Unit 6: The business case for nature

This unit presents why and how businesses and the private sector can be involved in Nature-based Solutions at different levels.

Unit 7: Over to you: Time for action

This unit provides concluding remarks and rounds off the course.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Suitable for students, young leaders, engineers, policy makers, and business owners with an interest in nature-based solutions for climate change and disaster resilience

Explores the interconnectedness of human activities with ecological systems and introduces innovative approaches for risk reduction

Reviews case studies and best practices in urbanization, coastal development, and dryland expansion

Emphasizes the inclusion of community members, youth, and indigenous perspectives in nature-based solutions

Provides guidance for policymakers, engineers, and practitioners to effectively implement nature-based solutions

Engages businesses in the discussion of nature-based solutions and their potential contributions

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Nature-based Solutions for Disaster and Climate Resilience with these activities:

Explore nature-based solutions on the World Bank website

Show steps

Get an overview of nature-based solutions, their relevance to climate change and disaster resilience.

Show steps

Visit the World Bank website section on Nature-based Solutions.
Read the articles, case studies, and other resources available.
Take notes on the key concepts and examples of nature-based solutions.

Show all one activities

Career center

Learners who complete Nature-based Solutions for Disaster and Climate Resilience will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Environmental Engineer

Environmental Engineers design and implement solutions to environmental problems. They work to protect the environment and human health from pollution, climate change, and other threats. Nature-based Solutions for Disaster and Climate Resilience may be helpful to individuals in this field, as it can provide a deeper understanding of the environment and how to use nature-based solutions to mitigate the effects of natural disasters and climate change.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Engineer

Policy Analyst

Policy Analysts research and analyze public policies. They work with governments and other organizations to develop and implement policies that address social, economic, and environmental issues. Nature-based Solutions for Disaster and Climate Resilience may be helpful to individuals in this field, as it can provide a deeper understanding of the environment and how to use nature-based solutions to mitigate the effects of natural disasters and climate change.

See salaries and explore the career path for Policy Analyst

Teacher

Teachers educate students in a variety of subjects, including science, math, and social studies. They work in schools, colleges, and universities to help students learn and grow. Nature-based Solutions for Disaster and Climate Resilience may be helpful to individuals in this field, as it can provide a deeper understanding of the environment and how to use nature-based solutions to mitigate the effects of natural disasters and climate change.

See salaries and explore the career path for Teacher

Urban Planner

Urban Planners design and plan the development of urban areas. They work with local governments, businesses, and community groups to create sustainable and livable communities. Nature-based Solutions for Disaster and Climate Resilience may be helpful to individuals in this field, as it can provide a deeper understanding of the environment and how to use nature-based solutions to mitigate the effects of natural disasters and climate change.

See salaries and explore the career path for Urban Planner

Environmental Scientist

Environmental Scientists conduct research to understand how the environment works, and how we can protect it. They study things like pollution, climate change, and the effects of human activity on the environment. Nature-based Solutions for Disaster and Climate Resilience may be helpful to individuals in this field, as it can provide a deeper understanding of the environment and how to use nature-based solutions to mitigate the effects of natural disasters and climate change.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Scientist

Researcher

Researchers conduct scientific research to investigate and understand the world around us. They work in a variety of fields, including science, engineering, and medicine. Nature-based Solutions for Disaster and Climate Resilience may be helpful to individuals in this field, as it can provide a deeper understanding of the environment and how to use nature-based solutions to mitigate the effects of natural disasters and climate change.

See salaries and explore the career path for Researcher

Sustainability Manager

Sustainability Managers develop and implement strategies to reduce the environmental impact of organizations. They work to improve energy efficiency, reduce waste, and promote sustainable practices. Nature-based Solutions for Disaster and Climate Resilience may be helpful to individuals in this field, as it can provide a deeper understanding of the environment and how to use nature-based solutions to mitigate the effects of natural disasters and climate change.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Manager

Environmental Educator

Environmental Educators teach people about the environment and how to protect it. They work with schools, community groups, and businesses to develop and implement educational programs that promote environmental awareness and stewardship. Nature-based Solutions for Disaster and Climate Resilience may be helpful to individuals in this field, as it can provide a deeper understanding of the environment and how to use nature-based solutions to mitigate the effects of natural disasters and climate change.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Educator

Landscape Architect

Landscape Architects design and plan the development of outdoor spaces. They work with local governments, businesses, and community groups to create sustainable and beautiful landscapes. Nature-based Solutions for Disaster and Climate Resilience may be helpful to individuals in this field, as it can provide a deeper understanding of the environment and how to use nature-based solutions to mitigate the effects of natural disasters and climate change.

See salaries and explore the career path for Landscape Architect

Environmental Consultant

Environmental Consultants provide advice and guidance to organizations on environmental issues. They help organizations to comply with environmental regulations, reduce their environmental impact, and develop sustainable practices. Nature-based Solutions for Disaster and Climate Resilience may be helpful to individuals in this field, as it can provide a deeper understanding of the environment and how to use nature-based solutions to mitigate the effects of natural disasters and climate change.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Consultant

Park Ranger

Park Rangers protect and manage natural resources in parks and other protected areas. They work to ensure that these areas are safe and accessible for visitors, and that they are managed in a way that protects the environment. Nature-based Solutions for Disaster and Climate Resilience may be helpful to individuals in this field, as it can provide a deeper understanding of the environment and how to use nature-based solutions to mitigate the effects of natural disasters and climate change.

See salaries and explore the career path for Park Ranger

Natural Resource Manager

Natural Resource Managers oversee the management of natural resources, such as forests, wetlands, and wildlife. They work to ensure that these resources are used sustainably and that they continue to provide benefits to people and wildlife. Nature-based Solutions for Disaster and Climate Resilience may be helpful to individuals in this field, as it can provide a deeper understanding of the environment and how to use nature-based solutions to mitigate the effects of natural disasters and climate change.

See salaries and explore the career path for Natural Resource Manager

Conservation Scientist

Conservation Scientists focus on protecting and managing natural resources such as forests, wetlands, and wildlife. They work to ensure that these resources are used sustainably and that they continue to provide benefits to people and wildlife. Nature-based Solutions for Disaster and Climate Resilience may be helpful to individuals in this field, as it can provide a deeper understanding of the environment and how to use nature-based solutions to mitigate the effects of natural disasters and climate change.

See salaries and explore the career path for Conservation Scientist

Climate Change Adaptation Specialist

Climate Change Adaptation Specialists develop and implement strategies to help communities adapt to the effects of climate change. They work with local governments, businesses, and community groups to identify and implement solutions that will make communities more resilient to climate change. Nature-based Solutions for Disaster and Climate Resilience may be helpful to individuals in this field, as it can provide a deeper understanding of the environment and how to use nature-based solutions to mitigate the effects of natural disasters and climate change.

See salaries and explore the career path for Climate Change Adaptation Specialist

Disaster Management Coordinator

Disaster Management Coordinators develop and implement plans to prepare for and respond to disasters. They work with local governments, businesses, and community groups to ensure that communities are ready for and can recover from disasters. Nature-based Solutions for Disaster and Climate Resilience may be helpful to individuals in this field, as it can provide a deeper understanding of the environment and how to use nature-based solutions to mitigate the effects of natural disasters and climate change.

See salaries and explore the career path for Disaster Management Coordinator

Nature-based Solutions for Disaster and Climate Resilience

What you'll learn

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What's inside

Syllabus

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Activities

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