Nature‐Based Solutions for Europe's Sustainable Development

TLDR

Economic growth, job creation, and innovation have traditionally been viewed as incompatible with environmental sustainability, yet long‑term competitiveness relies on sustainable resource use, and nature‑based solutions offer a realistic, incremental pathway toward a sustainable economy as envisioned by the EU Horizon 2020 vision. The European Union is investing in nature‑based solutions to simultaneously achieve economic growth and environmental sustainability. The paper outlines a basic nature‑based scenario for Europe and proposes criteria to focus, guide, and evaluate its implementation toward socioeconomic benefits, job creation, and low‑carbon technology innovation.

Abstract

Abstract Pursuing economic targets of job creation, growth, and innovation while tackling global environmental challenges, has long been seen as impossible. However, any long‐term economic competitiveness and security depends on the extent to which natural resources are used sustainably. Therefore, the European Union is investing in nature‐based solutions to achieve this double goal. The difference between the prevailing economic model and a sustainable resource use has long seemed insurmountable. While many debates are paralyzed or radicalized, nature‐based solutions could offer a transition path with realistic, incremental steps toward a sustainable economy as envisaged by the EU Horizon 2020 vision. This paper outlines the basics of a nature‐based scenario for Europe, and proposes criteria to focus, guide, and evaluate the implementation of nature‐based solutions, geared at production of wide socioeconomic benefits, provision of jobs, and low‐carbon technology innovations.