Abbey Abramson

  Climate change projects for carbon emissions mitigation Carbon projects: baseline gaming and benefit-sharing opacity Nature-based carbon projects (e.g., REDD+ and voluntary offset schemes) can strengthen financing for forests—if their numbers are credible and if communities share in the benefits. A growing empirical record reveals systemic weaknesses in baselines, leakage, permanence, and safeguards, resulting in over-credited projects that deliver minimal real climate benefits (West et al., 2024; Berkeley Carbon Trading/Carbon Market Watch; The Guardian/Reuters, 2024–2025). Two recurring integrity gaps: Baselines and additionality. “Elastic methodologies” allow developers to set inflated deforestation baselines, so that mere continuation of the status quo yields large credits (CMW, 2023; West et al., 2024). Benefit-sharing and land rights. Where tenure is contested or community voice is weak, revenue distribution becomes opaque, fueling conflict and undermining stewardship (CI...

Coastal resilience through ecosystem conservation Coastal Resilience Through Ecosystems Coastal ecosystems, including mangroves, salt marshes, coral reefs, and seagrass meadows, are crucial in enhancing resilience to climate impacts such as storm surges, coastal erosion, and sea-level rise. These natural systems act as barriers against extreme weather events, protect biodiversity, and sequester carbon, making them integral to climate adaptation strategies. This section explores the importance of coastal ecosystems, their benefits, and ongoing restoration efforts . Mangroves and Salt Marshes for Coastal Protection Mangroves and salt marshes are vital ecosystems for buffering coastlines against storm surges and erosion while providing habitats for diverse marine species. Storm surge mitigation is one of the vital benefits provided by mangroves, as they play a significant role in dissipating wave energy and reducing storm surge heights. This natural defense mechanism is crucial for p...

  Transplanting mangroves along the shores Nature's Blueprint: Harnessing Ecosystem-Based Solutions The Principles of Nature-Based Solutions Nature-based solutions (NbS) are innovative approaches that leverage natural processes and ecosystems to address societal challenges, including climate change. These solutions work with nature rather than against it , offering sustainable, cost-effective, and resilient strategies for mitigation and adaptation. This section explores the principles underpinning NbS, their foundational role in climate adaptation, and their benefits across environmental, social, and economic dimensions. Definition and Core Principles Nature-based solutions are defined by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as "actions to protect, sustainably manage, and restore natural or modified ecosystems that address societal challenges effectively and adaptively while providing human well-being and biodiversity benefits" (IUCN, 2020). These sol...