Trophic rewilding can expand natural climate solutions

Oswald J. Schmitz (), Magnus Sylvén, Trisha B. Atwood, Elisabeth S. Bakker, Fabio Berzaghi, Jedediah F. Brodie, Joris P. G. M. Cromsigt, Andrew B. Davies, Shawn J. Leroux, Frans J. Schepers, Felisa A. Smith, Sari Stark, Jens-Christian Svenning, Andrew Tilker and Henni Ylänne
Additional contact information
Oswald J. Schmitz: School of the Environment, Yale University
Magnus Sylvén: Wild Foundation
Trisha B. Atwood: Utah State University
Elisabeth S. Bakker: Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW)
Fabio Berzaghi: World Maritime University
Jedediah F. Brodie: University of Montana
Joris P. G. M. Cromsigt: Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
Andrew B. Davies: Harvard University
Shawn J. Leroux: Memorial University of Newfoundland
Frans J. Schepers: Rewilding Europe
Felisa A. Smith: University of New Mexico
Sari Stark: University of Lapland
Jens-Christian Svenning: Aarhus University
Andrew Tilker: Re:Wild
Henni Ylänne: University of Eastern Finland

Nature Climate Change, 2023, vol. 13, issue 4, 324-333

Abstract: Abstract Natural climate solutions are being advanced to arrest climate warming by protecting and enhancing carbon capture and storage in plants, soils and sediments in ecosystems. These solutions are viewed as having the ancillary benefit of protecting habitats and landscapes to conserve animal species diversity. However, this reasoning undervalues the role animals play in controlling the carbon cycle. We present scientific evidence showing that protecting and restoring wild animals and their functional roles can enhance natural carbon capture and storage. We call for new thinking that includes the restoration and conservation of wild animals and their ecosystem roles as a key component of natural climate solutions that can enhance the ability to prevent climate warming beyond 1.5 °C.

Date: 2023
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DOI: 10.1038/s41558-023-01631-6

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