Adult Learning Program: Science

Human beings have survived on this earth for thousands of years in relative balance with our natural surroundings. However, we are now witnessing a unique period in history when human activities are out of balance with nature, causing planet-wide climate change and biodiversity loss. Increased GHG (greenhouse gas) emissions in the atmosphere are changing the climate of the planet, resulting in extreme temperatures, floods, droughts, wildfires and increasing biodiversity loss.

Nature-based solutions are tools we have to mitigate and adapt to climate change and provide benefits for biodiversity. For example, large amounts of carbon dioxide are stored in the soil and plant life of forests, wetlands, grasslands and in the oceans. Conserving these carbon-rich ecosystems allows carbon to be absorbed and prevents carbon from releasing into the atmosphere, while simultaneously supporting biodiversity.