Conserving nature can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions (mitigation) and help us adapt to the impacts of climate change. Biodiversity can do for the planet what a healthy immune system can do for an individual: it can help us be more productive and adaptable to change but its loss can make us more vulnerable.For several years, the world has been investing in technology and engineering to fight climate change. Technology is a vitally important part of efforts to tackle climate change, but we must be careful not to put all of our eggs in a ‘techno-fix’ basket. Some technologies will work; others won’t; others will be economically unviable. Whether for mitigation or adaptation to climate change, conserving nature is a vital safety net. We already know how to manage, conserve and restore nature for the benefits it can provide.IUCN’s work puts nature at the centre of climate change solutions. Healthy natural systems are critical for absorbing and storing carbon and helping us adapt to climate change. It is estimated that 17% of greenhouse gas emissions result from deforestation and forest degradation. Better managing forests, peatlands or mangroves can store substantial amounts of carbon. When developed in an equitable and sustainable manner, mechanisms such as Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation (REDD) can reduce emissions, conserve biodiversity and enhance human well-being. Learn morePeople depend on natural resources for food, fuel and drinking water. The management, conservation, and restoration of ecosystems, known as ecosystem-based adaptation, can ensure that ecosystems continue to provide the services that enable people to adapt to climate change impacts. Learn more