We can solve the climate crisis. Here’s how.

Solar photovoltaic (PV) power utilizes sheets or panels of semiconducting materials capable of capturing photons from the sun and turning them into an electrical current.

Solar thermoelectric technology utilizes mirrors or lenses to concentrate sunlight onto a small area, generating heat that drives a turbine or heat engine to produce electricity.

Geothermal power involves harnessing naturally occurring underground heat—typically found in regions near volcanic activity, geysers, or hot springs—to generate steam for powering turbines and producing electricity.

Onshore wind power is generated through the use of large wind turbines equipped with long blades that harness the kinetic energy of the wind to drive a connected electric generator. 

Offshore wind power involves the installation of wind turbines anchored to the sea floor, capitalizing on the consistently higher wind speeds over the ocean and enabling the use of larger turbines, thus enhancing their efficiency compared to onshore counterparts, ultimately generating electricity through the rotation of an electric generator.

Wave energy, or ocean power, involves harnessing the kinetic energy produced by the natural oscillation of waves, typically achieved through a weighted buoy system that converts the wave motion into electrical energy via a linear or rotary generator.

Sustainable hydropower refers to using smaller-scale dams that generate electricity through the controlled flow of water but preserve aquatic ecosystems and ensure unobstructed fish migration pathways.

Sustainable biomass power uses cellulosic waste products such as wood scraps, agricultural residues, and organic landfill materials for combustion in a thermoelectric generator to produce electricity while ensuring that harvested trees are not used as a fuel source to maintain forest sustainability.

Green hydrogen power involves the production of hydrogen using renewable energy to electrolyze water, which allows for the storage and on-demand use of hydrogen in a fuel cell to provide a clean and sustainable power source.

Advanced nuclear is a next-generation climate solution that builds on the benefits of conventional nuclear while addressing its limitations. Using innovative designs like small modular reactors and advanced fuel cycles, it offers safer, more flexible, and cost-effective carbon-free power. These reactors can provide steady, reliable electricity to complement renewables, while also delivering clean heat and hydrogen for hard-to-decarbonize industries. 

Solar heat is the process of harnessing thermal energy from the sun, commonly achieved through a sealed flat plate with copper pipes, utilized for residential, commercial, or industrial space heating or water heating.

Sustainable biomass heat refers to the controlled combustion of cellulosic waste products, including wood scraps, agricultural residues, and other organic materials, to generate renewable heat without depleting forests or croplands.

Geothermal heat involves the extraction and distribution of subsurface latent heat for residential or industrial heating.

Green hydrogen heat involves using sustainably produced hydrogen to generate heat through combustion for high-heat industrial needs or co-generation fuel cells for lower-heat commercial and residential markets.

District heat is a utility-scale system for distributing heat from renewable sources (such as bioenergy, solar thermal, heat pumps, or geothermal) through a system of insulated pipes for residential and industrial needs. 

Electric heat encompasses several technologies, such as heat pumps, space heaters, and induction ovens, that can convert renewable electricity into heat through electric resistance, radiation, induction, or efficient heat transfer. 

Green hydrogen fuel is produced using renewable energy to electrolyze water (splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen). The resulting hydrogen can be stored and used on demand in a fuel cell to create renewable power.

Sustainable e-fuels are combustible fuels similar to petroleum but synthesized using renewable power and abundant resources such as hydrogen and carbon monoxide, applicable for use in existing aircraft and maritime vessels without substantial engine modifications.

Sustainable biofuels are combustible liquid fuels produced from non-food feedstocks like algae and waste biomass, in contrast to those sourced from crops like soy and corn, which compete for critical agricultural land required for food production.

Electric transport refers to any mode of transportation, including trains, trams, cars, buses, and bikes, powered by renewable electricity either directly from the grid or through stored battery energy. About 80% of all energy used to power a gasoline vehicle is lost to various inefficiencies. In comparison, an electric vehicle only loses about 11% of the original energy used to power it. 

Built environment encompasses any constructed structure or system, including whole cities, residential homes, commercial buildings, government facilities, roads, bridges, and factories, designed with a focus on minimizing energy needs, material usage, and associated emissions.

Transportation efficiency involves strategies designed to reduce dependence on energy-inefficient modes of travel, such as automobiles and airplanes. These strategies include investments in public rail systems, buses, bicycles, and personal electric vehicles (PEVs), as well as policies that promote remote work, lightweight vehicle manufacturing, and other energy-saving measures that support sustainable transportation practices.

Transmission and storage measures refer to techniques that minimize energy loss during power transmission from production to consumption points, encompassing the deployment of smart grids, smart meters, demand response systems, integrated grid storage solutions, utility-scale batteries, and load-shedding techniques.

Industries and services encompass technological innovations, new systems, and upgrades that reduce the energy intensity and direct emissions from manufacturing chemicals, metals, electrical goods, textiles, materials, and cement.  

Protected lands are places already protected or recognized by governments, including all International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN)-protected area classes and Other Effective Conservation Measures (OECMs) as defined by the World Conservation Monitoring Centre (WCMC).

Rarity sites, or Conservation Imperatives, are unprotected areas that need to be protected immediately due to the presence of rare, threatened, or range-restricted plant and animal species.

Land habitats are unprotected land areas with groupings of plants and animals vital to maintaining healthy ecosystems.

Mammal assemblages refers to currently unprotected large mammal landscapes where seasonal groupings of animals occur, particularly megafauna.

Intact wilderness refers to unprotected areas with a large extent of intact wilderness, such as continuous forests, shrublands, and grasslands, that aren't identified in previous layers of the Global Safety Net. 

Climate refugia refers to unprotected areas not included in other designations of the Global Safety Net that help to stabilize our global climate system by absorbing and storing more than 50 metric tons of carbon per hectare of land.

Indigenous tenure refers to land currently occupied or managed by Indigenous People or Local Communities (IPLCs) that are legally recognized by governments as belonging to those communities.

Urban biodiversity refers to methods that reintroduce nature and wildlife back into urban or suburban areas, including tree planting, microforests, pollinator meadows, and river restoration.

Protected seas, or Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), are sections of the ocean that are currently protected or recognized by governments, with limits placed on human activity in an effort to conserve marine biodiversity and habitats. This includes all IUCN-protected area classes as well as Other Effective Conservation Measures (OECMs). 

Marine habitats are currently unprotected areas with groupings of plants and animals that are vital to maintaining healthy ocean ecosystems.

Sustainable fisheries are fishing operations managed in a manner that ensures the long-term health and productivity of fish stocks and the marine ecosystems in which they live. This involves harvesting at a rate where the fish population can replenish itself naturally, thereby avoiding overfishing. 

Marine carbon sinks are natural reservoirs in the ocean that absorb and store carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through various physical and biological processes.

Reforestation involves planting native trees in areas affected by man-made disturbances (e.g., logging, mining, agricultural clearing, and development) or by natural disturbances (e.g., wildfires, drought, and insect and disease infestations).

Forest recovery refers to restoring previously logged or degraded forests through natural regeneration. This restoration can be unassisted or assisted, with the latter involving periodic clearing of invasive species, if present.

Sustainable forestry is a forest management technique that includes selective logging instead of clear-cutting. It is more expensive but results in high-quality timber products over the longer term, reducing carbon emissions from logging and benefiting wildlife. 

Grassland restoration includes a suite of practices that restore or enhance the health of grassland ecosystems, including managing and planting native species.

Wetland restoration refers to a combination of management practices and planting native species to restore and enhance the health of all types of wetlands, including marshes, swamps, bogs, fens, seagrass, and kelp forests.

Mangrove restoration consists of reviving or rehabilitating coastal mangrove ecosystems, which help sequester carbon, safeguard coastlines against storms and erosion, and foster biodiversity.

Coastal restoration is the process of rehabilitating degraded coastal ecosystems to restore their natural functions and ecological integrity. This hybridizing or reestablishing corals in areas that have experienced bleaching or other disturbances.

Species rewilding is the process of reintroducing species of wild terrestrial and marine animals that were previously driven out or exterminated from their native habitats.

Land corridors are landscapes that connect two or more wildlife areas, allowing animals to move freely between larger areas of intact habitat.

Buffers and greenways are areas of land used to separate cultivated or developed land from protected areas, Indigenous conservation areas, and wildlife habitats. Buffer areas can help meet a number of natural resource, economic, and social objectives, including providing wildlife habitat, protecting cropland and downstream communities from flood damage, and filtering nutrients, pesticides, and animal waste from agricultural land runoff.

Areas of land running alongside a river or a portion of a river bed that enable river-dependent species to feed, mate, and migrate. Conserving these can stabilize river banks and reduce the velocity of water to support wildlife.

Marine corridors serve as migration routes for sea birds, fish, and marine mammals free of interference from human activity.

Farm afforestation involves the strategic integration of diverse tree-based systems, such as windbreaks, pocket forests, orchards, or alley cropping, within croplands, contributing to enhanced carbon sequestration, biodiversity conservation, and improved land management practices that promote sustainable agriculture.

Cropland restoration is converting degraded or abandoned agricultural land into sustainable use by applying regenerative agriculture practices that help regenerate ecosystems, promote biodiversity, and enhance soil quality for long-term food production. 

Soil management encompasses a range of holistic farming practices, including cover crops, erosion control, microbial inoculants, and non-fertilizer soil improvers, designed to foster soil health, resilience, and carbon content, ensuring sustainable and productive agricultural systems while minimizing negative environmental impacts.

Sustainable biochar refers to turning sustainably sourced biomass into charcoal, which can enrich and fortify agricultural soil, enhancing its fertility, water retention, and structure while sequestering carbon.

Sustainable fertilizers are organic-based fertilizers, including compost, herbivore manures, vermiculture, microbial soil amendments, and domestic sewage, fostering nutrient-rich soil, promoting healthy crop growth, and minimizing detrimental environmental impacts.

Natural pest control refers to environmentally friendly methods of managing pests—such as harmful insects, weeds, or plant diseases—by leveraging ecological processes instead of synthetic chemicals. By integrating natural pest control into agriculture and land management, we can foster ecosystems that are both productive and resilient, helping to mitigate climate change while preserving biodiversity.

Sustainable rice farming employs a variety of eco-friendly practices that minimize resource usage, enhance productivity through improved seed selection and reduced crop loss, and mitigate methane emissions by implementing water management techniques that limit the duration of flooding in rice paddies.

Agritecture refers to the innovative integration of agricultural practices into built environments. It encompasses methods such as vertical farming, advanced greenhouses, and green roofs, offering sustainable and efficient urban farming solutions that optimize land use and promote local food production in urban settings.

Using AI and data modeling to determine the optimal location for various crops, increasing overall yields and crop resilience while reducing water consumption. 

Dryland irrigation refers to identifying presently rainfed cropland that could be irrigated to increase yields and reduce food insecurity without increasing land needed for agriculture or depleting sustainable water resources. 

Agroforestry is the practice of cultivating trees, crops, and sometimes livestock in a complementary manner, allowing for multi-story production of diverse products that promote biodiversity, improve soil health, and enhance ecosystem resilience.

Polyculture is the practice of cultivating multiple crops, often with symbiotic properties, in the same area, which helps sequester carbon, enhance biodiversity, and improve yield resilience.

Perennial superfoods, including acai, goji, and moringa, are exceptionally high in nutrients and beneficial for human health but do not require replanting each year, reducing soil erosion and increasing carbon sequestration relative to annual crops.

Seed diversity refers to practices that increase the genetic diversity of plants available to farmers by restoring heirloom crops or creating new strains through hybridization, which bolster food security and enhance crop resilience to pest and climate impacts. 

Smallholder farming refers to family or community farms on less than five acres, which aid food security and climate change by allowing for micro-management of a diversity of crops adapted to a specific region with much lower carbon footprints than industrial agriculture.

Silvopasture refers to intentionally integrating trees and grazing livestock to optimize the production of forest products and forage, enhancing biodiversity, carbon sequestration, and diversifying farmer's outputs. 

Sustainable Grazing is the strategic control of livestock grazing (such as cattle, bison, goats, and sheep) on pasturelands that promotes pasture regrowth, supports biodiversity, and enhances soil health by mimicking the natural grazing behaviors of wild herbivores.

Healthy feed refers to a nutritionally balanced diet provided to livestock that contains essential macronutrients, vitamins, minerals, and adequate fiber, fostering animal well-being, reducing reliance on antibiotics, and mitigating methane emissions.

Meat-free proteins represent an emerging sector in the food industry focused on plant-based protein alternatives sourced from pulses, seaweed, moringa, and other high-protein sources that can be produced and processed sustainably. 

The planetarian diet emphasizes a nutritional approach outlined by the EAT-Lancet Commission, promoting sustainable and healthy dietary habits, including reduced red meat consumption, increased vegetable intake, and decreased food waste, aiming to support global food security and environmental sustainability for a growing population.

Storage and logistics solutions, including technologies like solar-powered refrigerators, contribute to significant reductions in crop losses due to inadequate or inaccessible cold storage, ensuring the freshness and quality of produce before it is sold or taken to market.

Bioregional sourcing emphasizes the procurement of food from local farms and regional ecosystems, promoting sustainable and resilient food systems that support local economies and reduce the environmental impact of long-distance shipping.

Food upcycling involves the creative repurposing of food byproducts, surplus food, and cosmetically imperfect food into new edible products in an effort to reduce food waste.

Urban gardening encompasses the conversion of turf grass into gardens and cultivating herbs and vegetables in urban spaces such as rooftops, balconies, or community gardens to promote local food production, boost public health, and lower carbon emissions. 

Meal planning involves the strategic preparation and organization of meals to save money, improve health, and reduce food waste.

Composting involves the natural decomposition of organic matter, such as plant debris and food scraps, into a valuable fertilizer and soil amendment, contributing to soil health, improved water retention, and carbon sequestration. 

Sustainable fiber and pulp is the responsible procurement of natural fibers, like linen, wool, hemp, and jute, from environmentally sustainable and ethically managed sources that support soil health, waterways, and biodiversity and enhance carbon sequestration.

Green textiles refer to textiles produced through eco-friendly fiber processing and dyeing methods, emphasizing reduced energy consumption and the avoidance of chemicals harmful to human and ecological health.

Recycle and Reuse refers to the adoption of sustainable fashion practices, including the concept of "slow fashion," which encourages the use, repair, and repurposing of second-hand apparel, along with the recycling and upcycling of fibers for additional purposes, all aimed at mitigating the environmental impact of the prevailing culture of "fast fashion."

Gender equity is the inclusion and empowerment of women and girls in any climate solution pathway.

The fair and equal distribution of resources and opportunities within a society, and it is a crucial component of finding solutions to the climate crisis.

Empowering the next generation of leaders with the knowledge and skills to solve the climate crisis.

Sustainable livelihoods highlight the importance of ensuring the transition to a green economy is just and inclusive. It underscores that environmental sustainability and economic prosperity are not mutually exclusive.

Climate change poses significant threats to public health around the world. Rising temperatures, extreme weather events, poor air quality, and other impacts of climate change directly harm human health.

The capacity of upstream sources, underground aquifers, desalination, and other technologies to ensure sufficient freshwater for agriculture and human uses.

Biodiversity, or biological diversity, is the variability of living things that makes up life on Earth—from plants and animals to fungi and bacteria— and the ecosystems that house them.

Guided by the science of a 1.5°C pathway, philanthro-activism directs the resources of philanthropy to the activism of communities doing the work on the front lines of climate change.

The mobilization of both governmental and private sector financial resources to fund and rapidly scale nature and climate solutions. Examples include government grants, private investments, and public-private partnerships. 

Implementing effective policies, laws, and regulations that promote sustainable practices, reduce carbon emissions, and protect nature, as well as the effective governance necessary to ensure compliance at local, national, and international levels. Examples range from regional urban planning to national carbon pricing to international agreements like the Paris Climate Accord, Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), and High Seas Treaty. 

The scientific research and technological innovation developed to provide decision-makers at all levels with the tools and knowledge they need to prioritize implementing the best climate solutions. Examples include the development of science-based roadmaps like the One Earth Climate Model and the Global Safety Net and digital tools like Trailguard.  

Increasing access to justice and the rule of law for marginalized individuals and communities. It can enable local communities to secure rights to their land, bring lawsuits against governments or private companies for harmful environmental practices, participate in decision-making processes, and access mechanisms for climate justice.

Collective efforts taken by groups of individuals at a local level to implement systemic change. Grassroots initiatives can include community efforts to protect and restore nature, reduce carbon emissions, implement local adaptation measures, and foster environmental stewardship.

Educating individuals and communities about readily available climate solutions and expanding the general understanding of what constitutes a climate solution. This strategy is crucial for fostering informed decision-making and behavior change at multiple levels in order to affect systemic change.