Restoring Nature: A Vital Step to Secure Our Planet’s Future

In the face of escalating climate change and environmental degradation, the urgent call to restore nature has never been more critical. Research studies highlight the irreplaceable role of nature in maintaining a habitable planet for future generations. Let's delve into key insights from recent scientific papers advocating for the restoration and protection of our natural ecosystems.

1. Irreversible loss in marine ecosystem habitability after a temperature overshoot

Published in *Nature*, this study examines the consequences of temperature overshoot on marine ecosystem habitability and the role of Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) technologies. It cautions against irreversible damage to marine ecosystems beyond global warming limits, emphasizing the need for realistic overshoot scenarios to evaluate CDR effectiveness in combating climate change's impact on ocean health.

2. Securing Nature’s Contributions to People requires at least 20%–25% (semi-)natural habitat in human-modified landscapes

A study in *One Earth* stresses the minimum natural habitat required in human-altered landscapes to sustain essential benefits for human well-being. The research underscores the vital role of natural habitats in providing crucial services like pollination, soil stability, and clean water. It reveals that a significant portion of human-modified landscapes fall short of meeting the necessary natural habitat threshold, highlighting the urgency for conservation efforts beyond traditional natural areas.

3. Nature protection must precede restoration

Emphasized in a *Science* publication, the importance of prioritizing nature protection over restoration efforts is underscored. The paper argues for safeguarding existing natural habitats to preserve biodiversity and ecosystem services effectively. It advocates for addressing root causes of biodiversity decline, such as habitat destruction and climate change, before embarking on large-scale restoration projects.

4. Achieving a nature- and people-positive future

A research article in *ScienceDirect* identifies key actions to counter accelerating biodiversity decline. The paper underscores the need to scale up efforts beyond biodiversity restoration to target drivers of decline, promote well-being, reduce over-consumption, and uphold community rights. It emphasizes the necessity of a holistic approach to ensure a sustainable future for both nature and people.

5. Safe and just Earth system boundaries

In a **Nature** publication, the concept of "safe and just Earth system boundaries" is explored in the context of the Anthropocene epoch's significant human impact. The paper outlines boundary proposals for climate, biosphere, freshwater, and air pollution to protect Earth's stability and resilience while supporting life. It stresses the importance of considering global and subglobal scales in defining boundaries to safeguard Earth system health and human well-being.

In conclusion, the collective message from these studies is clear: restoring and protecting nature is paramount to ensuring a livable planet for future generations. By heeding these insights and taking decisive action, we can pave the way for a sustainable and harmonious coexistence with our natural world.