Nature Conservancy touts conservation as best climate change solution

The Nature Conservancy of Canada believes there's a simple climate change solution in New Brunswick.

The director of carbon finance with the conservancy says the obvious way to fight climate change in New Brunswick is to set aside and conserve more natural ecosystems.

"As the province of New Brunswick considers various options for dealing with climate change, we think conservation of natural landscapes is a very critical dimension and important response," said Rob Wilson.

Wilson will make a presentation Thursday to the province's select committee on climate change in Fredericton.

Wilson says the obvious way to fight climate change in New Brunswick is to set aside and conserve more natural ecosystems.

"As the province of New Brunswick considers various options for dealing with climate change, we think conservation of natural landscapes is a very critical dimension and important response."

Green space is a natural defence against global warming since it absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and produces oxygen, he said.

"We're saying conserving carbon that's already stored in the existing landscape and not seeing that carbon released, is a very valid and positive response to climate change."

New Brunswick's main conservation efforts should be aimed at the province's forests, wetlands and coast lands, said Wilson.

Wilson also said the province will likely have to make some financial moves to deal with climate change by introducing a carbon tax, or some sort of carbon pricing system.

"The idea of conserving landscapes and maintaining carbon within those landscapes is something most people would be receptive to, balancing that off with the economy as well making sure that people are not disadvantaged."

Wilson may face some pushback on Thursday, but believes that conservation is one of the simplest ways to combat climate change.

"By connecting more and more areas and connecting a diverse landscape that's protected you allow yourself and species the ability to adapt to climate change."