Skip to main content
WCS
Menu
Library
Library Catalog
eJournals & eBooks
WCS Research
Archives
Research Use
Finding Aids
Digital Collections
WCS History
WCS Research
Research Publications
Science Data
Services for WCS Researchers
Archives Shop
Bronx Zoo
Department of Tropical Research
Browse By Product
About Us
FAQs
Intern or Volunteer
Staff
Donate
Search WCS.org
Search
search
Popular Search Terms
WCS History
Library and Archives
Library and Archives Menu
Library
Archives
WCS Research
Archives Shop
About Us
Donate
en
fr
Title
Priorities for embedding ecological integrity in climate adaptation policy and practice
Author(s)
Elsen, Paul R.;Oakes, Lauren E.;Cross, Molly S.;DeGemmis, Alfred;Watson, James E.M.;Cooke, Hilary A.;Darling, Emily S.;Jones, Kendall R.;Kretser, Heidi E.;Mendez, Martin;Surya, Gautam;Tully, Elizabeth;Grantham, Hedley S.
Published
2023
Publisher
One Earth
Published Version DOI
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oneear.2023.05.014
Abstract
Humanity must adapt rapidly to climate change as the impacts accelerate. Growing scientific evidence underscores the role of ecological integrity in improving adaptation outcomes for nature and people by providing climate refugia for biodiversity, buffering natural hazards, protecting freshwater resources, and benefiting human health. However, climate adaptation initiatives have largely neglected to prioritize ecological integrity, even though it is critical for effective adaptation and achieving global conservation goals. Here, we highlight how climate and biodiversity policy and practice can help manage ecosystems for ecological integrity and ecological and social adaptation outcomes. We discuss challenges associated with operationalizing ecological integrity in adaptation policy and practice and describe seven priorities for scientists, policymakers, and practitioners to improve adaptation outcomes through supporting the retention of high-integrity ecosystems and the restoration of low-integrity ecosystems. Finally, we show how linking these priorities to UN frameworks on climate, biodiversity, and sustainable development would help attain the best outcomes for people and nature in a changing climate.
Access Full Text
A full-text copy of this article may be available. Please email the
WCS Library
to request.
Back
PUB36048