Protecting and restoring ecosystems would sequester carbon while also providing a broad range of co-benefits

Minnesota is one of the fastest warming states in the nation. Natural Climate Solutions (NCS)—protecting wild lands from development, restoring natural ecosystems, and farming practices to improve soil health—will ensure that Minnesota’s environment continues to support people, the economy, and nature through a changing climate. The Nature Conservancy estimates NCS in Minnesota have the potential to remove 26 million metric tons per year—equivalent to taking seven coal plants offline. Even at just 25-percent implementation, NCS could earn $97 million annual revenue in carbon credit markets. But investing in NCS would provide Minnesota residents additional benefits, such as cleaner air, wildlife habitat, recreational opportunities, and jobs.

Earth Economics partnered with The Nature Conservancy to estimate the value of these co-benefits—known as ecosystem services—throughout the state. The benefits are substantial—up to $37 billion per year, including nearly $4 billion in water quality and supply and $300 million in flood mitigation. An estimated $425 million in benefits would result from NCS implemented in environmental justice areas, where majority of residents identify as people of color and at least 40 percent experience poverty (<$22,000 annual income).

Photo Credit: Dudley Edmondson

Our findings also demonstrate that NCS are a sound investment for Minnesota’s economy, with every dollar invested supporting over $8 in economic activity. That ripple effect would support over 5,000 jobs with up to $148 million in wages going into workers’ pockets every year through 2050. Improving soil health on farmlands through cover cropping and conservation tillage could provide up to $278 million in net income for farmers by lowering costs and increasing yields. NCS spending would also support up to $220 million of Minnesota’s annual GDP.

The One Minnesota budget, proposed during the 2023 legislative session includes investments to “restore more than 6,000 acres of grasslands and wetlands on existing public lands, ensure native tree seed is available to support reforestation efforts across the state, and fund the Habitat Enhancement Landscape Program which provides financial and technical assistance to establish or enhance areas of diverse native vegetation to support declining populations of wildlife species essential for ecosystems and food production.” A survey by New Bridge Strategy and FM3 Research (funded by The Nature Conservancy) found that 75 percent of Minnesota voters support investing $200 million in NCS, with support shared across party lines and rural, suburban, and urban areas.

Natural Climate Solutions would benefit all Minnesotans by supporting a cleaner, healthier environment and strong economy, all while meeting carbon emissions goals.

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Visit tnc.org/mnclimate to learn more about The Nature Conservancy’s work on implementing Natural Climate Solutions in Minnesota.