Capstone projects focused on developing and implementing nature-based solutions have tremendous potential to help address the climate crisis by removing greenhouse gases from the atmosphere and minimizing future emissions. Nature-based solutions, also known as natural climate solutions, harness the power of natural ecosystems like forests, wetlands, grasslands and agricultural lands to combat and adapt to climate change in sustainable ways. When incorporated into capstone projects, they can provide hands-on learning opportunities for students to directly engage in climate action while researching, designing and establishing projects that deliver real climate benefits.

Some key ways that capstone projects centered on nature-based solutions can contribute to greenhouse gas removal and mitigation include:

Reforestation and afforestation – Planting new trees through reforestation of degraded lands or afforestation on lands that historically have not been forested can sequester significant amounts of carbon from the atmosphere as the trees grow. Capstone teams could research the most suitable locations, tree varieties and planting/maintenance techniques before implementing reforestation initiatives to maximize carbon uptake over many decades or centuries. Just one reforestation project capturing 1,000 tons of carbon would be equivalent to removing over 200 cars from the road for a year.

Soil carbon sequestration – Managing lands to increase their soil organic carbon content, such as through reduced tillage practices, cover cropping, mulching, compost application and other regenerative agricultural techniques, can trap carbon in the soil. Capstone projects could test varying soil management strategies on different plots of land to track improvements in soil carbon storage over time through measurements. Even minor increases in soil carbon on a large scale could offset substantial emissions annually.

Restoration of coastal habitats – Wetlands, seagrasses and mangroves are among the most carbon-rich ecosystems on Earth, storing massive amounts of “blue carbon” in their soils and biomass. Capstone teams could launch pilot restoration efforts by planting native species to revive degraded coastal habitats, then monitor the regeneration of carbon stocks and accretion of new carbon sediments over months and years. Projects on just several hectares could sequester the same amount of carbon as removing thousands of gas-powered cars.

Improved grassland management – Well-managed grazing lands and pastures can act as significant carbon sinks. Through rotational/mobility grazing practices and interplanting legumes, capstone groups might demonstrate increased above- and below-ground biomass production and carbon storage compared to traditional overgrazing. This promotes carbon drawdown and livestock productivity with fewer emissions from less fertilizer use.

Renewable energy and electrification – By implementing small-scale renewable energy projects like solar panel installations or upgrades to electric appliances, capstone work can directly curb greenhouse gas emissions associated with fossil fuel use. The energy produced displaces more polluting sources while creating educational exhibits to share knowledge on sustainable solutions.

Monitoring and verification – To track progress and ensure projects maintain intended benefits over the long run, capstone teams could establish baseline carbon measurements before proposed activities and design ongoing audit plans. They might then periodically reassess carbon stocks to verify storage levels align with prior projections. Monitoring delivers accountability while revealing ways to continuously strengthen climate impacts.

Hands-on learning through well-crafted capstone projects applying validated nature-based approaches offers a meaningful route for students to gain practical skills in greenhouse gas accounting, project planning and hands-on conservation delivery. When pursued at sufficient scale, nature-based solutions could provide over one-third of the climate mitigation needed by 2030 according to scientific analyses. Capstone work in this area not only equips future climate leaders, but makes strides towards stabilizing the Earth’s climate itself.