Investing in Minnesota’s forests, grasslands, wetlands and farms is immensely popular and would provide a huge economic return, according to new data recently released by The Nature Conservancy.
In a survey conducted by the bipartisan research team of New Bridge Strategy (R) and FM3 Research (D) and funded by The Nature Conservancy, three-quarters of Minnesota voters surveyed support state lawmakers investing $200 million in conservation, restoration and improved land management actions that also increase carbon storage or avoid greenhouse gas emissions. Support is widely shared across rural, suburban and urban areas as well as across party lines. In addition, the survey found that almost 80% of voters believe Minnesota can have a clean environment and a strong economy.
A new study completed by Earth Economics for The Nature Conservancy on the economic impact of natural climate solutions provides validation for this view. Fully implemented, natural climate solutions would provide Minnesota with $37 billion in ecosystem services per year, 5,200 jobs and $148 million in annual wages. Natural climate solutions also provide an excellent return on investment. For every $1 invested in natural climate solutions, Minnesota would receive $8.55, the study found. That is because natural climate solutions are, on average, half as expensive as built infrastructure, yet they provide more value due to the additional benefits they produce.
Check out this recording of the March "Adaptation in Action" MCAP webinar where report author, Erin Mackey, and TNC representatives Meredith Cornett and Sachiko Graber share highlights from the report and answer audience follow-up questions.
