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Nature-Based Climate Solutions and Green Infrastructure

Secondary, Middle

Description

This video introduces nature-based climate solutions and green infrastructure as practical ways for communities to adapt to climate change while improving the health and livability of their environments. Nature-based climate solutions are strategies that work with nature to combat and adapt to climate change. These solutions rely on conserving and restoring natural ecosystems and incorporating green infrastructure into urban and rural planning. They not only help reduce greenhouse gases and improve resilience to climate impacts, such as floods and heat, but also provide additional benefits to communities, including cleaner air, healthier habitats, and more recreational green space.

Natural systems provide essential services such as flood control, water purification, carbon storage, and habitat for wildlife. The video highlights three key examples:

  1. Wetland restoration – Restoring wetlands strengthens natural infrastructure. Wetlands help control floods, purify water, store carbon, and provide habitat for species at risk.
  2. Rain gardens in parks – Adding rain gardens and naturalized spaces to parks helps remove pollutants from water, reduce stormwater runoff, prevent flooding, and protect native species from erosion.
  3. Eelgrass conservation in harbours – Conserving eelgrass improves water quality by filtering pollutants, reduces coastal erosion by acting as a natural buffer, and provides habitat for marine wildlife.

By combining environmental effectiveness with social and cultural benefits, nature-based climate solutions and green infrastructure help create healthier, more resilient, and connected communities.

General Assessment

Recommendation of how and where to use it

This video supports learning outcomes for grades eight to twelve in science, social studies, and environmental science. It is an excellent tool for starting a discussion on green infrastructure and the natural systems found in students’ communities. The video can also be used to introduce an inquiry-based learning project by having students investigate local climate solutions such as wetlands, parks, or waterways. Students can create posters or presentations for the community, connecting natural features to climate solutions. To further enhance learning, students can propose a nature-based improvement project for their school or neighbourhood.

Relevant Curriculum Units

The following tool will allow you to explore the relevant curriculum matches for this resource. To start, select a province listed below.

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  • Alberta
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    • Grade 8
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Freshwater and Saltwater Systems
    • Grade 9
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      • Environmental Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Environment and Outdoor Education: Environmental Investigations
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Biological Diversity
        • Knowledge and Employability Science: Biological Diversity (Social and Environmental Contexts Emphasis)
  • British Columbia
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    • Grade 11
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      • Environmental Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Environmental Science 11: Human practices affect the sustainability of ecosystems
        • Environmental Science 11:Humans can play a role in stewardship and restoration of ecosystems
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science for Citizenship 11: Scientific understanding enables humans to respond and adapt to changes locally and globally
    • Grade 12
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Environmental Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Environmental Science 12: Human activities cause changes in the global climate system
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Specialized Science 12: Climate change impacts biodiversity and ecosystem health
  • Manitoba
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    • Grade 8
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      • Science
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        • Water Systems on Earth
    • Grade 10
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      • Science
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        • Life Systems
    • Grade 11
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Current Topics in the Sciences 30S: Science, Technology, Society & the Environment
  • New Brunswick
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    • Grade 9
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science 9 Ecosystem Dynamics: Learning and Living Sustainably
    • Grade 12
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      • Environmental Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Introduction to Environmental Science 120: An Overview of Environmental Science
        • Introduction to Environmental Science 120: Investigating Environmental Issues
  • Newfoundland & Labrador
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    • Grade 8
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Water Systems on Earth's Surface
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science 1206: Sustainability of Ecosystems
    • Grade 11
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science 2200: Ecosytems
  • Northwest Territories
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    • Grade 11
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      • Environmental Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Environmental Science 11: Human practices affect the sustainability of ecosystems
        • Environmental Science 11:Humans can play a role in stewardship and restoration of ecosystems
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science for Citizenship 11: Scientific understanding enables humans to respond and adapt to changes locally and globally
    • Grade 12
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Environmental Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Environmental Science 12: Human activities cause changes in the global climate system
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Specialized Science 12: Climate change impacts biodiversity and ecosystem health
  • Nova Scotia
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    • Grade 8
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science 8: Climate Change
    • Grade 9
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      • Social Studies
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        • Citizenship 9: Engaged Citizenship
    • Grade 10
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science 10: Sustainability of Ecosystems
    • Grade 12
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      • Environmental Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • AP Environmental Science: The Living World: Biodiversity
  • Nunavut
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    • Grade 8
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Freshwater and Saltwater Systems
    • Grade 9
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Biological Diversity
        • Knowledge and Employability Science: Biological Diversity (Social and Environmental Contexts Emphasis)
  • Ontario
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    • Grade 8
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      • Science & Technology
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        • Earth and Space Systems: Water Systems
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        • :Biology: Sustainable Ecosystems
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      • Civic Studies
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        • Civics and Citizenship (Open): Civic Engagement and Action
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        • Science (Academic):Earth and Space Science: Climate Change
    • Grade 11
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      • Environmental Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Environmental Science (Univ/College Prep.) Scientific Solutions to Contemporary Environmental Challenges
  • Prince Edward Island
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    • Grade 8
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Water Systems on Earth
    • Grade 10
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science 431A: Life Science, Sustainability of Ecosystems
    • Grade 12
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Agriscience 801A: Green Spacing
  • Quebec
  • Saskatchewan
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    • Grade 8
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science 8: Water Systems on Earth
    • Grade 10
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science 10: Climate and Ecosystem Dynamics
  • Yukon Territory
    • Step 2Select a grade level
    • Grade 11
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Environmental Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Environmental Science 11: Human practices affect the sustainability of ecosystems
        • Environmental Science 11:Humans can play a role in stewardship and restoration of ecosystems
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science for Citizenship 11: Scientific understanding enables humans to respond and adapt to changes locally and globally
    • Grade 12
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Environmental Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Environmental Science 12: Human activities cause changes in the global climate system
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Specialized Science 12: Climate change impacts biodiversity and ecosystem health

Themes Addressed

Air, Atmosphere & Climate (1)

  • Climate Change

Ecosystems (2)

  • Appreciating the Natural World
  • Biodiversity

Land Use & Natural Resources (2)

  • Habitat Restoration
  • Sustainable Urbanization

Water (2)

  • Water Quality
  • Watershed Protection

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