Nature-Based Solutions to Climate Change For The WMR

Ian J. Dyck and Sabrina Kratsberg

An infographic discussing nature-based solutions for the WMR with a map, pie chart, and explanatory text.
Infographic on Manitoba grasslands: history, challenges, statistics, and conservation strategies.
Infographic on forests and parks highlighting carbon sequestration benefits, SWOT analysis, recommendations for urban tree planting, a map of WMR, and best practices examples.
Informational display about wetlands, featuring text, a map, and images discussing wetland importance, challenges, and best practices.
Infographic about waterways, featuring text, a SWOT analysis, a map, and best practice case studies.
Infographic on "Reconciliation & Collaborative Governance" with map, text, and photographs of best practices.

This report was prepared for the Regional Planning Studio in the Master’s in City Planning (MCP) program at the University of Manitoba. The focus of the report is on recommendations for nature-based solutions to climate change for the development of the Winnipeg Metropolitan Region’s (2022)Climate Action Plan, which aims to “align efforts regionally to reduce greenhouse gas emission, enhance energy efficiency, and support adaption” (p. 96).

Thinking regionally requires a zoomed-out approach to our land, water, and other natural resources. As such, these recommendations are based on local actions that are ready to be scaled across the region’s urban, suburban, and rural contexts. Recommendations are categorized by our natural assets of Grasslands, Forests & Parks, Waterways, and Wetlands, along with Policy Areas of Collaborative Governance and Reconciliation. These recommendations are not exhaustive of the potential of natural climate solutions for the region but highlight key actions that are viable and have high-impact potential for municipalities in the region. In the face of a global climate and ecological crisis, it is our hope that these recommended actions contribute to achieving a better future for present and future generations of the WMR.

As Plan20-50 states: “Bold action is needed to secure our future.”