Act Now, Manage Risk — Reframing the “Permanence Debate” for Natural Climate Solutions

In the race to net zero, the greatest risk is inaction—not that nature-based carbon may one day be lost, but that we fail to deploy this solution set while it still offers gigaton-scale climate benefits. Misguided framings of natural climate solutions as “too risky” or “not permanent” are distorting policy and investment decisions, sidelining immediate and scalable climate action.

This session will be divided into two sections:

Section 1: The Science Case

Leading scientists will present scientific insights that challenge outdated narratives about permanence and risk. This section will demonstrate how nature-based solutions, when properly managed, can deliver durable climate benefits over meaningful timescales, while highlighting how the biggest risk by far is inaction. 

Speakers: Bronson Griscom (Conservation International), Susan Cook-Patton (The Nature Conservancy)

Section 2: Risk Management in Practice

This section will highlight initiatives that are actively developing and implementing practical solutions to better manage and mitigate reversal risk, highlighting both existing tools as well as new ideas. Speakers will share examples of how tools such as buffer pools, issuance-based monitoring, permanence funds, and insurance are and can be applied in real-world settings, in a system that is continually improving. 

Speakers: Nate Truitt (American Forest Foundation), Mikela Waldman (ICVCM) and Rick Saines (Arden Climate) 

By spotlighting both the scientific foundation and the operational tools available, the session will show how reframing the debate can help unlock the full potential of nature-based solutions.

Format:

Moderated panel discussion with two segments (science + solutions), followed by audience Q&A.