UN Photo/Loey Felipe
The recognition of nature as a vital pillar of climate action, economic resilience, livelihoods, and planetary health is no accident. It is the result of the leadership of individuals who step forward with courage, clarity, and a deep belief in the power of collective action. Sir David Nabarro was one of those voices.
Sir David, a distinguished British physician, international diplomat, and systems thinker, passed away this weekend at the age of 75. While best known for his leadership in global health crises—from Ebola to COVID-19—he also played a transformative role in bringing nature-based solutions (NbS) to the heart of the international climate agenda.
In 2019, as the UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Nature-based Solutions, Sir David led the NbS track at the UN Climate Action Summit in New York. It was the first time nature was formally recognised as a priority area in global climate negotiations. Under his leadership, the Nature-Based Solutions Manifesto was launched, outlining a bold and practical vision for integrating nature into climate, development, and economic strategies.
At Nature4Climate, we had the privilege of working alongside Sir David to deliver this milestone. We supported the development of the manifesto and co-created the Nature’s Climate Hub, a platform that convened over 100 events around the summit. It was a defining moment for the NbS movement that helped shift nature to the centre of climate ambition.
Sir David brought a rare combination of strategic insight and human connection to everything he did. He was a champion of systems thinking, a builder of coalitions, and a relentless advocate for practical, inclusive solutions. His leadership helped shape the global understanding that climate, health, and nature are inseparably linked.
We are inspired by his example and remain committed to carrying forward the work he helped catalyse. The momentum behind nature-based solutions is stronger today because of the foundations he helped build—and it will continue to grow through the collective efforts of those he brought together.
Sir David Nabarro with the N4C team at the Nature Climate Hub in 2019