I will be speaking at Nature in the Race to Zero on Earth Day, April 2022. Like all other speakers at the event, I have been asked to formulate a reply to the following question: “Decarbonizing our economies is a huge - and hugely important - challenge, deeply affecting all parts of our societies. What is the significance of mankind’s relationship with nature and the role of nature-based solutions in this transformation?” Here is my reply: Mankind has shared the planet with nature for millennia but with the arrival of large-scale industrialisation, that relationship moved to one of exploiting the planet's resources, most powerfully with the use of fossil fuels. The scale of the climate crisis requires this to be significantly recalibrated. The manner and scale with which this is done are key for the future of the planet. Humanity needs to change consumption patterns, reduce waste, shift energy output to more renewable sources and encompass that with greater respect for the world around us. Nature-Based Solutions will form an important part of that process. By using NBS, society will help protect the natural habitat and environment around us, and provide greater resilience. This is necessary for both a rural and critically also in an urban setting, given the population shift to cities and the level of emissions. Finance can play a key role in this process by creating innovative solutions such as Green Bonds, Blue Bonds, and KPI and SDG bonds related to NBS. Developing biodiversity credits to go alongside carbon credits would further support this process. Afforestation has a key role to play in decarbonization by providing the natural solution and most cost-effective way of carbon removal and storage. Trees also help improve air and water quality, stabilise soils, aid wildlife, and new plantings can help support the local community and economy. The desire and need for companies to offset carbon emissions provide the opportunity for very significant funding to support such projects. We must seize that opportunity. Register for the event: https://www.wedonthavetime.org/events/nature