Ecosystems: Increasing Resilience

A healthy economy depends on a healthy ecology.

By 2050, our planet will need to support roughly nine billion people. If we’re smart, we can supply enough food, water and shelter—and restore ecosystems.

How? By creating economic demand for farming, ranching, and water management programs that increase the resilience of natural systems.

Our ecosystems initiatives

• 

  Sustainable agriculture »

  Why: Prevailing farming strategies are not efficient or adaptable enough to keep up with demand, especially with climate change underway.

  How: We’re launching solutions that help retailers and food companies avoid the business risks of unsustainable farming practices.

• 

  Wildlife protection »

  Why: Our current system of listing federal endangered species isn’t working, and often places a heavy burden on landowners.

  How: We’re establishing a new system known as habitat exchanges, which better balances wildlife protection and economic growth.
• 

  Coastal resilience »

  Why: Climate change and sea level rise put coastal cities, like New Orleans, at risk from rising seas and increased storms.

  How: We’re working with engineers, policymakers and communities on restoration projects like marsh creation, to protect both nature and people.

• 

  Rebalance water use »

  Why: Over-allocation of water in the West means rivers that serve as major watersheds are drying up, and groundwater reserves are dwindling.

  How: We’re working with farmers, cities and policymakers to ensure water markets deliver benefits for wildlife and the economy.