The European Green Deal is a response to these challenges aiming to transform Europe to the first climate neutral continent by 2050. It also aims to protect, conserve and enhance the EU's natural capital, and protect the health and well-being of citizens from environment-related risks and impacts.
Increasing scientific evidence shows the interrelationship between the climate and biodiversity crisis. A long term and integrated approach is required to create a resilient and climate and nature positive future. Additional to rapid reduction of carbon emissions, large scale implementation of nature-based solutions has large potential to create a climate and nature positive future. In this Mansholt lecture we highlight the importance and potential of a nature-based approach for the health and wellbeing of future generation European citizens.