Hi-Tech Nature: Nature-based solutions | Jim van Belzen | TEDxDenHelder

Nature is currently our best technology to reach global goals for removing greenhouse gasses from the atmosphere. Yet, we tend to turn to pilot-phased or to-be-developed technology. It is a shame we don't think of harnessing nature first to help us out of trouble. Jim van Belzen is a researcher at the Netherlands Institute for Sea Research (NIOZ). As an ecologist and modeler in the Estuarine and Delta Systems department. Here, he is trying to gain a deeper understanding of the dynamics and resilience of complex coastal ecosystems. He is fascinated by how interactions between plants and animals, seawater and sediment determine the self-organization, stability and adaptability of coastal ecosystems.

His ambition is to use these insights to develop sustainable ecosystem-based solutions as hi-tech to mitigate climate change and cope with the consequences like sea level rise. He urges us to protect coasts without towering dikes or dams and costs as the result of conventional engineering. But, switch to emergent engineering by bringing back natural processes, multiple regulating functions and biodiversity. The added value that restoring coastal marshes provides. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx