More Than Half of Cities Turning to Nature to Tackle Climate Impacts
More than half of local governments now use nature-based climate measures
Nature-based solutions have moved into the mainstream of climate policy. According to CDP, 55% of subnational governments disclosed at least one such measure in 2025. The findings suggest that local and regional authorities are treating ecosystem restoration, green infrastructure and afforestation as core resilience tools rather than optional extras.
CDP released the data on 20 August 2026. The analysis covers 1,005 cities, states and regions across 80 countries on every continent. Together, these jurisdictions represent 1.32 billion people. The shift reflects a broader change in how governments approach adaptation.
For UK businesses, this matters because public procurement increasingly values nature-positive credentials. Suppliers to local authorities may face new expectations around biodiversity, carbon sequestration and ecosystem services. Understanding how these solutions work can help firms position themselves for contracts that combine climate resilience with natural capital.
What CDP's Nature for People and Places report shows
The report, titled Nature for People and Places, draws on disclosures made in 2025. It shows that 70% of subnational governments with climate-adaptation goals now prioritize nature-based solutions. This marks a significant shift from treating such measures as niche projects to embedding them in resilience planning.
The most common actions were ecological restoration, green infrastructure investment and afforestation or reforestation. Furthermore, 53% of states and regions reported using landscape and jurisdictional approaches. This indicates planning at ecosystem scale rather than site-by-site intervention.
CDP's disclosure platform tracks how local and regional governments assess risk, plan adaptation and seek finance. The Adaptation and Action Explorer combines disclosure data with climate and nature hazard information. This provides a detailed picture of where action is concentrated and where gaps remain.
Earlier CDP reporting showed that 70% of jurisdictions had a climate action plan or strategy. Additionally, 67% were already carrying out adaptation actions. The new data confirms that nature-based solutions are now a standard component of those plans rather than an add-on.
Finance gaps remain substantial despite growing adoption
Local governments report needing US$34 billion for adaptation projects overall. Specifically, they require US$3 billion for nature-related initiatives. However, available funding falls far short of these figures. This gap will likely determine how quickly projects move from planning to delivery.
The financing shortfall affects lower-capacity jurisdictions most acutely. Consequently, implementation rates vary widely across regions. Without better access to capital, many planned interventions may stall. This creates risks for suppliers hoping to participate in green infrastructure contracts.
Moreover, the scale of investment needed reflects the complexity of the challenge. Nature-based solutions often require long lead times, land acquisition and ongoing management. They also demand coordination across multiple agencies and stakeholders. Therefore, securing funding is only the first step.
Nevertheless, the business case for these projects is strengthening. Governments increasingly recognize that nature-based measures deliver multiple benefits at once. These include flood reduction, heat mitigation, biodiversity protection and public-health gains. As a result, they offer better value than single-purpose infrastructure in many contexts.
Why UK businesses should pay attention to this trend
Public sector procurement in the UK is evolving rapidly. Carbon reduction commitments now shape tender criteria across central and local government. Nature-based solutions align closely with these priorities. Firms that understand ecosystem services and biodiversity net gain will have a competitive edge.
For example, construction companies working on drainage projects may need to integrate sustainable urban drainage systems. Landscape contractors might be asked to deliver tree planting schemes that sequester carbon and reduce urban heat. Consultancies could advise on habitat creation or green corridor planning. Each of these areas requires specific knowledge and capability.
In addition, supply chain due diligence is tightening. Buyers want evidence of environmental performance throughout the value chain. Companies that can demonstrate nature-positive practices or offsetting through verified projects will meet emerging standards more easily. This applies to manufacturers, service providers and intermediaries alike.
Furthermore, the UK government's own environmental targets reinforce this direction. The Environment Act 2021 introduced mandatory biodiversity net gain for most new development. Local planning authorities must ensure that habitat value increases by at least 10%. This creates demand for ecological expertise and nature-based infrastructure.
Businesses that engage early with these requirements can shape their offerings accordingly. Whether through nature-positive investments or updated product specifications, there are clear opportunities. Those who wait risk being caught unprepared when procurement standards shift further.
How ecosystem-scale planning changes project delivery
The CDP data shows that 53% of states and regions now use landscape and jurisdictional approaches. This represents a move away from isolated interventions toward coordinated planning across larger areas. For contractors and consultants, this changes how projects are scoped and delivered.
Ecosystem-scale planning requires collaboration between multiple agencies and stakeholders. Projects may span several local authority boundaries or involve partnerships with environmental organizations. Consequently, procurement processes become more complex. Firms need to demonstrate capability in partnership working and long-term stewardship.
Moreover, performance measurement shifts toward broader outcomes. Instead of focusing solely on tonnes of CO2 avoided or cubic metres of flood storage, buyers want evidence of biodiversity improvement, ecosystem resilience and community co-benefits. This demands more sophisticated monitoring and reporting frameworks.
Similarly, contract terms may extend over decades rather than years. Nature-based solutions often take time to establish and require ongoing management. Therefore, businesses must be prepared for longer-term commitments and different risk profiles. This favors firms with strong balance sheets and established track records.
Key facts from the CDP disclosure data
- 55% of cities, states and regions reported at least one nature-based solution in 2025.
- 70% of subnational governments with adaptation goals now prioritize nature-based solutions.
- The analysis covered 1,005 jurisdictions across 80 countries representing 1.32 billion people.
- 53% of states and regions reported using landscape and jurisdictional approaches.
- Local governments identified a need for US$34 billion in adaptation funding and US$3 billion for nature-related projects.
- The most common actions were ecological restoration, green infrastructure and afforestation or reforestation.
Practical considerations for firms working with public sector clients
Companies that supply local authorities or participate in public contracts should review their capabilities against emerging requirements. Nature-based solutions are no longer optional extras in climate adaptation. They are core to resilience planning. As a result, procurement criteria will increasingly reflect this priority.
First, consider whether your current offering aligns with ecosystem-based approaches. Can you deliver projects that integrate natural and built infrastructure? Do you have expertise in habitat creation, soil management or water-sensitive design? If not, identify gaps and plan how to fill them. This might involve hiring specialists, forming partnerships or investing in training through resources such as SBS Academy.
Second, prepare for more rigorous environmental reporting. Public sector buyers want evidence of outcomes, not just inputs. You may need to track biodiversity metrics, carbon sequestration rates or ecosystem service valuations. Therefore, invest in systems that capture and report this data reliably. This will become a differentiator as standards tighten.
Third, understand the policy context in which your clients operate. Local authorities face pressure from national government, voters and regulators to deliver climate and nature goals. They are looking for suppliers who understand these constraints and can help navigate them. Demonstrating this awareness in bids and client conversations builds trust and credibility.
Finally, recognize that finance remains a constraint. Many jurisdictions want to do more but lack the budget. Firms that can offer flexible payment structures, help access grant funding or demonstrate clear cost-benefit ratios will be more attractive partners. This requires commercial creativity as well as technical capability.
For businesses seeking to align with these trends, net-zero support and sustainable procurement guidance can provide a foundation. Understanding how nature-based solutions fit within broader climate strategies makes it easier to position services effectively.
Where to find detailed guidance and data
CDP's Nature for People and Places report provides comprehensive analysis of the 2025 disclosure data. It includes breakdowns by region, sector and action type. This is a useful resource for understanding where investment is concentrated and which approaches are most widely adopted.
The CDP Adaptation and Action Explorer combines disclosure data with climate and nature hazard information. It allows users to explore specific jurisdictions and compare their strategies. This can help businesses identify potential clients or partners in regions with active nature-based programs.
For UK-specific context, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero publishes guidance on climate adaptation and resilience planning. Local authorities often reference this material when developing procurement criteria. Understanding the policy framework helps firms anticipate buyer requirements.
Finally, the UK government's biodiversity net gain guidance sets out the legal requirements that apply to most new development. This includes calculation methods, reporting standards and habitat management expectations. Businesses involved in construction, infrastructure or land management should be familiar with these rules.