This Unbelievable Solution to Climate Change Hides in Nature—Are You Ignoring It?

ZAGREB, Croatia — Aljoša Duplić, Director of the Institute for Environment and Nature Protection at Croatia's Environmental Protection Ministry, emphasized the critical role nature plays in addressing climate change during a briefing on the outcomes of the COP30 climate conference held in Brazil. According to Duplić, while fossil fuel emissions are often the primary focus in discussions about climate change, up to 15% of global emissions stem from permanent land-use changes, particularly due to deforestation.

In the context of Croatia, Duplić pointed out that natural vegetation would predominantly consist of forests. Without human intervention, an estimated 98% of the country would be forested, with open areas only resulting from natural disturbances such as storms, fires, or floods. This statistic underscores the importance of maintaining healthy ecosystems, as degraded environments exacerbate the impacts of climate change.

Duplić addressed the pressing issue of biodiversity, asserting that climate change is one of the five major pressures on biodiversity, and, alarmingly, it has been the least monitored. He highlighted that climate change is increasingly becoming a significant threat to various species, particularly those that rely on marine and freshwater ecosystems. It acts as a multiplier that accelerates the degradation of these ecosystems.

One of Duplić’s key concerns is the impact of heatwaves on marine and inland waters, which affects water quality across the region. He cautioned against complacency regarding Croatia's perceived water abundance, emphasizing that much of it relies on inflows from neighboring countries. For instance, he cited the potential impact of large hydropower projects in Bosnia and Herzegovina on the Neretva River, which could lead to substantial water losses. This, in turn, threatens one of Croatia’s vital agricultural areas by increasing salinization risks.

To combat these challenges, Duplić advocated for adaptation and innovation across all sectors, arguing that a shift away from traditional methods is crucial for a successful green transition. He mentioned the adoption of nature-based solutions for flood protection, such as giving rivers more space and utilizing uninhabited areas for water retention. This approach is already being implemented in parts of Croatia, including around Zagreb. However, Duplić also warned about the negative consequences of the canalization of the Sava River, which is leading to significant riverbed erosion and deepening. In some areas of Zagreb, the riverbed has dropped to depths of four to five meters below previous levels, compromising the city’s aquifer.

“The green transition is a horizontal process that necessitates all sectors to engage with nature-based solutions to enhance societal resilience to climate change,” Duplić stated. He noted the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Green Transition’s commitment to fostering dialogue with various stakeholders, including scientists, businesses, and civil society, to address these pressing issues.

Journalist Ivan Hlupić remarked on the media's efforts to increase awareness about climate change at the local level. He pointed out, however, that the public tends to respond more actively during crises rather than preventive measures. Meteorologist and climate policy expert Dunja Mazzocco Drvar echoed this sentiment, explaining that the long-held perception of climate change as a gradual phenomenon has contributed to public apathy. “For too long, climate change has been communicated as something slow-moving and distant, but it is already impacting us right here and now,” she asserted.

This crucial dialogue around climate change and its effects on biodiversity, water resources, and ecological health is not only significant for Croatia but resonates globally. As countries grapple with the complex realities of climate impacts, the need for comprehensive solutions that integrate environmental health and resilience becomes ever more urgent.