Understanding trade-offs in nature-based solutions for climate change adaptation

Evidence of negative outcomes of Nature-based Solutions (NbS) for climate change adaptation initiatives is increasing. This occurs because these initiatives involve both decisions and processes between addressing multiple pressures and objectives that are called trade-offs. However, the identification of trade-offs remains difficult and the reasons why they occurred elusive. This review constructs an analytical framework for trade-off identification based on a qualitative exploratory review of the literature, which finds four main types of trade-offs with practical NbS examples in climate change adaptation. It also identifies three broad reasons for the trade-offs: transitional risks and uncertainties; lack of plural valuation in the landscape; and use of inappropriate indicators. The results are also understand trade-offs as an umbrella concept for concepts such as maladaptation, externalities, and ecosystem disservices. It also recognizes the importance of seeing trade-offs in decision-making and causality effects. While the framework provides a way to identify them, two countries are provided as case studies to determine if the trade-offs found in their NbS are intentional/unintentional or whether they can be reversible. The findings help us navigate the politics of prioritization in decision-making and imagine ways to negotiate trade-offs equitably.