Carbon Pulse: “Top scientist makes economic case for EU restoration as national plan deadline passes”

The article highlights the potential of the EU’s Nature Restoration Law (NRL), passed in 2024, to address the dual crises of biodiversity loss and climate change. While the regulation requires EU member states to restore at least 20% of degraded land and sea by 2030, over half of the countries missed the 1 September 2026 deadline to submit their draft Nature Restoration Plans (NRPs).

In the interview, Prof. Elmqvist emphasizes the NRL’s role as a tool for building resilience to climate change impacts, such as wildfires, floods, droughts and heatwaves. “This is potentially a very powerful tool for member states, but it is much more about building capacity to reduce future risks for society,” he says.

He urges EU member states to adopt a “preventative restoration” approach in their NRPs, focusing on managing landscapes to mitigate climate risks. For example, he suggests measures like prescribed burning, establishing firebreaks and restoring wetlands to increase water retention and reduce wildfire risks.

Our Environment Programme Director also underscores the economic case for restoration, noting that the costs of inaction far outweigh the investment required. “Whatever calculation you make, this will be cheaper than doing nothing,” he states, pointing to EASAC’s Commentary, which estimates the restoration costs at €150 billion, with benefits valued at least 10 times higher.

While the article explores the potential role of nature credits in supporting restoration efforts, Elmqvist cautions against over-reliance on this mechanism, stressing the need for careful design to avoid greenwashing. He also warns that achieving the NRL’s goals alone would not be sufficient to prevent a biodiversity crisis, emphasizing the importance of reducing carbon emissions as the root cause of climate challenges.

The article provides a detailed look at the challenges and opportunities presented by the NRL and the urgent need for member states to act decisively. The full text is available behind a paywall on Carbon Pulse.

For more information, read the EASAC Commentary Opportunities in Nature Restoration (2026).