Illinois is beautiful. Anyone who argues otherwise hasn’t experienced Shawnee’s Garden of the Gods at sunset, the rolling hills near the Apple River, the Mississippi River viewed from the top of the bluffs, waterfalls from Waterfall Glen in the suburbs to Ferne Clyffe in Shawnee, or Lake Michigan at sunrise.
In his next term, Gov. J.B. Pritzker should continue his national climate leadership by prioritizing Illinois’ natural spaces that make our state so beautiful and prosperous. After successfully championing nation-leading clean energy policy with the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, nature-based climate solutions are our next imperative.
Nature-based climate solutions involve conserving, restoring or better managing ecosystems to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, such as allowing forests to regrow, restoring wetlands and switching to regenerative agricultural practices. These ecosystems soften climate impacts, such as extreme weather, and reduce climate pollution by capturing carbon dioxide from the air and sequestering it in plants and soils. They also provide many other important benefits, such as cleaner air and water, economic activity and biodiversity.
According to research conducted by the Nature Conservancy, on a global level, nature-based climate solutions can account for up to 37% of the reductions needed to meet 2030 emission targets and avoid global climate catastrophe.
Yet, Illinois has a dismal reputation for the preservation of natural areas. Less than .01% of Illinois’ ancient prairie remains, less than 4% of Illinois’ land area is in natural preservation, and Illinois ranks 49th out of the 50 states in the amount of preserved natural area per capita.
Pritzker, through his executive leadership, should take the following steps to lead on nature-based climate solutions:
Refocus the Illinois Department of Natural Resource (IDNR) to become an agency focused on climate and environmental equity. A Chicago Tribune article by Ray Long highlighted a recent 2,290-acre procurement in east central Illinois, raising questions about the state’s larger strategy behind purchasing land. While land preservation always has benefits, a newly focused IDNR should focus on climate reductions, climate resiliency and equity. Each land purchase and every dollar spent should be part of a plan that meets the goals of America the Beautiful.
Maximize every single possible federal dollar. Illinois is leaving millions in federal conservation funding on the table by not matching federal grant funds, not applying for funding or not supporting the efforts of conservation agencies to apply for federal funding. The Inflation Reduction Act, Land and Water Conservation Fund and upcoming Recovering America’s Wildlife are among some of the opportunities the state isn’t prepared to fully utilize, along with past agricultural conservation efforts and upcoming farm bill opportunities.
Invest in economies. Studies show that every dollar put into conservation drawsmore money into the economy through outdoor recreation purchases, visitors to area businesses and increased property values near nature. Illinois’ procurement system needs to be updated to give small businesses more opportunities to invest in state parks and IDNR should prioritize a conservation corps that hires and trains people from disinvested communities.
Increase accessibility of state parks. There isn’t a single state park or natural area easily accessible by public transportation. IDNR property holdings tend to be far from where most people of color live in Illinois. State parks and natural areas typically lack accessibility for people with disabilities. Using the money outlined above, we need to take every opportunity to make our parks accessible and welcoming places for everyone in the state.
It’s time to rejuvenate and refocus the Illinois Department of Natural Resources toward a modern approach that meets Illinois’ climate and equity needs.
Jen Walling is executive director of the Illinois Environmental Council.
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