Nature vs Tech is a False Binary: The Case for Climate Portfolios | Dr. Susan Cook-Patton

One of the world’s leading scientists on natural climate solutions joins us on This Week in Carbon. In this episode, Rene Velasquez sits down with Dr. Susan Cook-Patton from The Nature Conservancy. Susan has spent the last decade leading research on reforestation, agroforestry, and unlocking the climate potential of nature-based solutions.This is a rich, science-driven conversation about how we can scale high-integrity natural climate solutions faster and smarter.We explore:• Why natural climate solutions must be part of a broader portfolio — not in competition with engineered removals• The important shift from “permanence” to “durability”• Rethinking buffer pools, insurance, permanence trusts, and innovative risk management tools• The false nature vs technology binary• How to manage reversal risks using data-driven approaches• The urgent danger of inaction and missed opportunities in this critical decadeSusan shares practical insights on how we can reduce uncertainty, build better portfolios, and use nature now while buying time for technological solutions to scale.A thoughtful, optimistic, and deeply informed discussion on the role of forests, nature, and science in the future of carbon markets and climate action.