Green practices, such as creating parks in cities for recreation, are being branded as 'nature-based solutions' (see also Nature 541, 133–134; 2017). What we need, however, are sustainable solutions that address human needs effectively over time — regardless of whether they are nature-based.

The definition of a nature-based solution is still being debated (see C. Nesshöver et al. Sci. Tot. Environ. 579, 1215–1227; 2017). Intuitively, we may assume that nature always benefits human well-being — for instance, through ecosystem 'services'. However, there are ecosystem 'disservices' that work the other way (J. Lyytimäki Ecosyst. Serv. 12, 136; 2015), allergic reactions to pollen being one example.

The added value of the concept of nature-based solutions is recognizing that these exist and can complement or provide alternatives to human or industrial ones.