COVID-19 presents challenges to achieving the objectives of the Paris Agreement and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). Recovery from the pandemic requires rethinking the way in which we generate wealth, and shifting our relationship with nature. Nature-based solutions are an innovative way of minimizing fallout from the crisis; and ecosystem services are critical to preventing future economic impacts from climate change and future pandemics. There are many opportunities to restore and repair ecological infrastructure. Research shows that for every dollar spent on nature restoration, at least US$9 of economic benefits can be expected (Strategy of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration).