This brief draws from the scientific literature on non-carbon benefits and joint mitigation and adaptation, evaluates recent submissions to the Subsidiary Body on Scientific and Technical Advice (SBSTA) on these issues, and intends to inform the negotiations on these approaches. It highlights that international policy makers are currently exploring methodological matters associated with non-carbon benefits and joint mitigation and adaptation approaches as they relate to REDD+. The brief argues that although few pilot projects are exploring these issues, emerging evidence shows how these approaches can be implemented on the ground. It is suggested that Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and observers consider the synergies among safeguards, non-carbon benefits, and mitigation and adaptation as critical to providing some of the best REDD+ results.