Decoding Climate Action: A Nature-Based Glossary for a Greener Future

How It Works, Sustainability Insights
3 min read
UNDP's Nature Dictionary

When it comes to tackling climate change, language matters. Terms like “carbon sequestration” and “ecosystem restoration” get thrown around a lot, but what do they really mean? To make informed choices and drive meaningful impact, it helps to have a clear understanding of the key concepts shaping the fight against climate change.

Inspired by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Climate Dictionary, we’ve put together a nature-focused glossary that breaks down essential terms in a simple way. And, since we believe in turning knowledge into action, we’ll also highlight how these concepts connect to the projects we support at Terry.

Key Climate Terms You Should Know

1. Nature-Based Solutions (NBS)

What it means: Strategies that work with nature to tackle environmental challenges like climate change, biodiversity loss, and water scarcity.
Example: Restoring forests to absorb carbon, using wetlands to prevent flooding, or planting native flowers to support pollinators.
Terry Connection: Many of the projects we support, like reforestation initiatives and marine restoration, fall under NBS because they enhance ecosystems while fighting climate change.

2. Carbon Sequestration

What it means: The process by which trees, soil, and oceans capture and store carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
Example: Forests act as carbon sinks, absorbing CO2 and slowing global warming.
Terry Connection: Projects like One Tree Planted and Kelp Forest Alliance help sequester carbon naturally by restoring forests and marine ecosystems.

3. Biodiversity

What it means: The variety of life on Earth, from microbes to mammals, and how they interact in ecosystems.
Example: A biodiverse forest supports insects, birds, and mammals while improving soil health and climate resilience.
Terry Connection: Our partnership with The Pollinators promotes biodiversity by protecting vital species like bees, which are essential for pollination and food production.

4. Rewilding

What it means: Allowing natural ecosystems to regenerate by reintroducing native species and reducing human intervention.
Example: Bringing back wolves to balance deer populations or restoring degraded land into thriving forests.
Terry Connection: We support projects that aim to restore landscapes and biodiversity through community-driven conservation efforts.

5. Regenerative Agriculture

What it means: Farming that improves soil health, captures carbon, and restores ecosystems instead of depleting them.
Example: Rotating crops, using natural fertilizers, and integrating trees into farms (agroforestry).
Terry Connection: Our partnership with Trees for the Future promotes regenerative agriculture by training farmers to use trees to build sustainable food systems.

6. Blue Carbon

What it means: Carbon captured by ocean ecosystems, like mangroves, seagrasses, and kelp forests.
Example: Kelp forests store large amounts of carbon while supporting marine biodiversity.
Terry Connection: Projects like The Oceancy and Kelp Forest Alliance restore marine ecosystems, making the ocean a stronger carbon sink.

7. Ecological Restoration

What it means: The process of repairing degraded environments to bring them back to health.
Example: Removing invasive species, planting native vegetation, and protecting endangered habitats.
Terry Connection: Every project we support—whether it’s planting trees, protecting wetlands, or restoring coral reefs—focuses on ecological restoration.

Why This Matters

Having a strong climate vocabulary isn’t just about knowing fancy terms—it’s about understanding the solutions available to us and taking action. Whether you’re supporting reforestation, reducing plastic waste, or advocating for climate policies, being informed helps you make smarter, more impactful choices.

At Terry, we make climate action simple by connecting everyday purchases to real projects that restore nature, protect biodiversity, and fight climate change—all at no extra cost to you. Now that you know the language of climate action, the next step is using that knowledge to make a difference.

Get Involved

Want to take action today?
🌱 Support nature-based projects with your purchases → Explore Terry’s Impact
🐝 Learn more about The Pollinators and help protect biodiversity → Visit The Pollinators

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