Restoring Ecosystems: A Global Movement for Climate Action
Restoring Ecosystems: A Global Movement for Climate Action
As the climate crisis intensifies, restoring ecosystems has become one of the most powerful solutions available to us. Ecosystem restoration involves rehabilitating landscapes and seascapes that have been damaged, bringing them back to health, and ensuring they can support biodiversity, absorb carbon, and provide vital resources to local communities. The UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021–2030) aims to prevent, halt, and reverse the degradation of ecosystems worldwide, and Terry is proud to be part of this global movement.
What Is Ecosystem Restoration?
Ecosystem restoration is about more than planting trees—it’s about revitalizing ecosystems of all types, from forests and wetlands to oceans and urban areas. Restoration can take many forms, including active interventions like replanting vegetation, cleaning up waterways, or reintroducing native species. It can also involve removing pressures, such as pollution or unsustainable land use, allowing nature to regenerate on its own.
According to the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, the goal is to restore 350 million hectares of degraded land by 2030, which could remove up to 26 gigatons of CO2 from the atmosphere and generate $9 trillion in ecosystem services. Healthy ecosystems not only combat climate change but also prevent biodiversity loss and create sustainable livelihoods for local communities.
Why Ecosystem Restoration Is Key to Climate Action
Restored ecosystems act as natural carbon sinks, absorbing CO2 and helping mitigate the effects of climate change. Forests, wetlands, and coastal ecosystems, like mangroves and kelp forests, sequester large amounts of carbon while also protecting biodiversity and enhancing water quality. The benefits of restoration go beyond carbon—healthy ecosystems provide food, clean water, and protection against natural disasters like floods and storms.
For example, One Tree Planted supports reforestation efforts that aim to restore forests and reverse deforestation, while Kelp Forest Alliance helps restore coastal marine ecosystems that sequester carbon at an incredible rate. You can learn more about how Terry contributes to global reforestation in our reforestation post.
Types of Ecosystems That Need Restoration
The UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration focuses on restoring a variety of ecosystems across the planet, each facing unique challenges:
- Forests: These ecosystems are critical for carbon sequestration, water purification, and biodiversity. Projects like One Tree Planted are essential for restoring degraded forests.
- Oceans and Coasts: Oceans absorb about 30% of human-made CO2. Restoring marine ecosystems like coral reefs and kelp forests helps mitigate climate change and protect marine biodiversity.
- Wetlands and Peatlands: These ecosystems store huge amounts of carbon and provide critical habitat for wildlife. However, they are often drained for agriculture or urban development, making their restoration vital.
- Urban Areas: As cities expand, restoring green spaces in urban environments can enhance the quality of life and contribute to climate resilience.
UN Decade on Restoration
UN Decade on Restoration
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Terry’s Role in Ecosystem Restoration
At Terry, we focus on supporting projects that restore ecosystems in ways that are scalable and sustainable. Our work and our carefully selected portfolio of projects directly aligns with the UN’s goals for ecosystem restoration. Every purchase you make through Terry helps fund these efforts, whether it’s planting trees, restoring coastal ecosystems, or protecting wetlands.
Want to know how your contributions are helping restore vital ecosystems? Check out our project highlights to learn more.
Get Involved: Join the Global Movement
The UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration is a rallying call for all of us—governments, businesses, communities, and individuals—to step up and take action. Ecosystem restoration is a global solution to a global crisis, and by supporting Terry, you are contributing to this monumental effort.
Learn more about how you can make an impact in our post on marine ecosystems, or join Terry today to support projects that are restoring the planet.
Conclusion
Ecosystem restoration is one of the most effective tools we have to combat climate change and biodiversity loss. By working together, we can reverse centuries of damage and create a sustainable future for all. Every time you shop with Terry, you’re helping restore forests, wetlands, oceans, and more—one purchase at a time.
Sources:
- UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, Types of Ecosystem Restoration
- UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, What is Ecosystem Restoration?
- UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, Strategy
Join Terry and Help Restore the Planet
“Turn your purchases into powerful tools for ecosystem restoration. With Terry, you’re helping protect and rebuild the Earth’s vital ecosystems.”