Glossary topic · 17 terms
Nature.
Forests, wetlands, soils and oceans: the systems that store carbon and the ways that storage can fail.
Afforestation
Establishment of forest on land that has not recently been forested under the relevant definition.
NatureBiodiversity
The variety of life, including diversity within species, between species and across ecosystems.
NatureBlue carbon
Carbon stored in coastal and marine ecosystems, often referring to mangroves, tidal marshes and seagrasses.
NatureCarbon sink
A process or reservoir that takes up more carbon than it releases over a stated period.
NatureCarbon stock
The amount of carbon stored in a reservoir at a given time.
NatureDeforestation
Conversion of forest to another land use.
NatureEcosystem
A community of living organisms interacting with one another and with their physical environment.
NatureEcosystem services
The contributions ecosystems make to human wellbeing.
NatureForest degradation
A decline in a forest's condition or capacity to provide ecological functions without complete conversion to another land use.
NatureNature-based solution
Action involving ecosystems that addresses societal challenges while supporting human wellbeing and biodiversity.
NatureOcean acidification
A decline in ocean pH, largely driven by absorption of atmospheric CO₂.
NaturePeatland
An ecosystem with accumulated partly decomposed organic material forming peat.
NaturePermafrost
Ground that remains at or below freezing for at least two consecutive years.
NatureReforestation
Re-establishment of forest on land previously forested.
NatureSequestration
The capture and storage of carbon in a reservoir.
NatureSoil carbon
Carbon held in soil organic matter and inorganic forms.
NatureWetland
Land where water strongly influences soils and ecological conditions, permanently or seasonally.