Climate Change Terminology Glossary

In the face of an escalating climate crisis, access to clear, inclusive, and empowering language has never been more important. This Climate Change Terminology Glossary is a practical tool designed to help communities, educators, policymakers, and advocates in Rwanda navigate the often complex language of climate change through a lens that centres justice, equity, and everyday understanding.

This glossary was developed by the Certa Foundation’s Center for Climate Justice - an organisation that champions climate solutions rooted in equity, gender justice, and community leadership, and Spruik Agency - an environmental communications agency focused on making climate information accessible and engaging. This glossary reflects our shared commitment to community-led solutions and accessible knowledge. It aims to bridge the gap between technical climate language and the lived reality in Rwanda.

By offering simplified definitions and explanations in both English and Kinyarwanda, this glossary unpacks key climate terms in ways that are relevant, relatable, and usable. It supports everyone - from local leaders and journalists to students and the private sector - to speak confidently and clearly about climate issues that directly affect their lives and communities.

We hope this glossary empowers people across Rwanda to engage more fully in climate conversations, influence decisions that impact them, and champion solutions that are just, inclusive, and informed.

This is the first edition of the Climate Change Terminology Glossary | Kinyarwanda & English and will continue to be updated regularly. We welcome feedback and invite contributions from experts, institutions, and practitioners committed to advancing accessible, and inclusive climate knowledge.

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