Environment & Energy

The 1.5°C Target refers to the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. This target is crucial in combating climate change and reducing the risks associated with extreme weather events and rising sea levels.

The 2°C Target is a global goal to limit the increase in average temperature to no more than 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. This target aims to reduce the impacts of climate change and is central to international climate agreements.

The Albedo Effect refers to the measure of how much sunlight is reflected by a surface. Surfaces with high albedo, like ice and snow, reflect most of the sunlight, while dark surfaces absorb more heat.

Arctic Amplification refers to the phenomenon where the Arctic region warms at a faster rate than the rest of the planet. This occurs due to feedback mechanisms such as the loss of sea ice, which reduces the Earth's reflectivity and leads to more heat absorption.

A carbon credit is a permit that allows the holder to emit a certain amount of carbon dioxide or other greenhouse gases. One credit typically represents one ton of carbon dioxide emissions. These credits are part of efforts to reduce overall greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change.

Carbon Equivalent is a measure used to compare the emissions of different greenhouse gases based on their global warming potential. It expresses the impact of these gases in terms of the amount of carbon dioxide that would have the same warming effect over a specific time period.

Carbon neutrality means balancing the amount of carbon dioxide emitted with an equivalent amount of carbon removed from the atmosphere. This can be achieved by reducing emissions and investing in projects that absorb carbon, like reforestation.

A carbon offset is a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, typically measured in metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent, that is used to compensate for emissions produced elsewhere. It allows individuals and companies to balance out their carbon footprint by investing in projects that reduce emissions, such as renewable energy or reforestation.

A carbon sink is a natural or artificial reservoir that absorbs and stores carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. This process helps reduce the overall concentration of greenhouse gases, which is crucial for mitigating climate change.

A carbon source is any material or process that releases carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere. This can include natural sources like forests and oceans, as well as human-made sources like cars and factories.

Climate adaptation refers to the adjustments made in natural or human systems in response to actual or expected climate changes. It aims to reduce vulnerability and enhance resilience to the impacts of climate change.

It refers to the fair treatment of all people in relation to climate change, ensuring that everyone has a voice in decision-making processes. Climate justice seeks to address the unequal impacts of climate change on different communities, especially marginalized ones.

Climate mitigation refers to efforts and strategies aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions to slow down global warming and climate change. It involves various actions that can be taken by individuals, communities, and governments to limit the impact of climate change on the planet.

A climate model is a scientific tool used to simulate and understand the Earth's climate system. It helps predict future climate conditions by using mathematical formulas to represent the interactions between the atmosphere, oceans, land, and ice.

The emissions gap refers to the difference between the amount of greenhouse gases that countries are currently projected to emit and the amount needed to limit global warming to a safe level. It highlights the shortfall in efforts to reduce emissions and mitigate climate change impacts.

An extreme weather event is a significant and unusual weather occurrence that can cause severe impacts on the environment and human activities. These events include hurricanes, droughts, floods, and heatwaves, often intensified by climate change.

A heat wave is an extended period of excessively hot weather, which may be accompanied by high humidity. These events can pose serious health risks and impact the environment and economy.

Land use change refers to the alteration of natural landscapes into urban, agricultural, or other human-dominated environments. It impacts ecosystems and contributes to climate change by affecting carbon storage and biodiversity.

Loss and Damage refers to the negative impacts of climate change that cannot be avoided through mitigation or adaptation efforts. It includes both economic and non-economic losses, such as damage to homes, livelihoods, and ecosystems. This concept highlights the need for support to affected communities.

Achieving net zero means balancing the amount of greenhouse gases emitted with the amount removed from the atmosphere, resulting in no net increase in emissions. This is crucial for combating climate change and limiting global warming.

Parts Per Million (ppm) is a measurement that indicates how many parts of a substance are present in one million parts of a solution or mixture. It is commonly used to quantify concentrations of pollutants in the environment, particularly in air and water. Understanding ppm is crucial for assessing environmental health and the impact of climate change.

Permafrost thaw refers to the process where permanently frozen ground begins to melt due to rising temperatures. This phenomenon releases greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane, contributing to climate change.

A Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) is a set of greenhouse gas concentration trajectories used to model potential climate change outcomes. It helps scientists understand how different levels of emissions can affect global temperatures and climate systems over time.

Science-Based Targets are specific goals set by companies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in line with climate science. These targets aim to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius compared to pre-industrial levels.

Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions refer to the different categories of greenhouse gas emissions associated with a company or organization. Scope 1 includes direct emissions from owned or controlled sources, Scope 2 covers indirect emissions from the generation of purchased energy, and Scope 3 encompasses all other indirect emissions that occur in a company's value chain.

An increase in the average level of the world's oceans due to melting ice and thermal expansion of water as it warms is known as sea level rise. It poses significant risks to coastal communities and ecosystems.