The Carbon Dictionary: 100 Essential Terms for Understanding Climate Change and Sustainability
Carbon is an essential element for life on Earth, but it is also a greenhouse gas that traps heat in the atmosphere. The burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, and other human activities are releasing carbon dioxide into the atmosphere at an alarming rate, which is driving climate change. In this issue of the Circular Chronicle, we provide you with a comprehensive overview of the 100 key terms and concepts related to carbon, climate change, and sustainability.
The article is divided into three sections:
The Carbon Dictionary
1. Adaptation - The adjustment of natural or human systems in response to actual or expected climatic stimuli or their effects, which moderates harm or exploits beneficial opportunities.
2. Aerosol - A tiny particle suspended in the atmosphere. Aerosols can be natural or human-made. Natural aerosols include dust, sea salt, and volcanic ash. Human-made aerosols include sulfates, nitrates, and black carbon.?
3. Agroecology - An interdisciplinary approach to agriculture that applies ecological principles to farming systems, focusing on biodiversity, soil health, and resource conservation.
4. Albedo - The amount of solar radiation reflected from an object or surface, often expressed as a percentage.
5. Anthropocene - A proposed geological epoch that represents the period of significant human impact on the Earth's ecosystems and geological processes.
6. Anthropogenic - Any change that is manmade or caused by human activity.
7. Atmosphere - The layer of gases that surrounds the Earth. The atmosphere is made up of about 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, and 1% other gases, such as argon, carbon dioxide, and water vapor.?
8. Atmospheric Brown Cloud - A thick layer of air pollution that forms over South Asia and Southeast Asia. The atmospheric brown cloud is made up of a variety of pollutants, including sulfates, nitrates, and black carbon.
9. Biodiversity - The variety of life on Earth. Biodiversity includes the variety of species, the variety of genes within species, and the variety of ecosystems.
10. Biofuels - Biofuels are a class of renewable energy derived from living materials.
11. Biogenic Carbon - Biogenic CO2 emissions are defined as CO2 emissions directly resulting from the combustion, decomposition, or processing of biologically based materials other than fossil fuels, peat, and mineral sources of carbon through combustion, digestion, fermentation, or decomposition processes.
12. Biomass - An organic material (plant or animal) often used as fuel to produce heat or electricity.
13. Biomimicry - The practice of emulating nature's designs and processes to solve human problems and create sustainable solutions.
14. BOD5 - The biochemical oxygen demand of wastewater during decomposition occurring over a 5-day period. A measure of the organic content of wastewater.?
15. Carbon - An element that is essential for life on Earth. Carbon is found in all living things, as well as in fossil fuels. Carbon is also a greenhouse gas, which means that it traps heat in the atmosphere.
16. Carbon Accounting - The process of quantifying and tracking greenhouse gas emissions and removals to measure an entity's carbon footprint and inform mitigation strategies.
17. Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) - A technology that captures carbon dioxide from industrial emissions and stores it underground. CCS is a potential way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change.
18. Carbon Cycle - The process by which carbon is exchanged between the atmosphere, the oceans, the land, and living organisms.?
19. Carbon Dioxide - A greenhouse gas that is the most abundant human-caused greenhouse gas. Carbon dioxide is produced by burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and other industrial activities. Carbon dioxide traps heat in the atmosphere, which contributes to climate change.
20. Carbon Dioxide Emission Equivalent [CO2e] - A measure of the impact greenhouse gases other than carbon dioxide cause to the planet. Defined relative to CO2.
21. Carbon Finance - The financial mechanisms and instruments that facilitate investments in low carbon technologies and projects, often through carbon trading or carbon offsetting.
22. Carbon Footprint - A measure of the amount of greenhouse gases that are emitted by an individual, a company, or an activity. The carbon footprint can be calculated by considering the amount of energy that is used, the type of energy that is used, and the way that energy is used.
23. Carbon Leakage - The phenomenon where emission reduction measures in one country lead to increased emissions in another country, often due to the shifting of industries to regions with lower environmental standards.
24. Carbon Sequestration - Carbon sequestration is the process of capturing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide. It is one method of reducing the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere with the goal of reducing global climate change.
25. Carbon Sink - Anything that absorbs more carbon from the atmosphere than it releases.
26. Carbon-Neutral Cities - Urban areas that strive to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by implementing sustainable transportation systems, energy-efficient buildings, and renewable energy sources.
27. Chlorofluorocarbons - An organic compound that contains only carbon, chlorine, and fluorine used in refrigerants and in fire extinguishers. CFCs react with sunlight in the earth's stratosphere to break down the protective ozone layer, a layer of gas that shields the earth's surface from damaging UV rays.
28. Circular Economy - An economic system that aims to eliminate waste and maximize the use of resources by reusing, repairing, and recycling materials.
29. Climate - The average weather conditions in a particular place over a long period of time. Climate is influenced by a number of factors, including the Earth's orbit, the tilt of the Earth's axis, the distribution of land and water, and the presence of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
30. Climate Action - Actions taken to address climate change. Climate action can include reducing greenhouse gas emissions, adapting to the impacts of climate change, and investing in clean energy.
31. Climate Change - A long-term change in the average weather conditions of a place. Climate change can be caused by natural factors, such as volcanic eruptions and changes in the Earth's orbit, or by human activities, such as the burning of fossil fuels.
32. Climate Crisis - A term used to describe the current state of climate change. The climate crisis is characterized by the rapid and unprecedented rate of climate change that is being caused by human activities. The climate crisis is having a devastating impact on the planet, and it is likely to get worse in the future.
33. Climate Justice - The fair distribution of the benefits and burdens of climate change. Climate justice seeks to ensure that the people who are most affected by climate change are also the ones who benefit the most.
34. Climate Modeling - The use of computer models to simulate the Earth's climate system and predict how it will change in the future. Climate models are used to assess the impacts of climate change and to develop mitigation and adaptation strategies.
35. Climate Refugia - Areas that are likely to remain relatively stable in a changing climate. Climate refugia can provide a refuge for species that are unable to adapt to the changing climate.
36. Climate Resilience - The ability of a system to withstand and recover from the impacts of climate change. Climate resilience can be increased by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, adapting to the impacts of climate change, and building a more sustainable society.
37. Climatic Variability - The natural variation in the Earth's climate system. Climatic variability can be caused by a variety of factors, including the Earth's orbit, the tilt of the Earth's axis, and volcanic eruptions.
38. Climatology - The study of the Earth's climate. Climatology is a branch of Earth science that focuses on the long-term average weather conditions in a particular place.
39. Closed-Loop System - A system in which resources are recycled or reused continuously, minimizing waste and reducing the need for new raw materials.
40. Corporate Social Responsibility - The commitment of businesses to contribute to sustainable development by considering the social, environmental, and economic impacts of their operations.
41. Deforestation - The clearing of forests for agricultural, industrial, or other purposes. Deforestation is a major contributor to climate change because it releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
42. Desertification - A process of land degradation by which fertile soil becomes arid and biologically unproductive. The process results from drought, extreme heat, deforestation, or poor agricultural practices.
43. Drought - A prolonged period of dry weather that results in a shortage of water. Droughts can be caused by natural factors, such as changes in the Earth's orbit, or by human activities, such as deforestation. Droughts can have a devastating impact on ecosystems and human communities.
44. Ecological Footprint - A measure of the impact of human activity on the environment. The ecological footprint is calculated by considering the amount of resources that are consumed and the amount of waste that is produced by a person, a company, or an activity.
45. El Ni?o-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) - A climate pattern that occurs every few years and affects the weather patterns in the Pacific Ocean and around the world. ENSO can cause droughts, floods, and other extreme weather events.
46. Emissions Trading - A market-based approach to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Emissions trading allows companies to trade emissions allowances, which are permitted to emit a certain amount of greenhouse gases. Emissions trading can help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions at a lower cost than other approaches.
47. Energy Efficiency - The use of less energy to achieve the same outcome. Energy efficiency can be achieved through a variety of measures, such as using more efficient appliances, driving more fuel-efficient cars, and using less energy in the home.
48. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) - EIA is a tool used to assess the significant effects of a project or development proposal on the environment.
49. Environmental Stewardship - The responsible use and protection of the natural environment through conservation and sustainable practices to enhance ecosystem resilience and human well-being.
50. Equilibrium Climate - The climate that the Earth would reach if it were not affected by human activities. The equilibrium climate is determined by a variety of factors, including the Earth's orbit, the tilt of the Earth's axis, and the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
51. ESG Reporting - The disclosure of an organization’s data in the areas of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) impacts.
52. Evaporation - The process by which water changes from a liquid to a gas. Evaporation is a major source of water vapor in the atmosphere. Water vapor is a greenhouse gas, which means that it traps heat in the atmosphere.
53. Evaporative Cooling - The process by which water cools the air as it evaporates. Evaporative cooling is a natural process that can be used to cool buildings and other structures.
54. Extended Producer Responsibility - An environmental policy approach in which a producer's responsibility for a product is extended to the post-consumer stage of a product's life cycle.
55. Extreme Weather Event - A weather event that is outside the normal range of variation. Extreme weather events can be caused by natural factors, such as changes in the Earth's orbit, or by human activities, such as climate change. Extreme weather events can have a devastating impact on ecosystems and human communities.
56. Fossil Fuels - Fuels that are formed from the remains of plants and animals that lived millions of years ago. Fossil fuels include coal, oil, and natural gas. Fossil fuels are a major source of greenhouse gas emissions.
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57. Geoengineering - The deliberate manipulation of the Earth's climate system to mitigate the impacts of climate change.?
58. GHG Protocol - Policy and Action Standard which provides a framework for estimating the associated GHG emissions for any policy or governmental action.
59. Global Warming - The gradual increase in temperature of the Earth’s air, surface, and oceans due to human-caused increases in CO2 and other greenhouse gas levels.
60. Global Warming Potential (GWP) - The index used to translate the level of emissions of various gases into a common measure in order to compare the relative radiative forcing of different gases without directly calculating the changes in atmospheric concentrations.
61. Green Bonds - Financial instruments that raise capital for projects with environmental benefits, such as renewable energy projects or energy-efficient buildings.
62. Green Infrastructure - Natural or nature-based systems, such as wetlands, urban forests, and green roofs, that provide multiple environmental benefits, including stormwater management and biodiversity conservation.
63. Green Procurement - The practice of sourcing and purchasing goods and services based on environmental considerations, such as energy efficiency, recyclability, and low-impact production methods.
64. Green Roofs - Roofs that are covered with vegetation. Green roofs can help to reduce the urban heat island effect, improve air quality, and provide habitat for wildlife.
65. Greenhouse Effect - Trapping and build-up of heat in the atmosphere (troposphere) near the Earth’s surface.
66. Greenhouse Gas - A gas that traps heat in the atmosphere. Greenhouse gases include water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide. Greenhouse gases are essential for life on Earth, but they can also contribute to climate change.
67. Greenwashing - The practice of making misleading or unsubstantiated claims about the environmental benefits of a product, service, or company.
68. Heat Island Effect - The phenomenon in which urban areas are warmer than surrounding rural areas. The heat island effect is caused by the concentration of heat-absorbing materials, such as concrete and asphalt, in urban areas. The heat island effect can contribute to air pollution and heat-related health problems.
69. Ice Sheet - A large mass of ice that covers land. Ice sheets are found in Antarctica and Greenland. Ice sheets are a major source of freshwater and a significant factor in sea level rise.
70. IPCC - The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. The IPCC is the leading international body for the assessment of climate change. The IPCC was established by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) in 1988 to provide the world with a clear scientific view on the current state of knowledge about climate change and its potential environmental and socio-economic impacts.
71. LEED - Widely accepted system organized by the US Green Building Council to rate building performance on sustainability and impact on the environment.
72. Melting Point - The temperature at which a solid change to a liquid. The melting point of water is 0 degrees Celsius.
73. Methane - A greenhouse gas that is produced by livestock, wetlands, and other sources. Methane is a more potent greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide, and it is a major contributor to climate change.
74. Monsoon - A seasonal wind that brings heavy rains to a region. Monsoons are a major source of precipitation in many parts of the world.
75. Net-Zero Emissions - Balancing greenhouse gas emissions caused by human activity with emission reductions.
76. Nitrogen Cycle - The natural circulation of nitrogen among the atmosphere, plants, animals, and microorganisms that live in soil and water.
77. Nitrous Oxide (N2o) - Also known as nitrous or laughing gas. A strong greenhouse gas with 300 times the heat-trapping power of carbon dioxide. Scientific notation is N2O.
78. Ocean Acidification - The ongoing decrease in the pH of the Earth's oceans due to the absorption of carbon dioxide, resulting in harmful effects on marine organisms and ecosystems.
79. Overshoot - The point at which human activities cause the Earth's climate system to exceed its natural equilibrium. Overshoot is a serious threat to the planet, and it could lead to catastrophic changes in the climate.
80. Paris Agreement - An international agreement that was adopted in 2015 to combat climate change. The Paris Agreement aims to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius, preferably to 1.5 degrees Celsius, compared to pre-industrial levels.
81. Permaculture - Permaculture is an approach to land management and settlement design that adopts arrangements observed in flourishing natural ecosystems. It includes a set of design principles derived using whole systems thinking.
82. Permafrost - Permanently frozen ground. Permafrost is found in high-latitude and high-altitude regions. Permafrost is melting due to climate change, which is releasing methane and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.
83. Phenology - The study of cyclic and seasonal natural phenomena, especially in relation to climate and plant and animal life.
84. Polar Vortex - A large area of cold air that forms over the Arctic. The polar vortex can sometimes break down and send cold air southward, causing extreme weather events in the United States and Europe.
85. Precipitation - Any form of water that falls from the atmosphere to the Earth's surface. Precipitation includes rain, snow, sleet, and hail.
86. Regenerative Agriculture - An outcome-based food production system that nurtures and restores soil health, protects the climate and water resources and biodiversity, and enhances farms' productivity and profitability.
87. Resilience - The ability of a system to withstand and recover from shocks and stresses. Resilience can be increased by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, adapting to the impacts of climate change, and building a more sustainable society.
88. Scope 1,2 & 3 - Scope 1 are those direct emissions that are owned or controlled by a company, whereas scope 2 and 3 indirect emissions are a consequence of the activities of the company but occur from sources not owned or controlled by it.
89. Sea Level Rise - The rise in the average sea level. Sea level rise is caused by a number of factors, including the melting of glaciers and ice sheets, and the expansion of seawater as it warms. Sea level rise is a major threat to coastal communities around the world.
90. Smart Grid - An advanced electricity distribution system that uses digital communication and automation technologies to optimize energy generation, distribution, and consumption.
91. Sustainability - The ability to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Sustainability is essential for addressing climate change and other environmental challenges.
92. Tipping Point - A point at which a small change in a system can cause a sudden and large-scale change. Tipping points are a serious threat in the context of climate change, as they could lead to rapid and irreversible changes in the Earth's climate system.
93. United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) - The Convention on Climate Change sets an overall framework for intergovernmental efforts to tackle the challenge posed by climate change.
94. Urban Agriculture - The practice of cultivating and producing food in urban areas, often through community gardens, rooftop gardens, or vertical farming systems.
95. Vulnerability - The susceptibility of a system to harm. Vulnerability can be increased by factors such as poverty, inequality, and climate change. Vulnerability assessment is the process of identifying and assessing the vulnerabilities of a system.
96. Water Footprint - The total volume of freshwater used directly or indirectly to produce goods and services consumed by an individual, community, or organization.
97. Weather - The state of the atmosphere at a particular place and time. Weather is influenced by a number of factors, including the Earth's orbit, the tilt of the Earth's axis, and the presence of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
98. Wildfires - Large fires that occur in wildlands. Wildfires can be caused by natural factors, such as lightning, or by human activities, such as arson. Wildfires can have a devastating impact on ecosystems and human communities.
99. Zoning - The process of dividing land into areas with different uses. Zoning can be used to regulate the development of land and to protect natural resources.
100. Zero Liquid Discharge - A strategic wastewater management system that ensures that there will be no discharge of industrial wastewater into the environment.
Climate change is a complex issue, but it is one that we cannot afford to ignore. There are several solutions to climate change that can be implemented, but that it will take a concerted effort from everyone - individuals, businesses, and governments - to take action to address climate change and to make a difference.
What are we doing at Ehfaaz to promote Circularity?
Ehfaaz is a circular economy start-up committed to closed-loop recycling. We are on mission to give used resources a new life by using food and Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) waste to produce organic compost and cleaning products.?Ehfaaz?is committed to modernizing recycling and waste management methods in order to advance the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for a more sustainable world. Ehfaaz is now a leader in providing the UAE with a viable economical, innovative, and sustainable alternative to land filling or incineration. We continuously aim to create a circular economy that promotes the efficient use of resources and encourages the recycling of materials at a high enough quality to create new products. We partner with businesses to ensure that we support them meet their sustainability goals all while adding value to other industries and protecting our planet.
Tell us how your business is adopting circular economy practices and your thoughts on the future of business and circularity!
?What we are reading:
1.??Carbon Trust