Terms and definitions
Adaptation: Responding to the changes that we have already seen in our climate and preparing for the challenges we will face as our climate continues to change.
Carbon Dioxide Equivalent (CO2e): A standard unit of measurement for the global warming potential of different greenhouse gases (which is calculated over a 100 year span). For example, the global warming potential of methane is 25, so 1 tonne of methane would be 25 tonnes CO2e.
Earth Processes: Naturally occurring geological events such as intense volcanic eruptions, release of methane from reservoirs, as well as widespread wildfires that effect the Earth’s atmosphere.
Emissions: The release of greenhouse gases (primarily through the burning of fossil fuels) into the atmosphere that have caused global warming and climate change.
Global Warming: The long-term heating of Earth’s climate since the industrial revolution due to human activities (primarily the burning of fossil fuels), which increases heat-trapping greenhouse gas levels in Earth’s atmosphere.
Greenhouse Gases (GHG): The major GHGs are water vapour, carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrous oxide (N2O), methane (CH4), and ozone, they are crucial for keeping our planet at a suitable temperature for life. The burning of fossil fuels has created an abundance of carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide and methane resulting in global warming and climate change.
Just Transition: A just transition seeks to ensure that the substantial benefits of a green economy transition are shared widely, while also supporting those who stand to lose economically – be they countries, regions, industries, communities, workers or consumers.
Mitigation: Actions taken to reduce greenhouse gas emissions or enhance the capture of atmospheric greenhouse gases to prevent climate change.
Net Zero: Achieving a balance between the amount of greenhouse gas emissions produced and the amount removed from the atmosphere.
Orbital Forcing: A process over roughly 100,000 years in which the Earth’s axis tilts combined with orbital variances around the sun. This results in global warming and cooling of the Earth.
Sustainability: An action that can continue without resources running out or damage being caused that will stop it being able to carry on in the future.