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Climate Literacy Glossary
This section gives you clear, accessible definitions of the key terms used in climate change discussions.
Global Warming vs. Climate Change
You have probably heard both terms in the climate conversation – but what is the difference? Global Warming refers to the increase in the average global temperature. Climate Change refers to changing climate patterns (regional and global) that appear as heavy rains, floods, droughts, storms and extreme temperature shifts.
Carbon Footprint
The carbon footprint measures the total greenhouse gas emissions caused by an activity, product, company, or country, usually reported in tonnes of CO₂ per year. The term carbon footprint was coined by Ogilvy & Mather, a New York–based British advertising firm while working for British Petroleum (BP).
Climate Justice
Climate justice refers to the ethical and political concept that addresses the disproportionate impacts of climate change on vulnerable populations. It emphasizes fairness, equity, and human rights in climate action, ensuring that marginalized communities are not left behind in mitigation and adaptation efforts.
Just Transition
In the context of climate change, the term Just Transition refers to actions that combat inequality within impacts of climate change and efforts of mitigation. Therewith, it addresses various dimensions, for example, the impact of the climate crisis on underrepresented and vulnerable communities, the access to green energy or financial compensation for damages. It advocates that “no-one’s left behind” during the transition.
Greenwashing & Climate Delay
The term Greenwashing describes false claims made by companies about environmental action to deceive the public and gain a greener image. Next to this, Climate Delay discourses are strategies and tactics used in climate discussions to delay climate action and justify inaction. The fossil fuel industry, oil nations and their investors profit most from both Greenwashing and Climate Delay.
Indigenous Knowledge
The term Indigenous Knowledge (also: Traditional Knowledge, Traditional Ecological Knowledge) refers to accumulated observations, oral and written knowledge, practices, cultural practices, innovations and beliefs of indigenous peoples. Because indigenous peoples live in close connection to nature, their knowledge is valuable and important when discussing sustainable resource management, environmental protection and effective climate action.
Renewable Energy
Renewable or green energy comes from unlimited and naturally replenished sources. The most common sources are solar, wind and geothermal energy (heat from the Earth’s crust) and hydropower (water). It is also referred to as clean energy because it emits little to no greenhouse gases.
Tipping Points
In the climate system, tipping points are critical thresholds. If they are exceeded, significant changes could occur in the system. These changes are potentially irreversible and accelerate global warming (IPCC 2018). Examples for critical thresholds are the melting of major ice sheets and the bleaching of warmwater coral reefs.
Fossil Fuels
Fossil fuels are hydrocarbon-containing materials like oil, gas and coal which are burned for energy. They produce carbon dioxide when burned. The carbon emissions remain in the atmosphere and contribute to global climate change.
Greenhouse Emissions
Greenhouse gas emissions are gases released into the atmosphere that trap heat and contribute to global warming. Common greenhouse gases include carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), nitrous oxide (N₂O), and fluorinated gases, all of which intensify the greenhouse effect.
UNFCCC and COP
The United Nations Framework Convention of Climate Change entered into force March 21st 1994. It is approved by 198 countries. The aim is to prevent dangerous human interference with the climate system. Every year, there is a Conference Of the Parties, which is a gathering of the 196 UN member states. It serves as a meeting point to discuss and negotiate responses to climate change.
Paris Agreement
A legally binding international treaty on climate change. Adopted by 196 countries at COP21 in Paris, France in 2015. The aim is to hold “the increase in the global average temperature to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels” and to pursue “efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels” (UNFCCC 2015: 4).
Net Zero
The term Net Zero refers to the balance between the emission of greenhouse gases and the amount that is removed from the atmosphere. It is not the same as Gross Zero, a term that refers to eliminating greenhouse gas emissions completely.
Bio Fuels
Biofuels are fuels derived from organic materials such as plants, algae, or waste. They are used as alternatives to fossil fuels and can reduce carbon emissions. Examples include ethanol (from corn or sugarcane) and biodiesel (from vegetable oils or animal fats).
Mitigation
Mitigation involves actions to reduce or prevent the emission of greenhouse gases. This can include using renewable energy, improving energy efficiency, protecting forests, and developing low-carbon technologies. The goal is to limit the severity of climate change.
The Loss and Damage Deal
The Loss and Damage Deal refers to international agreements that recognize and provide support for countries and communities experiencing unavoidable harm caused by climate change. It focuses on compensation, financial aid, and technical assistance to address climate-related losses.
Carbon Capture and Storage
Carbon Capture and Storage is a technology that captures carbon dioxide emissions from industrial sources or the atmosphere and stores them underground in geological formations. Frequently described as a false solution, as dependence on unproven carbon capture and storage technologies can delay genuine climate action and deepen environmental injustices.
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