GLOSSARY

Adaptation
The adoption of policies and practices aimed at preparing for the effects of climate change, accepting that complete avoidance is now impossible because of the inertia of the atmospheric and oceanic systems.

Anthropogenic
Of human origin: used to describe greenhouse gases emitted by human activities.

Carbon dioxide
The main greenhouse gas caused by human activities; it also originates from natural sources, like volcanic activity.

Carbon sequestration and storage
An experimental technology designed to remove carbon dioxide from emissions such as power stations: the gas is then liquified and pumped into rock formations underground or beneath the sea bed. Proponents believe it has great potential for tackling climate change but CCS is not yet available at a commercial stage.

Carbon sink
A natural feature – a forest, for example, or a peat bog – which absorbs CO2.

CO2 equivalence
A way of expressing the combined efficiency of all greenhouse gases: carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), and the rarer trace greenhouse gases such as chlorofluorocarbons. Their potency varies according to their chemical make-up and the length of time they persist in the atmosphere.

Eco-driving
Eco-driving is a way of driving that reduces fuel consumption, greenhouse gas emissions and accident rates.

ISO 14 000
A series of global green standards designed to encourage progress towards sustainable development: developed by the International Organisation for Standardisation. See www.iso.org/iso/home.htm.

Kyoto Protocol
A protocol to the UN Framework Climate Change Convention (see below). The Protocol requires developed countries to reduce their GHG emissions below levels specified for each of them in the Treaty. These targets must be met within a five-year time frame between 2008 and 2012, and add up to a total cut in GHG emissions of at least 5% against the baseline of 1990.