A B C D E F G
H I J K L M N
O P R S T V W
X
A
Adaptation
The process by which an organism or species becomes adjusted to its environment. In the context of climate change, adaptation refers to the adjustments inhabitants of the earth would need to make in the face of inevitable, irreversible changes. These adjustments would be made primarily at the local
climate level. If mitigation measures were able to reduce the scale of change or extend the length of time over which it occurs, adaptation would be much easier. (7)
Adipic acid
A carbolic acid used to make nylon. (8)
Aerobic
A life process that occurs in or depends on oxygen. (4)
Aerosols
Fine solid or liquid airborne particles, which reside in the atmosphere for at least several hours. Aerosols may be of natural or human origin, and may influence climate in two ways: directly through scattering and absorbing radiation, and indirectly through acting as condensation nuclei for cloud
formation or modifying the optical properties and lifetime of clouds. (6)
Afforestation
Planting of new forests on lands that historically have not contained forests. (6)
Albedo
The fraction of solar radiation reflected by a surface or object, often expressed as a percentage. Snow covered surfaces have a high albedo (up to about 0.9); the albedo of soils ranges from high to low; vegetation covered surfaces and oceans have a low albedo. Clouds have an intermediate albedo.
The Earth’s albedo varies mainly through varying cloudiness, snow, ice, leaf area and land cover changes, and overall is about 0.3. (6, 4)
Annex B
The list of 38 industrialized countries that, as Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, agreed to legally binding targets with the overall effect of reducing their greenhouse gas emissions by 5% from 1990 levels in the five-year period 2008-2012. The 38 are the same countries
listed in Annex I to the Convention except for Belarus and Turkey. (1)
Annex I
Industrialized countries that, as parties to the Framework Convention on Climate Change, pledged to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by the year 2000 to 1990 levels. Annex I Parties consist of countries belonging to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and countries
designated as Economies-in-Transition. The 40 Annex I countries are: the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, the 15 members of the European Union, Switzerland, Monaco, Liechtenstein, Norway, Iceland, Turkey and almost all of the European ex-Soviet bloc: the three Baltic states, Poland, the
Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Croatia, Romania, Bulgaria, Belarus, Ukraine and Russia. (1, 4)
Annex II
The 24 developed countries among those in Annex I that are additionally required to help developing countries with financial and technological resources. The 24 are: the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, the 15 members of the European Union, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Turkey. (1)
Anthropogenic
Resulting from or produced by human beings. (6)
Atmosphere
The mixture of gases surrounding the Earth. The Earth's atmosphere consists of about 79.1% nitrogen (by volume), 20.9% oxygen, 0.036% carbon dioxide and trace amounts of other gases. The atmosphere can be divided into a number of layers according to its mixing or chemical characteristics, which are
generally determined by temperature. The layer nearest the Earth is the troposphere, which reaches up to an altitude of about 8 km (about 5 miles) in the polar regions and up to 17 km (nearly 11 miles) above the equator. The stratosphere, which reaches to an altitude of about 50 km (31 miles) lies
atop the troposphere. The mesosphere, which extends up to 80-90 km is atop the stratosphere, and finally, the thermosphere, or ionosphere, gradually diminishes and forms a fuzzy border with outer space. There is relatively little mixing of gases between layers. (4)
B
Bioaccumulate
Bioaccumulation is an overall increase in the concentration of a persistent and toxic substance in the food chain. An organism takes in these substances (e.g., DDT and heavy metals) directly from the environment or by eating food containing the chemicals. Eventually the levels of the toxic substance
become high enough to cause biological harm. (2, 8)
Biodiversity
Biological diversity refers to the variety, distribution and abundance of different plants, animals and microorganisms in a natural community or habitat. Biodiversity also refers to the ecological functions performed by these organisms and to the genetic variability they contain. (2,
8)
Biomass
The total mass of living organisms in a given area or volume; recently dead plant material is often included as dead biomass. (6)
Biome
A major ecological community or group of communities that covers a large geographical area characterized by a particular type or types of vegetation. The organisms of a biome are adapted to the climatic conditions associated with the region. Examples of biomes are tundra, desert, and tropical
rainforest. (2, 8)
Biosphere
The part of the Earth system comprising all ecosystems and living organisms, in the atmosphere, on land (terrestrial biosphere) or in the oceans (marine biosphere), including derived dead organic matter, such as litter, soil organic matter and oceanic detritus. (6)
Business as usual
In the context of climate change, "business as usual" is typically taken to refer to future emission levels based on current trends plus future actions that have been committed to or are extremely likely to happen. Emission reduction activities that are in addition to any that would
otherwise occur are said to go beyond business as usual. (1)
C
Carbon cycle
The term used to describe the flow of carbon through the atmosphere, ocean, terrestrial biosphere and lithosphere. (6) Carbon is found in the Earth's crust in fossil fuels and carbonate rocks, in the atmosphere (mainly as carbon dioxide), in land-based ecosystems (as biomass, soils) and in the
oceans. (1)
Carbon dioxide
A naturally occurring gas, also a by-product of burning fossil fuels and biomass, as well as land-use changes and other industrial processes. It is the principal anthropogenic greenhouse gas that affects the Earth’s radiative balance. It is the reference gas against which other greenhouse
gases are measured and therefore has a Global Warming Potential of 1. (6)
Carbon intensity
The relative amount of carbon emitted per unit of energy or fuels consumed. (4)
Carbonate rocks
Rock composed of minerals that contain the carbonate ion (CO3), most commonly limestone or dolomite. (2)
Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
Organic compounds made up of atoms of carbon, chlorine, and fluorine. An example is CFC-12, used as a refrigerant in refrigerators and air conditioners and as a foam blowing agent. Gaseous CFCs can deplete the ozone layer when they slowly rise into the stratosphere, are broken down by strong
ultraviolet radiation, release chlorine atoms, and then react with ozone molecules. (4)
Clean Development Mechanism (CDM)
One of the Kyoto Protocol’s flexibility mechanisms. Ownership of emission reductions from specific projects can be transferred between an Annex I country and a developing country (not in Annex I) if those projects "assist [developing country parties] in achieving sustainable development,"
have "real, measurable and long-term benefits related to the mitigation of climate change" and lead to net emission reductions that are "additional to any that would otherwise occur." Emission reductions obtained from these projects between 2000 and 2007 can be transferred to the
period 2008-2012. (1)
Climate
The average weather, usually taken over a 30 year time period, for a particular region and time period. Climate is not the same as weather, but rather, it is the average pattern of weather for a particular region. Weather describes the short-term state of the atmosphere. Climatic elements include
precipitation, temperature, humidity, sunshine, wind velocity, phenomena such as fog, frost, and hail-storms, and other measures of the weather. (4)
CO2 equivalent (CO2e)
The amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) that would cause the same effect as a given amount or mixture of other greenhouse gases. The CO2e is determined by converting the other greenhouse gases into carbon dioxide terms by using global warming potentials (GWP); that is, the tonnes of the other gas is
multiplied by its associated GWP. (1, 3, 4)
Co-generation
Production of two useful forms of energy such as high-temperature heat and electricity from the same process. For example, while boiling water to generate electricity, the leftover steam can be sold for industrial processes or space heating. (4)
Compliance
The extent to which Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change meet their obligations under the Kyoto Protocol, including the question of consequences for failing to do so. (1)
Conference of the Parties
The supreme body of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. It currently meets once a year to review the Convention’s progress. (1)
D
DDT
The chemical abbreviation for dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane. DDT was once a widely-used pesticide but has now been banned in many countries. It is a persistent, toxic chemical that accumulates in the food chain. (Source: US EPA PBT
Chemical Program)
Decomposition
The breakdown of matter by bacteria and fungi. This process changes the chemical composition and physical appearance of the materials. (4)
Dendrochronology
The dating of past events, such as climatic changes, through study of tree ring growth. Botanists, foresters and archaeologists began using this technique during the early part of the 20th century. (source: http://www.sonic.net/bristlecone/dendro.html)
Dioxins
Dioxins and furans are the common names for two classes of organochlorine compounds. They are formed as byproducts in chemical reactions such as the chlorine bleaching of wood pulp in the Kraft process. (2)
E
Emission intensity
Greenhouse gas emissions released as measured against some other factor like the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of a nation, province or state. Other standards by which emissions intensity can be measured include: per barrel of oil; per million cubic feet of natural gas; per tonne of coal, cement, etc.
produced; or per megawatt hour of electricity. (source: Alberta Environment)
Emissions trading
One of the Kyoto Protocol’s flexibility mechanisms to allow the transfer between Annex B countries of parts of their assigned amounts of emissions. Emissions trading must be "supplemental to domestic actions." (1)
Endocrine
Endocrine glands are found in animals. They manufacture hormones that are secreted directly into the bloodstream to act somewhere else in the body. Endocrine glands tend to control slow, long-term activities in the body such as growth and sexual development. (8)
Enhanced greenhouse effect
The concept that the natural greenhouse effect has been enhanced by anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse gases. Increased concentrations of carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide, CFCs, HFCs, PFCs, SF6, NF3 and other photochemically important gases caused by human activities such as fossil fuel
consumption, trap more infrared radiation, thereby exerting a warming influence on the climate. (4)
Ethanol (C2H5OH)
Otherwise known as ethyl alcohol, alcohol, or grain spirit. A clear, colourless, flammable oxygenated hydrocarbon with a boiling point of 78.5 degrees Celsius in the anhydrous state. In transportation, ethanol is used as a vehicle fuel by itself, blended with gasoline, or as a gasoline octane
enhancer and oxygenate. (4)
Evapotranspiration
The movement of water from the soil, an individual plant or plant communities to the atmosphere by evaporation of water from the soil and by the loss of water vapour (transpiration) by plants. (2)
Extreme weather event
An extreme weather event is an event that is rare within its statistical reference distribution at a particular place. Definitions of "rare" vary, but an extreme weather event would normally be as rare as or rarer than the 10th or 90th percentile. By definition, the characteristics of what
is called extreme weather may vary from place to place. An extreme climate event is an average of a number of weather events over a certain period of time, an average which is itself extreme (e.g., rainfall over a season). (6)
F
Feedback mechanisms
A mechanism that connects one aspect of a system to another. The connection can be either amplifying (positive feedback) or moderating (negative feedback).(3) Climate feedback is an interaction mechanism between processes in the climate system, when the
result of an initial process triggers changes in a second process that in turn influences the initial one. A positive feedback intensifies the original process, and a negative feedback reduces it.(6) An example of a positive feedback: a warmer atmosphere
is expected to contain more water vapour, which is a greenhouse gas, thereby reinforcing the warming.(1)
Flaring
The burning of waste gases through a flare stack or other device before releasing them to the air. (4)
Fossil fuels
Carbon-based fuels that produce carbon dioxide when they are burned. The main fossil fuels are coal, petroleum (oil), refined petroleum products like gasoline, and natural gas. (4)
Fugitive emissions
Unintended gas leaks from the processing, transmission, and/or transportation of fossil fuels, CFCs from refrigeration leaks, SF6 from electrical power distributor, etc. (4)
G
Global warming
The progressive gradual rise of the earth's surface temperature thought to be caused by the greenhouse effect and responsible for changes in global climate patterns. An increase in the near surface temperature of the Earth. Global warming has occurred in the distant past as the result of natural
influences, but the term is most often used to refer to the warming predicted to occur as a result of increased emissions of greenhouse gases. (4)
Global warming potential
Factor used to convert an amount of a given greenhouse gas into carbon dioxide-equivalent terms; for example, over a 100-year timeframe, methane is 21 times more powerful a greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide, so its GWP is 21. (1)
Greenhouse effect
Greenhouse gases effectively absorb infrared radiation, emitted by the Earth’s surface, by the atmosphere itself due to the same gases, and by clouds. Atmospheric radiation is emitted to all sides, including downward to the Earth’s surface. Thus greenhouse gases trap heat within the
surface-troposphere system. This is called the natural greenhouse effect.
Atmospheric radiation is strongly coupled to the temperature of the level at which it is emitted. In the troposphere the temperature generally decreases with height. Effectively, infrared radiation emitted to space originates from an altitude with a temperature of, on average, -19°C, in balance
with the net incoming solar radiation, whereas the Earth’s surface is kept at a much higher temperature of, on average, +14°C. An increase in the concentration of greenhouse gases leads to an increased infrared opacity of the atmosphere, and therefore to an effective radiation into space
from a higher altitude at a lower temperature. This causes a radiative forcing, an imbalance that can only be compensated for by an increase of the temperature of the surface-troposphere system. This is the enhanced greenhouse effect. (6)
Greenhouse gases
Greenhouse gases are those gaseous constituents of the atmosphere, both natural and anthropogenic, that absorb and emit radiation at specific wavelengths within the spectrum of infrared radiation emitted by the Earth’s surface, the atmosphere and clouds. This property causes the greenhouse
effect. Water vapour (H2O), carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrous oxide (N2O), methane (CH4) and ozone (O3) are the primary greenhouse gases in the Earth’s atmosphere. Moreover there are a number of entirely human-made greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, such as the halocarbons and other chlorine and
bromine containing substances, dealt with under the Montreal Protocol. Beside CO2, N2O and CH4, the Kyoto Protocol deals with the greenhouse gases sulphur hexafluoride (SF6), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and perfluorocarbons (PFCs). (6)
Grid
In this context, the term "grid" refers to the electricity distribution system. Most electricity generation facilities provide power to the grid, where it is then distributed to electricity consumers, who are also connected to the grid.
H
Halocarbons
Compounds containing either chlorine, bromine or fluorine and carbon. Such compounds can act as powerful greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. The chlorine and bromine containing halocarbons are also involved in the depletion of the ozone layer. (6)
Halocarbons are responsible for about 10% of the human-induced greenhouse effect. CFCs, HCFCs, HFCs and PFCs are all halocarbons. (1)
Hectare
A metric unit of area, 100 metres by 100 metres (10,000 square metres), or 2.471 acres. (2)
Hydrates
Gas hydrates occur abundantly in nature, both in Arctic regions and in marine sediments. Gas hydrate is a crystalline solid consisting of gas molecules, usually methane, each surrounded by a cage of water molecules. It looks very much like water ice. Methane hydrate is stable in ocean floor
sediments at water depths greater than 300 metres, and where it occurs, it is known to cement loose sediments in a surface layer several hundred meters thick. (source: US Geological Survey)
Hydrocarbons
Substances containing only hydrogen and carbon. Fossil fuels (such as petroleum, gasoline and natural gas) are made up of hydrocarbons. Some hydrocarbon compounds are major air pollutants. (4) Hydrocarbons are also released when fossil fuels are incompletely burned. (1)
Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs)
Compounds containing hydrogen, fluorine, chlorine, and carbon atoms. Although ozone depleting substances, they are less potent at destroying stratospheric ozone than chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). They have been introduced as temporary replacements for CFCs and are also greenhouse gases. (4)
Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)
Compounds containing only hydrogen, fluorine, and carbon atoms. They were introduced as alternatives to ozone depleting substances in serving many industrial, commercial, and personal needs. HFCs are emitted as by-products of industrial processes and are also used in manufacturing. They do not
significantly deplete the stratospheric ozone layer, but they are powerful greenhouse gases with global warming potentials ranging from 140 (HFC-152a) to 11,700 (HFC-23). (4)
I
Interglacial
Period between two ice ages (as at present). (1)
J
Joint Implementation
One of the Kyoto Protocol’s flexibility mechanisms. Ownership of emission reductions from specific projects can be transferred between two Annex I parties under certain conditions specified in the Protocol (specifically, the projects must lead to net reductions "additional to any that
would otherwise occur" and "supplemental to domestic actions." (1)
K
Kilowatt-hour (KWh)
The number of kilowatts of electricity used or generated in one hour. A kilowatt is 1,000 watts. A watt is a unit of power. In the context of electricity, a watt is defined as the rate of energy transformation by an electric current of one ampere flowing through a conductor the ends of which are
maintained at a potential difference of one volt. (8) A megawatt-hour is the number of megawatts used or generated in one hour.
L
Latitude
The distance north or south of the equator, measured in degrees. On maps, lines parallel to the equator represent latitudes. (5)
Lithosphere
The solid outer shell of the Earth, including the crust and upper mantle, thought to be between 70 to 150 kilometres thick. (5)
M
Megatonne
One million tonnes.
Methane (CH4)
A hydrocarbon that is a greenhouse gas with a global warming potential most recently estimated at 21. Methane is produced through anaerobic (without oxygen) decomposition of waste in landfills, animal digestion, decomposition of animal wastes, production and distribution of natural gas and petroleum,
coal production, and incomplete fossil fuel combustion. (4) Methane is responsible for about 17% of the human-induced greenhouse effect. In Canada, the main sources are fossil fuel production, farm animals and landfills. Natural gas is mainly methane. (1)
Methanol (C3H3OH)
A colourless poisonous liquid with essentially no odour and little taste. It is the simplest alcohol with a boiling point of 64.7 degrees Celsius. In transportation, methanol is used as a vehicle fuel by itself, or blended with gasoline. (4)
Milankovitch theory
The Milankovitch or astronomical theory of climate change is an explanation for changes in the seasons which result from changes in the earth's orbit around the sun. The theory is named for Serbian astronomer Milutin Milankovitch, who calculated the slow changes in the earth's orbit by careful
measurements of the position of the stars, and through equations using the gravitational pull of other planets and stars. (source: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration)
Mitigation
A human intervention to reduce the sources or enhance the sinks of greenhouse gases. (6)
N
Nitrous oxide (N2O)
A powerful greenhouse gas with a global warming potential most recently evaluated at 310. Major sources of nitrous oxide include soil cultivation practices, especially the use of commercial and organic fertilizers, fossil fuel combustion, nitric acid production, and biomass burning. (4)
Nitrous oxide is responsible for about 5% of the human-induced greenhouse effect. In Canada, the main sources are agricultural soils, nylon and adipic acid production, and motor vehicles. (1)
O
Offset
Greenhouse gas emission reductions or sink enhancements that a corporate entity invests in but that take place outside the entity’s own operations. (1) For example, an electric utility may offset emissions in Alberta by planting trees in Costa Rica.
Organochlorines
Also called chlorinated organic compounds, these are organic compounds containing chlorine, in some cases oxygen, and other elements such as phosphorus. Organochlorines include pesticides such as DDT as well as industrial chemicals such as dioxins and furans. Organic compounds are ones that contain
carbon. (2)
Ozone (O3)
Ozone is a gaseous atmospheric constituent. In the troposphere it is created both naturally and by photochemical reactions involving gases resulting from human activities ("smog"). Tropospheric ozone acts as a greenhouse gas. In the stratosphere it is created by the interaction between
solar ultraviolet radiation and molecular oxygen (O2). Stratospheric ozone plays a decisive role in the stratospheric radiative balance. Its concentration is highest in the ozone layer. (6)
P
Paleoclimatology
The study of past climates, throughout geological history, and the causes of the variations among climates. (source: NASA Earth Observatory)
Particulate matter
Solid particles or liquid droplets suspended or carried in the air (e.g., soot, dust, fumes, mist). (4)
Party
A state (or regional economic integration organization such as the European Union) that agrees to be bound by an intergovernmental agreement (such as the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change), and for which the agreement has entered into force. (1)
PCBs
Polychlorinated biphenyls. Any group of organic compounds that were once widely used in industrial processes and as a heat-transfer and insulating fluid in cooling systems and electrical equipment. They are highly toxic, accumulate in the food chain, and are suspected to cause cancer. PCBs are
formed by replacing hydrogen atoms in biphenyl with chlorine atoms. (4, 5)
Per capita
For each person (from the Latin, per capita, "by heads"); e.g., If a population of 100 people produces 100 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions, that amounts to 1 tonne per capita. (5)
Perfluorocarbons (PFCs)
A group of human-made chemicals composed of carbon and fluorine only. These chemicals (predominantly CF4 and C2F6) were introduced as alternatives, along with hydrofluorocarbons, to the ozone depleting substances. In addition, PFCs are emitted as by-products of industrial processes and are also used
in manufacturing. PFCs do not harm the stratospheric ozone layer, but they are powerful greenhouse gases: CF4 has a global warming potential (GWP) of 6,500 and C2F6 has a GWP of 9,200. (4)
Persistent organic pollutants (POPs)
Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are chemical substances that persist in the environment, bioaccumulate through the food web, and pose a risk of causing adverse effects to human health and the environment. This group of priority pollutants consists of pesticides (such as DDT), industrial
chemicals (such as polychlorinated biphenyls, PCBs) and unintentional by-products of industrial processes (such as dioxins and furans). (Source: UN Environment Programme)
Photosynthesis
Complex process that takes place in living green plant cells. Radiant energy from the sun is used to combine carbon dioxide and water to produce oxygen and simple nutrient molecules, such as glucose. (4)
Plate tectonics
The study of the structure of the Earth’s crust on the basis of the theory that the crust is made up of huge segments, called plates, that float on the mantle below, and whose individual movement is responsible for continental drift and mountain building. (5)
Ppmv
A unit of measure, parts per million by volume, often used in climate change terminology to express the atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases. Variations include parts per billion by volume (ppbv) and parts per trillion by volume (pptv). (7) Parts
per million (ppm) is the number of parts of a chemical found in one million parts of a particular gas, liquid, or solid. (4)
Proxy
A proxy climate indicator is a local record that is interpreted, using physical and biophysical principles, to represent some combination of climate-related variations back in time. Climate related data derived in this way are referred to as proxy data. Examples of proxies are: tree ring records,
characteristics of corals, and various data derived from ice cores. (6)
R
Radiative forcing
A change in the balance between incoming solar radiation and outgoing infrared radiation. Without any radiative forcing, solar radiation coming to the Earth would continue to be approximately equal to the infrared radiation emitted from the Earth. The addition of greenhouse gases traps an increased
fraction of the infrared radiation, radiating it back toward the surface and creating a warming influence (i.e., positive radiative forcing because incoming solar radiation will exceed outgoing infrared radiation). (4)
Radiation
Energy emitted in the form of electromagnetic waves. Radiation has differing characteristics depending upon the wavelength. Because the radiation from the sun is relatively energetic, it has a short wavelength (ultra-violet, visible, and near infrared) while energy radiated from the Earth's surface
and the atmosphere has a longer wavelength (e.g., infrared radiation) because the Earth is cooler than the sun. (4)
Radiation, infrared
The heat energy that is emitted from all solids, liquids, and gases. In the context of the greenhouse issue, the term refers to the heat energy emitted by the Earth's surface and its atmosphere. Greenhouse gases strongly absorb this radiation in the Earth's atmosphere, and radiate some back towards
the surface, creating the greenhouse effect. (4)
Radiation, ultraviolet
A portion of the electromagnetic spectrum with wavelengths shorted than visible light. The sun produces UV, which is commonly split into three bands of decreasing wavelength. Shorter wavelength radiation has a greater potential to cause biological damage on living organisms. The longer wavelength
ultraviolet band, UVA, is not absorbed by ozone in the atmosphere. UVB is mostly absorbed by ozone, although some reaches the Earth. The shortest wavelength band, UVC, is completely absorbed by ozone and normal oxygen in the atmosphere. (4)
Ratified
After signing an intergovernmental agreement, a country must ratify it in order to become a Party. Typically this requires the approval of the national parliament. In the case of the Convention, the instrument of ratification is deposited with the UN Secretary-General and the country becomes a Party
90 days later. (1)
Reforestation
Planting of forests on lands that have previously contained forests but that have been converted to some other use. (6)
Reservoir
A carbon reservoir is an area, other than the atmosphere, where carbon has accumulated in appreciable amounts as a result of past or present carbon storage activities (sequestration). A reservoir has the capacity to store, accumulate or release a substance of concern, such as carbon, a greenhouse
gas or a precursor. Oceans, soils, and forests are examples of reservoirs of carbon. (2, 6)
Respiration
The metabolic process in animals and plants in which organic substances (such as carbohydrates) are broken down to simpler products, releasing energy into special energy-carrying molecules and then used for other metabolic processes. In most plants and animals, respiration requires oxygen, and
carbon dioxide is an end product. (8)
S
Sequestration
Storage or absorption of carbon dioxide in or by sinks or reservoirs. (1)
Siliviculture
The branch of forestry dealing with the cultivation and care of forests. (5)
Sink
Any process, activity or mechanism which removes a greenhouse gas, an aerosol or a precursor of a greenhouse gas or aerosol from the atmosphere. (6)
Source
In the context of climate change, any process or activity that releases a greenhouse gas, an aerosol, or a precursor of a greenhouse gas into the atmosphere. (4)
Stakeholder
A person with an interest or concern in something. (9)
Stratosphere
The stratosphere is the second layer of the atmosphere extending from about 10 km (ranging from 9 km in high latitudes to 16 km in the tropics, on average) to about 50 km above the Earth’s surface. (6) It contains small amounts of gaseous ozone,
which filters out about 99% of the incoming harmful ultraviolet radiation. Most commercial airline flights operate at a cruising altitude in the lower stratosphere (4)
Sulphur hexafluoride (SF6)
A colourless gas soluble in alcohol and ether, slightly soluble in water. A very powerful greenhouse gas used primarily in electrical transmission and distribution systems and as a dielectric in electronics. The global warming potential of SF6 is 23,900. (4)
This manufactured greenhouse gas makes up less than 1% of greenhouse gas emissions from human activity. In Canada, the main source is magnesium production. (1)
Summerfallow
Agricultural land that is ploughed and left unplanted for a season or more, often to control weeds. (5)
T
Trace Gas
Any one of the less common gases found in the Earth's atmosphere. Nitrogen, oxygen, and argon make up more than 99% of the Earth's atmosphere. Other gases, such as carbon dioxide, water vapour, methane, oxides of nitrogen, ozone, and ammonia, are considered trace gases. Although relatively
unimportant in terms of their absolute volume, they have significant effects on the Earth's weather and climate. (4)
Troposphere
The lowest part of the atmosphere from the surface to about 10 km in altitude in mid-latitudes (ranging from 9 km in high latitudes to 16 km in the tropics on average) where clouds and "weather" phenomena occur. In the troposphere temperatures generally decrease with height. (6)
V
Venting
The release of gas into the atmosphere. (source: Alberta Energy and Utilities Board)
Verification
The process of establishing the truth or validity of something. (9) In the context of greenhouse gas reductions, the process of ensuring that the alleged reductions actually took place.
W
Watt
A watt is the SI unit of power equivalent to one joule per second. (8)
Water vapour
The most abundant greenhouse gas; it is the water present in the atmosphere in gaseous form. Water vapour is an important part of the natural greenhouse effect. While humans are not significantly increasing its concentration, it contributes to the enhanced greenhouse effect because the warming
influence of greenhouse gases leads to a positive water vapour feedback. In addition to its role as a natural greenhouse gas, water vapour plays an important role in regulating the temperature of the planet because clouds form when excess water vapour in the atmosphere condenses to form ice and
water droplets and precipitation. (4) Up to 2% of the atmosphere is water vapour and, as a greenhouse gas, it causes about 60% of the total greenhouse effect. But because water vapour is rapidly eliminated from the atmosphere in the form of clouds, it is
not considered to be part of the human-induced part of the greenhouse effect. Instead, as global warming brings about a long-term increase in the amount of water vapour in the atmosphere, the additional greenhouse effect caused by the extra water vapour is classed as a climate feedback. (1)
Weather
Weather is the specific condition of the atmosphere at a particular place and time. It is measured in terms of such things as wind, temperature, humidity, atmospheric pressure, cloudiness, and precipitation. In most places, weather can change from hour-to-hour, day-to-day, and season-to-season.
Climate is the average of weather over time and space. A simple way of remembering the difference is that climate is what you expect (e.g., cold winters) and 'weather' is what you get (e.g., a blizzard). (4)
X
Xeriscaping
The environmental design of park or residential land using various methods to minimize the need for water, fertilizer and labour. (9)
Sources
1. Bramley, M. 2000.
A Climate Change Resource Book for Journalists. Pembina Institute.
2. Dunster, Julian and Katherine. 1996.
Dictionary of Natural Resource Management. UBC Press.
3.
Environment Canada glossary
4. Environmental Protection Agency (US),
Glossary of Climate Change Terms
5.
Gage Canadian Dictionary. 1983. Gage Educational Publishing Company.
6. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. 2001.
Third Assessment Report.
7.
National Round Table on the Environment and the Economy glossary.
8.
Oxford Concise Science Dictionary. 1996. Oxford University Press.
9. The Canadian Oxford Dictionary. 1998. Oxford University Press.
