Written by Common climate-related terms. A mini dictionary of some of the most common climate-related terms
We hear about them, we nod wisely, but do we know what they mean?
1. Carbon Footprint
This is the total amount of greenhouse gases (like carbon dioxide) your activities put into the atmosphere. Think driving your car, heating your home, or even eating a steak. All of it adds up to your footprint. The smaller your footprint, the better for the planet.
2. Net Zero
It’s like balancing your budget. For the planet, this means cutting emissions and using things like trees or technology to absorb what’s left.
3. Renewable Energy
Energy that comes from sources that won’t run out, like the sun, wind, or water. It’s the opposite of fossil fuels (coal, oil, natural gas), which take millions of years to form and are bad for the planet when we burn them.
4. Greenwashing
Greenwashing companies make themselves look more eco-friendly than they are. Doing things like slapping a green label on a product that’s not really sustainable. Or putting a flower on their logo. It’s all about looking good without doing the work.
5. Climate Resilience
This is about being prepared for the changes we can’t avoid, like stronger storms, rising sea levels, or droughts. It builds homes, communities, and systems to handle what’s coming.
6. Sustainable
Sustainability means using resources that don’t ruin things for future generations. Whether it’s how we grow food, make clothes, or power our homes.
Sustainability is about balance, taking what we need without overdoing it.
7. Carbon Neutral
This is similar to net zero but on a smaller scale. A person, business, or product can be carbon neutral by cutting emissions as much as possible and offsetting the rest by planting trees or investing in green energy projects.
8. Fossil Fuels
These are energy sources like coal, oil, and natural gas, which come from to remains of plants and animals that died millions of years ago.. Burning them releases carbon dioxide. A big driver of climate change.
9. Climate Adaptation
This means adjusting to the changes: Planting crops that can handle heat or building sea walls to protect coastal areas from flooding. It’s about adapting to the new normal.
10. Circular Economy
Instead of the make, use, toss system, a circular economy focuses on reusing, repairing, and recycling as much as possible. It keeps materials in use and cuts waste.