Carbon Jargon
"Carbon jargon" refers to the specialized terms and concepts used in discussions about carbon emissions, climate change, and sustainability. Here's a quick guide to some common terms:
Carbon Footprint: The total amount of greenhouse gases (GHGs), primarily carbon dioxide (CO2), emitted directly or indirectly by an individual, organization, or activity.
Carbon Credit: A permit representing the reduction, removal, or prevention of 1,000kg (1 tonne) of carbon emissions. These credits are used to offset emissions by funding verified projects.
Carbon Neutral: Achieving a balance between emitting carbon and absorbing carbon from the atmosphere through offsets or other means.
Net Zero: Reducing greenhouse gas emissions to as close to zero as possible, with any remaining emissions balanced by carbon removal efforts.
Carbon Offset: A reduction in emissions of carbon dioxide or other GHGs to compensate for emissions made elsewhere. For example, funding reforestation projects.
Carbon Sequestration: The process of capturing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide, often through natural processes like tree planting or technological solutions.
Scope 1, 2, and 3 Emissions:
Scope 1: Direct emissions from owned or controlled sources (e.g., company vehicles).
Scope 2: Indirect emissions from purchased electricity, heat, or cooling.
Scope 3: Indirect emissions from the value chain (e.g., supplier activities, business travel).
Greenhouse Gases (GHGs): Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, including carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O).
Carbon Intensity: The amount of carbon dioxide emissions produced per unit of output or activity, such as per kWh of electricity.
Carbon Leakage: When efforts to reduce emissions in one region result in increased emissions in another, often due to shifting production.
Decarbonization: The process of reducing carbon dioxide emissions from activities, often through renewable energy, energy efficiency, or carbon capture technologies.
Carbon Budget: The allowable amount of carbon dioxide emissions to limit global warming to a specific target (e.g., 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels).
Carbon Trading: A market-based system where companies can buy and sell carbon credits to meet emission reduction targets.