Anthropocene
An academic term that refers to the geological epoch during which human activities have become a “geological force”. Scientists identify the start of the Anthropocene as the year 1950 with the start of nuclear weapon testing, use of non-recyclable plastics, and rapid population growth.
Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC)
Ocean currents responsible for relatively mild weather in Europe, compared to its latitude, through a long process that circulates warm water from the Gulf of Mexico to the North East. The AMOC has slowed down over the past few decades. If it stops, Europe may get a significantly cooler climate compared to present.
Biodiversity Loss
The reduction or extinction of species in a certain habitat. Biodiversity loss poses a great threat to the survival of human beings as it disrupts ecosystems and degrades their resources. The earth has witnessed five extinction waves, the last of which took place 65 million years ago. Scientists warn that human activities are causing a […]
Carbon Bombs
Refers to extraction projects (coal mines and oil and gas fields) which generate emissions exceeding a billion tons (1 gigaton) of CO2 during their lifetime. The Leave it in the Ground Initiative (LINGO) has identified 425 carbon bombs, many of which have to be defused to align the with the .
Carbon Budget
A carbon budget refers to the amount of carbon that can be emitted before global temperature rise exceeds a certain limit. The concept was first proposed in the 1980s and has gained traction since 2009 with the establishment of the 2 °C target as a basis for climate policy. Though carbon budgets are hard to […]
Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS)
Carbon capture and storage (CCS) refers to a range of technologies that aim at capturing and storing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions resulting from combustion of (mostly from industrial operations such as refineries and power plants) instead of releasing them into the atmosphere. The track record of CCS clearly shows that it is an ineffective, expensive, […]
Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Emissions
Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a greenhouse gas found naturally in Earth’s atmosphere. It is also a byproduct of industrial processes and burning . The release of CO2 emissions into the atmosphere is the primary driver of . The rise in average global temperature is directly proportional to concentrations of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, measured […]
Carbon Emissions
Usually refers to carbon dioxide (CO2), emitted for example from the combustion of or deforestation. Methane (CH4) emissions are sometimes also referred to as carbon emissions. It is recommended not to consider them interchangeable because this confuses the short-term issue of with the long-term issue of carbon dioxide emissions, which could remain in the atmosphere […]
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