Term Definition Last updated
Adaptation

The process of adjusting to the actual or expected effects of climate change. Typically,…

Agriculture

The production of food and non-food (e.g. fuel, medicines, materials) products from crops and…

Agrobiodiversity

The variety of animals and plants used for food and non-food (e.g. fuel, medicines, materials)…

Air Conditioning (AC)

An electrical system used to cool air in a building or vehicle. As the climate warms, air…

Anthropocene

The current period of time during which humans have a dominant force on planet Earth.

Anthropocentrism

The belief that humans are the most important entity on the planet. 

Anthropogenic

Things that have been generated, caused, or influenced by humans and human activity, such as man…

Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)

When disease-causing micro-organisms (including bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites) no longer…

Biocentrism

The belief that all living things on the planet are equally important and valuable.

Biodiversity

Biodiversity is the variety of all living organisms, including variability within and between…

Biogeochemical cycles

The movement of chemical elements or compounds between living organisms, the atmosphere, and the…

Biological Control Agents (BCAs)

Living organisms used to control pests and invasive species. For example, bacteria to limit…

Biomass

Organic material from living or recently living animals or plants. Biomass is a renewable energy…

Biophilia

The innate tendency for humans to connect with nature and other living things.

Biosphere

The part of Earth that supports life.

Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS)

The removal of carbon dioxide from industrial processes, or the atmosphere, which is transported…

Carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e)

A metric used to standardise and allow the global warming potential (GWP) of different…

Carbon footprint

The total amount of greenhouse gas emissions that an entity (e.g. an individual, product,…

Carbon management

In business, carbon management typically means the measurement, reduction, and storage of carbon…

Carbon Opportunity Cost (COC)

The difference in carbon storage when natural land is converted to agricultural or developed…

Carbon sinks

Anything that absorbs more carbon from the atmosphere than it releases. Natural examples include…

Chrono-urbanism

Urban planning where cities are organised so that essential and daily needs are accessible…

Circular economy

A sustainable system where waste is avoided through the reuse, recycling and repair of products…

Climate change

Long-term shifts in the climate (weather conditions, including temperatures). Historically…

Climate finance

Financial support that addresses climate change and its impacts, supporting both mitigation and…