Glossary
Biomass Energy
Energy produced from organic matter, such as wood, agricultural crops, or waste, which can be burned directly or converted into liquid or gaseous fuels.
Example:
Burning wood pellets made from forest waste to heat a building is a form of biomass energy.
Common but Differentiated Responsibilities
A principle acknowledging that all countries share a common responsibility for global environmental protection, but their capabilities and historical contributions to environmental problems differ, leading to varied obligations.
Example:
Developed nations providing financial aid and technology to developing nations for climate action reflects common but differentiated responsibilities in addressing global warming.
Conservation
The protection, preservation, management, or restoration of natural environments and wildlife.
Example:
Establishing a national park to protect endangered species and their habitats is an act of conservation.
Ecotourism
Responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment, sustains the well-being of the local people, and involves interpretation and education.
Example:
A small group visiting the Amazon rainforest with a local guide, staying in eco-lodges, and contributing to conservation efforts is engaging in ecotourism.
Geothermal Energy
Energy derived from the heat within the Earth's crust, used for electricity generation or direct heating and cooling.
Example:
Iceland uses its abundant volcanic activity to power homes and businesses with geothermal energy.
Hydroelectric Energy
Electricity generated by the force of moving water, typically through dams that control water flow to spin turbines.
Example:
The Hoover Dam generating power for millions of homes is a prime example of hydroelectric energy.
Intergenerational Equity
The principle that current generations should use resources and manage the environment in a way that does not diminish the opportunities or well-being of future generations.
Example:
Protecting a pristine rainforest today ensures that future generations can also experience its biodiversity and ecological benefits, embodying intergenerational equity.
Polluter Pays Principle
The principle that those who produce pollution should bear the costs of managing it to prevent damage to human health or the environment.
Example:
A factory responsible for river contamination being legally required to fund the cleanup efforts demonstrates the polluter pays principle.
Precautionary Principle
When an activity raises threats of harm to human health or the environment, precautionary measures should be taken even if some cause-and-effect relationships are not fully established scientifically.
Example:
Even without absolute proof, a government might ban a new pesticide if there's strong suspicion it harms pollinators, applying the precautionary principle.
Renewable Energy
Energy derived from natural processes that are replenished constantly, such as sunlight, wind, water, and geothermal heat.
Example:
A country transitioning from coal power plants to wind farms is investing heavily in renewable energy.
Resource Efficiency
Using natural resources in a way that minimizes waste and maximizes productivity, often through recycling, reuse, and technological innovation.
Example:
A company redesigning its packaging to use less material and be fully recyclable is improving its resource efficiency.
Social Equity
The fair distribution of resources, opportunities, and burdens within a society, ensuring everyone has access to basic needs and a chance to thrive.
Example:
A government program providing affordable housing and healthcare to low-income families aims to promote social equity.
Solar Energy
Energy harnessed from the sun's radiation, typically converted into electricity using photovoltaic cells or used for heating.
Example:
Rooftop panels on a house converting sunlight into electricity for home use utilize solar energy.
Sustainable Agriculture
Farming practices that protect the environment, public health, human communities, and animal welfare, ensuring long-term productivity and ecological balance.
Example:
A farm using crop rotation and natural pest control instead of synthetic chemicals is practicing sustainable agriculture.
Sustainable Development
Meeting present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs, balancing social, economic, and environmental factors.
Example:
A city investing in public transportation and green spaces is practicing sustainable development by improving current quality of life while reducing future environmental impact.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
A collection of 17 global goals set by the United Nations in 2015, designed to achieve a more sustainable future for all by addressing global challenges like poverty, inequality, and climate change.
Example:
Efforts to provide clean water and sanitation to all communities worldwide directly align with SDG 6, demonstrating the ambition of the Sustainable Development Goals.
Wind Energy
Energy generated by converting the kinetic energy of wind into electricity using wind turbines.
Example:
Large turbines spinning on a hillside to power a nearby town are generating wind energy.