AAU = standard assigned amount unit under Kyoto protocol
ABARE = Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics
abatement = diminution, reduction
abatement certificate = government body issues a certificate to prove a diminution/reduction in greenhouse gas pollution resulting directly from a particular abatement measure or the introduction of an abatement technology
abatement technology = a technical innovation that results directly in diminution/reduction in greenhouse gas polution
absorption = take in and store
ACCRA = Australian Climate Change Regulatory Authority
ACCSR = Australian Centre for Corporate Social Responsibility
ACGG = atmospheric concentration (of) GhG
ACGG unit = standard unit for measuring the local atmospheric concentration of GhG
acidification = increased levels of acid; such as increased levels of carbonic acid in the ocean; See ocean acidification
adaptation to climate change = such as desertification
Advanced Water Treatment Plant (AWTP) = advanced water treatment centre
AEEI = Autonomous Energy Efficiency Improvement
AETS = Australian Emissions Trading Scheme
AEU = Australian Emissions Unit
afforestation = establishing forest on a land that lacks a forest or where a forest has never existed
agricultural (activities) = enteric fermentation, manure management, rice cultivation, agriculture soils, prescribed burning of savannas, field burning of agriculture residues, other
agriculture emissions = anthropogenic GhGE from agricultural activities except for fuel combustion and sewage emissions
AGO = Australian Greenhouse Office
agriculture emissions exclusion = agricultural emissions permanently excluded from Australia’s CPRS scheme (See Voluntary emissions reporting)
allocation baseline = key element in Australia’s CPRS legislation; a baseline to determine the allocation of permits to pollute, who is included and who is excluded; e.g. electricity industry based on how many tonnes of emissions for every megawatt hour of electricity consumed, set at 1t CO2-e per megawatt- hour
alternative water supplies = including desalination, water recycling and stormwater harvesting
amelioration = practical action in response to impact or risk of impact that reduces impact
anaerobic digester = collector of gases from organic decomposition for the purpose of reuse in the production of heat or electricity
anthropogenic = attributable to human activity
assigned amount (AA) = emissions allowed under Kyoto protocol
assessment report = comparing the levels of risk and impact found during the analysis process with previously established risk criteria, producing a "measurement" or "level" of risk and deciding on an appropriate "response". The output of a risk assessment is a prioritised list of risks for further action
AP6 = Asia Pacific Partnership on Clean Development and Climate
aquatic ecosystems = ecological unit, any water environment
AS/NZS ISO 14000 = Basic Set:2007 Environmental Management Basic Set
AS/NZS ISO 14001:2004 = Environmental management systems - Requirements with guidance for use
AS/NZS ISO 19011:2003 = Guidelines for quality and/or environmental management systems auditing
Asia Pacific Partnership on Clean Development and Climate (AP6) = Australia, China, India, Japan, South Korea, and USA
Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics (ABARE) = Australian government economic research agency
Australian Climate Change Regulatory Authority (ACCRA) = established by the passage of the Australian Climate Change Regulatory Authority Bill 2009 whose role is to administer the trading scheme, the reporting regime (under the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Act 2007 and the renewable energy target (under the Renewable Energy (Electricity) Act 2000).
Australian Emissions Unit (AEU) = a carbon pollution permit unit issued under the CPRS
aviation emissions = GhGE from fuel use in aircraft engaged in domestic/international transport
AWTP = Advanced Water Treatment Plant
benchmark = point of known elevation, used to mark, measure or reference nearby locations
BEV = battery electric(ally-powered) vehicles
Bill, the = Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme Bill 2009
biomass fuels = taking grains, oilseeds, etc. and turning it into ethanol, biodiesel, biogas, etc
biomass fuel emissions = emissions from biomass fuel burning which has been recently grown, considered carbon neutral; other GhG from biomass fuel combustion are considered net emissions
bubble = under the bubble concept allowed under the Kyoto protocol the EU's 15 member States redistribute their emissions targets among themselves
budgets = See carbon budgets
burden = economic and social cost of amelioration and mitigation strategy
burden share = means of defining, measuring and deciding on who shall bear the economic and social cost of amelioration and mitigation strategy
carbon budgets = a key concept in carbon trading; See dual carbon budgets, multiple carbon budgets
carbon capture and storage (CCS) = capture of CO2 from a major emitter (such as a power station) and store it in sinks
carbon dioxide equivalence (CO2-e) = (as defined in NCOS) a standard measure that takes account of the different global warming potentials of greenhouse gases and expresses the cumulative effect in a common unit.
carbon efficiency = [target CO2 emissions/actual CO2 emissions] (See: Hongliang Yang: Carbon Reduction Potential, and Economic Development in the Peoples Republic of China: A Total Factor Production Model, ADB, 2010)
carbon emissions = technically one of the greenhouse gas emissions but often the terms are used interchangeably
carbon footprint = (as defined in NCOS) A measure of the carbon dioxide equivalent emissions attributable to an activity, commonly used at an individual, household, organisation or product level.
carbon intensity = (absolute) the amount of CO2 generated per unit of gross domestic product = CO2/GDP; For (relative) (to level of economic development) see carbon efficiency
carbon neutral = a process the effect of which is no increase or reduction in greenhouse gas emissions
carbon neutrality = (as defined in NCOS) Commonly refers to a situation where the net emissions associated with a product or an organisation’s activities are equal to zero through the acquisition and retirement of carbon offsets that meet additionality criteria.
carbon offset = the pollution involved in this process is allowed because another process somewhere else makes the combination of both processes carbon neutral
carbon offset = (as defined in NCOS) a reduction in greenhouse gases, or enhancement of greenhouse gas removal from the atmosphere by sinks, relative to a business-as-usual baseline. Carbon offsets are tradeable and often used to negate (or offset) all or part of another entity’s emissions.
carbon performance = See carbon intensity; carbon efficiency
carbon pollution permit = an Australian Emissions Unit (AEU) issued under the CPRS
Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme Bill 2009 = a Bill for an Act to establish an emissions trading scheme containing detailed provisions relating to: entities and emissions covered by the Scheme; liable entities’ obligation to surrender emissions units corresponding to their emissions; limits on the number of emissions units that will be issued; the nature of Australian emissions units; allocation of Australian emissions units, including by auction and the issue of free units; mechanisms to contain costs, including a fixed price period and a price cap; linking to other emissions trading schemes; assistance in relation to emissions-intensive trade-exposed activities and coal-fired electricity generators; voluntary inclusion of reforestation activities under the Scheme; the Australian National Registry of Emissions Units; and monitoring and enforcement. Click here
carbon price = price of greenhouse gas emissions, this creates an incentive on its allowances
carbon sink = a natural or manmade reservoir that accumulates and stores CO2 for an indefinite period
carbon target = an overall absolute target is modified because of level of economic development achieved; See carbon intensity; See carbon efficiency
carbon trading = trading emission credits, process of buying/selling credits
carbonic acid (H2CO3) = the result of solution of carbon dioxide (CO2) in water (H2O); See ocean acidification
CCAF = Climate Change Action Fund
CCF = climate-carbon feedbacks
CCF = climate change funding (NSW State Government)
CCS = carbon capture (and) storage
centi- (c) = one-hundredth; 10-2
CDM = clean development mechanism
CER = certified emissions reduction under Kyoto protocol
certified emission reduction (CER) = a Kyoto unit; one metric tonne of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions, and issued for verified emission reductions or removals achieved by projects approved under the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM). CDM projects undertaking afforestation and reforestation activities issue temporary and long term units known as tCERs and lCERs, which must be replaced after a specified period.
CFC = chlorofluorocarbon
CFL = compact fluorescent lamp
clean development mechanism (CDM) = under the Kyoto protocol an Annex I country may implement a project in a non-Annex I country that reduces emissions and then use the resulting certified emission reductions (CERs) to help meet its own targets
clean development mechanism (CDM) = the CDM allows greenhouse gas emission reduction projects to take place in countries that have no emission targets under the Kyoto protocol, yet are signatories. The CDM is defined in Article 12 of the Kyoto protocol.
climate change = it is well understood that climate continues to change but the current concept of climate change is a general understanding and acceptance that climate is presently changing dramatically because of anthropogenic activities causing stress on the environment and causing disastrous consequence at present unfolding with scientists predicting more disaster in the foreseeable future
Climate Change Action Fund (CCAF) =
climate sensitivity = the response of the climate to changes in greenhouse gas concentrations
climate-carbon feedbacks (CCF) = a secondary effect of climate change; climate changes such as concentration of greenhouse gases affect the ability of the land and the ocean to absorb CO2 or the release of more methane (CH4) from the ocean or from permafrost as temperatures increase
CO2 = carbon dioxide
CO2-e = CO2 emission (measurement in tonnes)
CO2-eq = carbon dioxide equivalent
CO2 emissions = includes CO2 emissions from fossil-based products (incineration or decomposition); includes CO2 from organic waste handling and decay
CO2e = carbon dioxide equivalent
Coal Sector Abatement Fund (CSAB) = key element in Australia’s CPRS legislation; provides funding for coal sector abatement projects
coal sector abatement project = a project which qualifies for assistance under the CSAB
Coal Sector Adjustment Scheme (CSAS) = key element in Australia’s CPRS legislation; provides transitional assistance to the most emissions-intensive coal mines through free permits
compounding uncertainty = it is well known that risk is calculated by the multiplication of risk factors; as risk factors increase this can sometimes result in the compounding of impacts, as risk factors have similar impacts or consequences or are linked or related; the Garnaut Climate Change Review identifies one such compounding effect = relationship between greenhouse gas emissions and atmospheric response * Climate sensitivity (including radiative forcing) * Regional climatic response to global warming * Impacts of climate change
concentrated solar power (CSP) = concentrated thermal energy
concentrated thermal energy = systems for capturing and concentrating solar radiation for use in generation
consequence = impact; the outcome of an event or situation expressed qualitatively or quantitatively in an assessment, a loss, a cost, an injury, disadvantage, or a gain
Consequential Amendments Bill, the = Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2009; consequential amendments made necessary by the passage of the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme Bill 2009 , in particular amendments to taxation laws and to the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Act 2007, which provides the basis for emissions reporting required under the CPRS
Cooper Basin = cooper basin 500Mw project annual power outlet similar to snowy river ()
COP = Conference Of (The) Parties; annual conference of the members of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)
COP1 = Berlin 1995
COP2 = Geneva 1996
COP3 = Kyoto 1997; See Kyoto Protocol
COP4 = Buenos Aires 1998
COP5 = Bonn 1999
COP6 = The Hague 2000
COP7 = Marrakesh 2001
COP8 = New Delhi 2002
COP9 = Milan 2003
COP10 = Buenos Aires 2004
COP11 = Montreal 2005
COP12 = Nairobi 2006
COP13 = Bali 2007
COP14 = Poznan 2008
COP15 = Copenhagen 2009
COP16 = Cancún 2010
CPRS = Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme
CPRS legislation (Australian) = See Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme Bill 2009
CRC = Cooperative Research Centres
CSAB = Coal Sector Abatement Fund (See Australia’s CPRS legislation)
CSAS = Coal Sector Adjustment Scheme (See Australia’s CPRS legislation)
CSIRO = Commonwealth Scientific & Industrial Research Organisation
CSP = concentrated solar power
CSR = corporate social responsibility; See ACCSR
D&C Contractor = must complete the design, construction and commissioning of the work in accordance with the D&C Contract and (as Operator) must operate and maintain the AWTP in accordance with the O&M Contract
datasets = data collected for the purpose of conducting analysis, modelling, prediction, etc.; includes terrestrial datasets, such as WGS, and geographic datasets, such as GMT; See spatial analysis, See geospatial analysis
deci- (d) = one-tenth; 10-1
deep heat = means "electrically induced heat"
deforestation = the clearing/removal of forest land
deka- (D) = ten; 101
Department Of Climate Change (DOCC) =
Department of the Environment and Heritage = now DEW
Department of the Environment and Water Resources (DEW) =
desalination = the removal of salt and minerals from water
desalination plant = a plant that is responsible for the process of removing salt and minerals from water
desertification = changes in rainfall patterns leading to increase in size and intensification of global deserts; an adaptation to climate change
DEW = Department (of the) Environment (and) Water (Resources)
discharge = volume of water, a certain amount transported at a certain time
distributive impact = impact is analysed by assigning it to particular meaningful horizontal distributional types across all sectors of the economy; meaningful in terms of both cause and effect and policies for amelioration of risk and mitigation of impact; distribution is often analysed by super sectors defined by the methods they employ such as shipping, road transport, railroad, etc.
DMS = domestic mitigation strategy
DNA = designated national authority (under CDM & JI)
DOAS = dedicated outside air system
DOCC = Department Of Climate Change
domestic mitigation strategy (DMS) = an independent strategy of mitigation of the impact of bad policies in the past; see Kyoto
DRI = directly reduced iron
DSA = demand side abatement
DSA Rule = reduction in greenhouse gas emissions resulting from actions taken on the customer (demand) side of an electricity meter; under GGAS)(State)
drinking water = treated water that is intended for human consumption
dual carbon budgets = See multiple carbon budgets
EA Certificate = a certificate to guarantee that environmental assessment has been conducted before commencement of a new project; See Canadian Environmental Assessment Act
ecosystems = ecological community, consists of all plants, animals and microorganisms
EEO = Energy Efficiencies Opportunities
EER = energy efficiency ratio
EITE = emissions intensive trade exposed (industries) (See Australia’s CPRS legislation)
Electricity Sector Adjustment Scheme (ESAS) = key element in Australia’s CPRS legislation
electricity allocation factor = key element in Australia’s CPRS legislation; to determine how many tonnes of emissions would be included in the allocation baseline for every megawatt hour of electricity consumed, set at 1t CO2-e per megawatt-hour
eligible emissions unit = an Australian emissions unit or an eligible international emissions unit
eligible international emissions unit = a certified emission reduction (other than a temporary certified emission reduction or a long-term certified emission reduction), an emission reduction unit, a removal unit, a prescribed unit issued in accordance with the Kyoto rules
emission = the release of a substance to the environment, whether in pure form or in other matter, and whether in solid, liquid or gaseous form; includes from landfill, sewage treatment plant and tailings dam, but does not include deposit in or discharge to landfill/sewer/tailings dam (NPI)
emission credits (EC) = surrender credits to offset emissions (under the Kyoto protocol)
emission factor = the kilograms of carbon dioxide equivalent emitted per unit of activity
emissions reduction unit (ERU) = one metric tonne of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions reduced or sequestered arising from a Joint Implementation (defined in Article 6 of the Kyoto protocol) project
emissions-intensive = high levels of t CO2-e
emissions-intensive coal mines = key element in Australia’s CPRS legislation; a concept for deciding on those mines that qualify for transitional assistance through free permits under the CSAS
emissions intensity = emissions per unit of production; useful in comparing the most environmentally destructive or costly modes of production
emissions intensity = tonne of emission (CO2-e) (or t CO2-e) per million dollars of revenue
emissions intensive trade exposed (EITE) = key element in Australia’s CPRS legislation
emissions targets = allowable level of emissions under Kyoto protocol
emissions trading = under the Kyoto protocol an Annex I Party may transfer some AAUs and/or CERs, ERUs or RMUs to another Annex I Party that finds it more difficult to meet its emissions target; it may not "over-sell" and then be unable to meet its own targets so must hold a minimum level of AAUs, CERs, ERUs and/or RMUs that cannot be traded
emissions unit = see Kyoto unit
EMP = environmental management plan
EEO = Energy Efficiencies Opportunities Program
energy efficiency ratio = measure of the rate at which energy input is converted into useful energy output
energy industries = industries that have as their main output energy for use by the provider of services requiring energy as their major input
energy industries emissions = GhGE from fuels combusted by the fuel extraction industries or the energy producing industries
energy intensity = productivity measure; units produced per unit of energy; useful in comparing the best use of available energy
energy intensity = the amount of energy used per unit of gross domestic product (GDP)
energy services = provider of services requiring energy as their major input
energy use = energy consumed in a production and certain period of time
environmental assessment = predict the impact on the environment of a proposed project throughout the life of the project; See Canadian Environmental Assessment Act
environmental management international standards = AS 1289.3.1.1-2009 Methods of testing soils for engineering purposes - Soil classification tests - Determination of the liquid limit of a soil - Four point Casagrande method; See SAI Global
environmental management international standards = AS 1289.3.1.2-2009 Methods of testing soils for engineering purposes - Soil classification tests - Determination of the liquid limit of a soil - One point Casagrande method (subsidiary method); See SAI Global
environmental management international standards = AS 1289.3.2.1-2009 Methods of testing soils for engineering purposes - Soil classification tests - Determination of the plastic limit of a soil - Standard method; See SAI Global
environmental management international standards = AS 1289.3.3.1-2009 Methods of testing soils for engineering purposes - Soil classification tests - Calculation of the plasticity index of a soil; See SAI Global
environmental management international standards = AS 1289.3.3.2-2009 Methods of testing soils for engineering purposes - Soil classification tests - Calculation of the cone plasticity index of a soil; See SAI Global
environmental management international standards = AS 1289.3.4.1-2008 Methods of testing soils for engineering purposes - Soil classification tests - Determination of the linear shrinkage of a soil - Standard method; See SAI Global
environmental management international standards = AS 4970-2009 Protection of trees on development sites; See SAI Global
environmental management international standards = AS/NZS ISO 14000 Basic Set:2007 Environmental Management Basic Set; See SAI Global
environmental management international standards = AS/NZS ISO 14001:2004 Environmental management systems - Requirements with guidance for use; See SAI Global
environmental management international standards = AS/NZS ISO 19011:2003 Guidelines for quality and/or environmental management systems auditing; See SAI Global
environmental management international standards = BS EN 973:2009 Chemicals used for treatment of water intended for human consumption. Sodium chloride for regeneration of ion exchangers; See SAI Global
environmental management international standards = BS EN ISO 15011-1:2009 Health and safety in welding and allied processes. Laboratory method for sampling fume and gases. Determination of fume emission rate during arc welding and collection of fume for analysis; See SAI Global
environmental management international standards = BS EN 16023. Characterization of waste. Determination of calorific value; See SAI Global
environmental management international standards = DC 09 / 30210 254; See SAI Global
environmental management international standards = BS EN 1406:2009 Chemicals used for treatment of water intended for human consumption. Modified starches; See SAI Global
environmental management international standards = DD ISO/TS 21220:2009 Particulate air filters for general ventilation. Determination of filtration performance; See SAI Global
environmental management international standards = ISO/DIS 11709 Soil quality - Determination of selected coal-tar derived phenolic compounds using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC); See SAI Global
environmental management international standards = ISO 16000-23:2009 Indoor air - Part 23: Performance test for evaluating the reduction of formaldehyde concentrations by sorptive building materials; See SAI Global
environmental management international standards = ISO 16000-24:2009 Indoor air - Part 24: Performance test for evaluating the reduction of volatile organic compound (except formaldehyde) concentrations by sorptive building materials; See SAI Global
environmental management international standards = ISO 21438-2:2009 Workplace atmospheres - Determination of inorganic acids by ion chromatography - Part 2: Volatile acids, except hydrofluoric acid (hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid and nitric acid); See SAI Global
environmental management international standards = ISO 24095:2009 Workplace air - Guidance for the measurement of respirable crystalline silica; See SAI Global
environmental management plan (EMP) = plan to control and minimise the impact of a project on the environment
environmental values = qualities we would like our environment/resources to be like
environmental damage = in poor countries
EEO – Energy Efficiencies Opportunities Programe = in poor countries
EPBC = Environment Protection & Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth)
EPHC = Environment Protection & Heritage Council (See national waste policy)
ERU = standard emissions reduction unit under Kyoto protocol
ESAS = Electricity Sector Adjustment Scheme (See Australia’s CPRS legislation)
ESC = Energy Savings Certificate (NSW State Government)
ESD = Ecologically Sustainable Development (such as National Starategy for ESD (1992))
ESRI = supplier of GIS applications, data, training, support
ESS = Energy Savings Scheme (NSW State Government) (replacing GGAS)
ethics dictionary = some important words for corporate ethics
ETS = emissions trading scheme
exa- (E) = ; 1018 or 260
excluded industry = key element in Australia’s CPRS legislation; particular exclusions include agriculture, legacy waste, emissions from closed landfills
excluded industry offset = key element in Australia’s CPRS legislation; the agricultural sector will be able to generate offsets, thus being able to create CPRS-free industry sectors such as forestry or to trade them; legacy waste and emissions from closed landfills may also be able to create domestic offsets to trade
facility = an activity, or a series of activities (including ancillary activities), that involve the production of greenhouse gas emissions, the production of energy or the consumption of energy and that form a single undertaking or enterprise and meet the requirements of the NGER Regulations
fairness = See burden share
final energy consumption = energy used by all end use sectors less energy used by energy industries and in energy transformation
financial assistance = key element in Australia’s CPRS legislation; direct assistance to particular polluters to assist them modify productive processes; (See also ESAS)
forest management = proper care of a forest, including apply scientific principles, to ensure it remains healthy
fossil fuel = fuel derived from a fossilised deposit
fossilised deposit = a geological deposit of matter that was once living; mainly oil, coal, natural gas
free permit = key element in Australia’s CPRS legislation; a way of providing transitional assistance; e.g. to the most emissions-intensive coal mines through the CSAS
FSC Australia = Forest Stewardship Council Australia
fuel combustion activities = energy industries, manufacturing industries and construction, transport, other sectors, other
fuel combustion emissions = GhGE from all fuel combustion activities
fugitive emissions = GhG emissions that are NFFE
functional unit = a means of expressing the greenhouse gas emissions of a product in a way that is meaningful for the product being investigated (for example kilograms of CO2-e per unit of product)
Gaia = the whole World as a living organism; interdependencies across the World determine the character of life on Earth
Garnaut Climate Change Review = a review on the impacts of climate change on the Australian economy, and recommendations for medium to long-term policies for sustainable prosperity, commissioned by Australia's state and territory governments on 30 April 2007 and confirmed by the Rudd Government; Interim Report presented 21 February 2008; Draft Report by 30 June 2008; Final Report by 30 September 2008
GDP = Gross Domestic Product
Generic Mapping Tools (GMT) = an open source collection of ~60 tools for manipulating geographic and Cartesian data sets (including filtering, trend fitting, gridding, projecting, etc.) and producing Encapsulated PostScript File (EPS) illustrations ranging from simple x-y plots via contour maps to artificially illuminated surfaces and 3-D perspective views.
GEMI = Global Environmental Management Initiative
geographic information system (GIS) = information technology with a specific focus on the spatial attributes of the World creating a system for visualising, capturing, storing, analysing and managing data based on spatial reference; See spatial analysis; See geospatial analysis; See resource management
geographic space = formal definition of spatial locations on the surface of the Earth; See spatial analysis; See geospatial analysis; See resource management
geospatial analysis = tools for understanding geographic space in order to properly locate matter under scrutiny, including GIS technology, GPS technology and the building of data sets; See spatial analysis combination of spatial software and analytical methods with terrestrial or geographic datasets
geothermal = the process of using the earth's internal heat
GGAS = Greenhouse Gas (Reduction Scheme) (State)
GhGE = greenhouse gas emissions
GhGR = greenhouse gas removals
GIS = geographic information system
giga- (G) = one billion; 109 or 230
Global Positioning System (GPS) = a U.S. space-based radionavigation system that provides reliable positioning, navigation, and timing services to civilian users on a continuous worldwide basis -- freely available to all. For anyone with a GPS receiver, the system will provide location and time. GPS provides accurate location and time information for an unlimited number of people in all weather, day and night, anywhere in the world.
global recession buffer (GRB) = key element in Australia’s CPRS legislation; assistance for EITE industries who meet the lower threshold will qualify for 66% assistance, and those meeting the higher threshold will qualify for 94.5% assistance; permanent inclusion of GRB for EITE industries, reducing at an annual level of 1.3%
global warming = the overall increase in world temperatures due to greenhouse gases
global warming potential (GWP) = the effect on global warming of an GhG when compared to the emission of CO2 = 1
GPS = Global Positioning System
grazing land management = the process of altering the balance of animal, soil and plants in order to gain a desired outcome
GRB = global recession buffer (See Australia’s CPRS legislation)
Green Paper = Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme Green Paper, July 2008
greenhouse effect = longwave radiation emitted from the Earth's surface is absorbed by a greenhouse gas in the atmosphere; an important natural occurrence necessary for life on Earth
greenhouse gas (GhG) = mainly CO2; CH4; N2O; PFCs; HFCs; and SF6
greenhouse gas emission (GhGE) = any process that results in an increase of GhG in the atmosphere
greenhouse gas removal (GhGR) = any process that results in a decrease of GhG in the atmosphere
greenhouse gas source and sink activities = afforestation, deforestation, reforestation, forest management, cropland management, grazing land management, revegetation
GTEM = Global Trade (and) Environment Model
GWP = global warming potential
halocarbons = anthropogenic compounds of carbon combined with (a) halogen(s); those halocarbons containing fluorine, chlorine and bromine contribute to ozone depletion and to enhanced greenhouse effect
halogens = the elements in the seventh period in the periodic table (fluorine (F), chlorine (Cl), bromine (Br), iodine (I), and astatine (At)
harnessing geo thermal geo electricity =
Hawke Review = review of Australia's main environmental law: EPBC Act tabled in Parliament 21 December 2009
hecto- (h) = one hundred; 102
HFC = hydrofluorocarbon
HGWP = high global warming potential
high voltage power supply (HVPS) =
highly treated recycled water =
HVDC = high voltage direct current
HVPS = high voltage power supply
hybrid power = powered by a combination of processes involving both fossil fuels and non-fossils fuels
hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) = a GhG
hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) = HFC-23=CHF3; HFC-32=CH2F2; HFC-41=CH3F; HFC-43-10mee=C5H2F10; HFC-125=C2HF5; HFC-134=C2H2F4; HFC-134a=CH2FCF3; HFC-152a=C2H4F2; HFC-143=C2H3F3; HFC-143a=C2H3F3; HFC-227ea=C3HF7; HFC-236fa=C3H2F6; HFC-245ca=C3H3F5
ICE = internal combustion engine
IEA = International Energy Agency
IGCC = integrated gasification combined cycle
impact = consequence; the outcome of an event or situation expressed qualitatively or quantitatively in an assessment, a loss, a cost, an injury, disadvantage, or a gain; See productive impact, sectoral impact, regional impact, distributive impact
industrial processes = mineral products, chemical industry, metal production, other production, production of halocarbons and carbon hexafluoride, consumption of halocarbons and carbon hexafluoride, other
industrial processes emissions = by-product or fugitive GhGE from industrial processes
integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC) =
integrated project team (IPT) =
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) = established by WMO and UNEP in 1988; open to all members of the WMO and the UN
international bunkers' emissions = GhGE from fuel use in ships or aircraft engaged in international transport
International Energy Agency (IEA) =
international target = (as defined in NCOS) the greenhouse gas emissions target that Australia has committed to meet by 2012 under the Kyoto protocol and the target agreed for Australia in any replacement to the Kyoto protocol
IPCC = Intergovernmental Panel (on) Climate Change
joint implementation (JI) = a market-based implementation mechanism defined in Article 6 of the Kyoto protocol, allowing Annex I countries or companies from these countries to implement projects jointly that limit or reduce emissions or enhance sinks, and to share the ERUs
kilo- (k) or (K) = one thousand; 103 or 210
Kyoto Protocol = Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (Kyoto, Japan, 11 December, 1997); in force 16 February 2006; to stabilise atmospheric concentrations of GhG at a level that will prevent dangerous interference with the climate
Kyoto Protocol = YES = registered as seeking to ratify the protocol and at present have obtained a status of ratification: accessed, approved, accepted, or ratified: Albania; Algeria; Antigua and Barbuda; Argentina; Armenia; Australia; Austria; Azerbaijan; Bahamas; Bahrain; Bangladesh; Belarus; Barbados; Belgium; Belize; Benin; Bhutan; Bolivia; Bosnia and Herzegovina; Botswana; Brazil; Bulgaria; Burkina Faso; Burundi; Cambodia; Cameroon; Canada; Cape Verde; Chile; China; Colombia; Congo; Cook Islands; Costa Rica; Côte d`Ivoire; Croatia; Cuba; Cyprus; Czech Republic; Democratic People's Republic of Korea; Democratic Republic of the Congo; Denmark; Djibouti; Dominican Republic; Ecuador; Egypt; El Salvador; Equatorial Guinea; Eritrea; Estonia; Ethiopia; European Community; Fiji; Finland; France; Gabon; Gambia; Georgia; Germany; Ghana; Greece; Grenada; Guatemala; Guinea; Guinea-Bissau; Guyana; Honduras; Hungary; Iceland; India; Indonesia; Iran (Islamic Republic of); Ireland; Israel; Italy; Jamaica; Japan; Jordan; Kazakhstan; Kenya; Kiribati; Kuwait; Kyrgyzstan; Lao People's Democratic Republic; Latvia; Lebanon; Lesotho; Liberia; Libyan Arab Jamahiriya; Liechtenstein; Lithuania; Luxembourg; Madagascar; Malawi; Malaysia; Maldives; Mali; Malta; Marshall Islands; Mauritania; Mauritius; Mexico; Micronesia (Federated States of); Monaco; Mongolia; Montenegro; Morocco; Mozambique; Myanmar; Namibia; Nauru; Nepal; Netherlands; New Zealand; Nicaragua; Niger; Nigeria; Niue; Norway; Oman; Pakistan; Panama; Papua New Guinea; Paraguay; Peru; Philippines; Poland; Portugal; Qatar; Republic of Korea; Republic of Moldova; Romania; Russian Federation; Rwanda; Saint Lucia; Saint Vincent and the Grenadines; Saudi Arabia; Senegal; Seychelles; Sierra Leone; Singapore; Slovakia; Slovenia; Solomon Islands; South Africa; Spain; Sri Lanka; Sudan; Suriname; Swaziland; Sweden; Switzerland; Syrian Arab Republic; Thailand; The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia; Togo; Trinidad and Tobago; Tunisia; Turkmenistan; Tuvalu; Uganda; Ukraine; United Arab Emirates; United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland; United Republic of Tanzania; Uruguay; Uzbekistan; Viet Nam; Yemen; Zambia; Zambia;
Kyoto Protocol = NO = registered as not seeking to ratify the protocol: United States of America
Kyoto unit = an emissions unit recognised for compliance under the Kyoto protocol. Kyoto units include (AAUs), CERs (including tCERs and lCERss), ERUs and RMUs
L = litres
land use emissions = GhGE from activities relating to land use (use of forest land, cropland, grassland, wetlands, settlements and other land)
land-use change and forestry emissions = GhGE from activities relating to land-use change and forestry change activities (activities impact on three different carbon sources/sinks: aboveground biomass, belowground biomass and soil carbon)
LCD = liquid crystal display
LCER = long-term certified emission reduction (lCER)
LED = light emitting diode
level-three water restrictions = water restrictions that outline flexible watering times
LHV = lower heat value
life cycle assessment = the compilation and evaluation of the inputs, outputs and the potential environmental impacts of a product system throughout its life cycle
link between poverty, deforestation and desertification =
liquefied natural gas (LNG) = natural gas (predominantly methane, CH4) that has been converted temporarily to liquid form for ease of storage or transport
liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) = natural gas (predominantly methane, CH4) that has been converted temporarily to liquid form for ease of storage or transport
LRET = Large-scale Renewable Energy Target
maintain appropriate flows = for irrigation
MCE = Ministerial Council on Energy
MRET = mandatory renewable energy target
manufacturing = The fabrication of raw materials into a product
marine emissions = emissions from fuel use in ships engaged in international transport
mega- (M) = one million; 106 or 220
MEP = minimum energy performance
MEPS = minimum energy performance standards
methane (CH4) = a GhG; an odourless inflammable gas, formed from decaying organic matter, found in rice cultivation, domestic grazing animals, termites, landfills, coal mining, and oil and gas extraction
micro- (µ) = one-millionth; 10-6
milli- (m) = one-thousandth; 10-3
mitigate = a formal response to the possible outcome of risk; concentrate on impact after it has occurred; in special circumstances it may be possible to plan things in such a way that, if the event does occur, it will have little or no impact. This is especially relevant to circumstances where risks have arisen because of bad conditions or bad planning
mitigation strategy = a strategy of mitigation of impact of bad policies in the past; see domestic mitigation strategy
Mtoe = megatonne (of) oil equivalent
MRET = Mandatory Renewable Energy Target
multiple carbon budgets = Garnaut proposes a budget for a strategy for what Australia is prepared to do initially as part of the developed country contribution to keeping open the possibility of effective, comprehensive global agreement; and others representing what Australia would be prepared to do in the context of effective, global action; See Garnaut Climate Change Review
n = nano-
N2O = nitrous oxide
nano- (n) = 10-9
National Carbon Offset Standard (NCOS) = The National Carbon Offset Standard applies to the voluntary carbon market, which is complementary to, but operates outside of, the CPRS. It provides guidance on what constitutes a genuine, additional offset credit for the voluntary carbon market in the context of the CPRS, including offsets from increased soil carbon and from other land-based emissions sources. It sets minimum requirements for the verification and retirement of voluntary carbon credits and provides guidance for calculating the carbon footprint of an organisation or product for the purpose of achieving ‘carbon neutrality’. It also provides a voluntary standard for businesses to use in becoming carbon neutral or for developing carbon neutral products. A logo will be made available so that consumers can have confidence that organisations and products bearing the logo have achieved carbon neutrality in a way that complements the CPRS and achieves genuine emissions reductions.
National Pollutant Inventory (NPI) =
National Registry of Emissions Units (NREU) =
national waste policy = EPHC:"Less Waste, More resources" (November, 2009)
National Geoscience Datasets =
National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting (NGER) =
National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Act 2007 =
NCOS = National Carbon Offset Standard
NEMMCO = National Electricity Market Management Company
NFFE = non-fossil-fuel emissions
NGCC = natural gas combined cycle
NGER = National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting
NGER = NGER Compliance & Enforcement Policy (under NGER Regulations 2008)
NGER = NGER Reporting Guidelines
NGER System = the national reporting framework for information related to the greenhouse gas emissions, and energy production and use of corporations operating in Australia. The framework is established under Commonwealth legislation, which makes registration and reporting mandatory for corporations whose greenhouse gas emissions or energy production or use meet certain thresholds.
NGO = non-governmental organisation
NGR = natural gas renewable
nitrogen dioxide (NO2) = a GhG
nitrous oxides (NOx) = a range of gases released during combustion and causing environmental effects including acidification and greenhouse
NMVOC = non-methane volatile organic compounds
NMVOC emissions = chemicals other than methane that contain carbon, including alcohols, aldehydes, alkanes, aromatics, halocarbons and ketones
NO = nitric oxide
NO2 = nitrogen dioxide
NOx = nitrous oxides
non-energy emissions = GhGE from solvent product emissions and industrial processes
non-fossil-fuel emissions (NFFE) = emissions from activities than do not involve the burning of fossil fuels; such as methane released in the mining process; methane from livestock; methane released from sewage; GhG from cement production
Non-Kyoto international emissions units = A prescribed unit issued in accordance with an international agreement (other than the Kyoto protocol) or a prescribed unit issued outside Australia under a law of a foreign country
NPI = National Pollutant Inventory
NREU = National Registry of Emissions Units
nutrients = A substance that provides plants food, includes vitamins and minerals
NWC = National Water Commission; See NWC's Water Dictionary
ocean acidification = increased carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere results in more CO2 being dissolved in water (H2O) increasing the level of carbonic acid (H2CO3) in the ocean; a threat to exisiting ocean life forms
oe = oil equivalent
OGC = Open Geospatial Consortium
Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) = organisation that develops standards for geospatial and location based services
0perational control = the corporation recognised under NCOS as possessing the authority to introduce and implement (i) operating policies; (ii) health and safety policies; and (iii) environmental policies for the facility
ORER = Office (of the) Renewable Energy Regulator
OTN = Obligation Transfer Number
offset = key element in Australia’s CPRS legislation
Pa = pascal
parabolic trough = a form of CSP
pascal (Pa) = standard measurement for pressure
PC = pulverised coal
perfluorocarbons (PFCs) = a GhG
perfluorocarbons (PFCs) = perfluoromethane=CH4; perfluoroethane=C2F6; perfluoropropane=C3F8; perfluorobutane=C4F10; perfluorocyclobutane=c-C4F8; perfluoropentane=C5F12; perfluorohexane=C6F14;
permanent = (as defined by NCOS) offsets have actually occurred and the carbon stored or sequestered is guaranteed not to be released into the atmosphere in the future
permanent inland water = effect on rainfall: addressed by Hope et al (2004); See http://www.cawcr.gov.au/.../Hope_etal2004.pdf
peta- (P) = ; 1015 or 250
PFCs = perfluorocarbons
photovoltaic (PV) = conversion process; light (photons) into voltage
photovoltaic cell = an electric cell that transforms light into voltage
photovoltaic energy = electricity resulting from PV process; a form of solar power
population growth = Different rates of for rich and poor countries
poverty = Condition of being in a state of deprivation, with inadequate resources and income
primary food processing assistance = assistance to the primary food processing through the CCAF, a key element in Australia’s CPRS legislation
productive impact = impact is analysed by assigning it to particular meaningful horizontal production types across all sectors of the economy; meaningful in terms of both cause and effect and policies for amelioration of risk and mitigation of impact; production is often analysed by super sectors defined by the methods they employ such as industrial, commercial, financial, etc.
pulverised coal (PC) = secondary (or milled) form of coal prepared for ultra supercritical steam generators
quality =
radiative = transfer by, or occurring as a result of, radiation
radiative forcing = instantaneous warming effect attributed to a concentration of greenhouse gases and aerosols in the atmosphere, measured in Watts per m2; due to CO2, methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (NO2) and halocarbons: Also stratospheric and tropospheric ozone, aerosols and linear contrails (See Garnaut Climate Change Review)
REC = Renewable Energy Certificate (NSW State Government)
RECA = Renewable Energy Certificate Agent (NSW State Government)
recycled water = Treated water that is used/reused more than once
recycling = Process of sorting materials, taking unuseful waste and turning it into a product
REDD = reductions in deforestation and degradation (in developing countries), (global scheme promoting projects for first world countries to finance)
REDD agreement = an agreement between a first world country and a third word country to finance reductions in deforestation and degradation
reduce the discharge of nutrients =
reforestation = Re-stocking/re-planting an area with trees, an area that had bee previous cleared
regional impact = impact is analysed by assigning it to a meaningful region; meaningful in terms of both cause and effect and policies for amelioration of risk and mitigation of impact; regions are defined socially, physically and economically; in Australia region has weak meaning; in Australia the most significant regional defining factor is water, a region could first be defined by the ridge defining the flow of water; since water is also huge in industrial production and power, water probably offers the most useful initial defining factor for analysing regional impact
Registry, the = National Registry of Emissions Units (NREU)
release =
removals = the opposite of emissions
removal unit (RMU) = a Kyoto unit; one metric tonne of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions sequestered and issued for removals of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere by eligible land use, land-use change and forestry activities
renewable energy = energy derived from renewables
renewable energy fuel = fuel replaced by renewable energy
renewable energy production = products derived from a process that uses renewable energy as a major resource
renewables = a source that cannot be exhausted - wind, wave, solar, geothermal, biomass, etc.
RER = Renewable Energy Regulator; See ORER ; See RET
RES = Renewable Energy Scheme
resource management = a management system that uses GIS for siteing, permitting and asset management;
revegetation = The re-growth/re-establishment of a vegetation area that had previous been cleared
risk =
RMU = standard removal unit under Kyoto protocol
SAI = Strongly Affected Industry (See Australia’s CPRS legislation)
Scope 1 emissions = (as defined in NCOS) the release of greenhouse gas into the atmosphere as a direct result of activities at a Facility.
Scope 2 emissions = (as defined in NCOS) the release of greenhouse gas as a result of electricity generation, heating, cooling or steam that is consumed by a Facility.
Scope 3 emissions = (as defined in NCOS) the release of greenhouse gas into the atmosphere that is generated in the wider economy as a consequence of a facility’s activities but that are physically produced by another Facility.
sectoral impact = impact is analysed by assigning it to a meaningful sector of the economy; meaningful in terms of both cause and effect and policies for amelioration of risk and mitigation of impact; sectors are often defined by the resources they employ and the products they produce
SEER = seasonal energy efficiency ratio
sequestration = (as defined in NCOS) the removal of atmospheric carbon dioxide, either through biological processes (for example, photosynthesis in plants and trees), or geological processes (for example, storage of carbon dioxide in underground reservoirs).
sewage treatment plants (STPs) = protects water quality
share = See burden share
SHRC = sustainability (&) human resources committee
sink = cause of net decrease in GhG emissions
sink = the creation of a storage unit in geological or oceanic formations; may be used for carbon capture and storage, etc.
sink = See carbon sink.
SF6 = sulphur hexafluoride
solar power = energy from the sun is collected and converted into energy that is useable; solar photovoltaic energy systems/processes convert photons to electricity and solar concentrated thermal energy systems/processes (often referred to as CSP) convert heat from the sun to electricity typically using steam
solvent product emissions = GhGE resulting from the use of solvents and other products containing volatile compounds
SOP = standard operating procedures
source = cause of net increase in GhG emissions
spatial = existing in and therefore impacted by the character of space
spatial analysis = analysis which seeks to understand the character of space which includes geospatial analysis; a number of disciplines have used spatial analysis as fundamental to their concerns, many of which are today crucial to understanding the current state of the World (a coming together which has been seriously promoted as being required to properly understand the World as a living organism (or Gaia) and failure to do so will leave man incapable of fully understanding the interdependencies that are fundamental to life on Earth) including cartography, geography, topography, meteorology, climatology, botany, biology, ecology, epidemiology, demography, etc., all of which need a proper handling of the concept of space
spatial data = data sets that are based on spatial analysis
spatial data infrastructural analysis = a discipline that seeks to combine all data sets that are based on spatial analysis
SRES = Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme
stormwater harvesting = the process of the collection and re-use of rain water
Strongly Affected Industry (SAI) = key element in Australia’s CPRS legislation; an industry that will receive direct assistance through the Electricity Sector Adjustment Scheme (ESAS) (coal-fired electricity generation industry)
STP = sewage treatment plants
sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) = a GhG
sustainability = the ability to continue into the long term; the ability of a system to co-exist with another system without negative impact on that other system's sustainability
sustainability attributes = quality features of a location, building, product, services, etc. that impact (positive or negative) on sustainability
sustainability (&) human resources committee (SHRC) = a board sub-committee set up to review the past corporate sustainability performance of a given period and impact on future corporate policy and procedures and key business decisions such as SSOPs to bring about or improve sustainability
sustainability performance = formal units of measure to enable evaluation of actual sustainability against a sustainability plan
sustainability performance objectives = formal objectives of a sustainability plan based on scientific excellence and current best practice that will result in highest levels of achievable sustainability
sustainability plan = a special business plan or corporate strategic plan that has sustainability performance objectives as key
t = tonne
t CO2-e = emissions intensity (tonne(s) of CO2 emission); level of pollution
t CO2-e per = level of rate of pollution of a particular productive process e.g. 1t CO2-e per megawatt-hour
target = See carbon target
TECAP = Transitional Electricity Cost Assistance Program (See Australian CPRS legislation)
tera- (T) = one trillion; 1012 or 240
tertiary effluent = Final treatment stage of sewage water before it is discharged into the environment
transitional assistance = key element in Australia’s CPRS legislation; special treatment of particular polluters, e.g. the most emissions-intensive coal mines receiving free permits under the CSAS
Transitional Electricity Cost Assistance Program (TECAP) = additional assistance under Australian CPRS legislation to various businesses, such as mining and oil and gas extraction, to help them deal with increased electricity price
transport emissions = GhGE from the combustion and evaporation of fuel for all transport activity, regardless of the sector, but excluding emissions from fuel sold to any air or marine vessel engaged in international transport (see international bunkers' fuels)
ultra supercritical = steam generators operating at >566°C/30 megapascals
UN stats = United Nations stats related to climate change
UNEP = United Nations Environment Programme
UNFCCC = United Nations Framework Convention (on) Climate Change
United Nations Framework Convention (on) Climate Change =
VCU = Voluntary Carbon Unit
VCS = Voluntary Carbon Standard
VOC = volatile organic compound
volatile organic compound (VOC) = chemical compound based on carbon chains or rings with a vapour pressure of more than 2mm of mercury (0.27 kPa) at 25°C (NPI)
Voluntary Carbon Unit (VCU) = one metric tonne of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions reduced, certified and issued under the VCS
Voluntary Carbon Standard (VCS) =
Voluntary Emissions Reduction (VER) = emission reduction units that have been generated according to defined voluntary standards
voluntary emissions reporting = a scheme to involve the agricultural sector following permanent exclusion of agricultural emissions from Australia’s CPRS scheme (See agriculture emissions exclusion)
voluntary emissions reporting trial = a scheme to help the agricultural sector better understand and manage its emissions following their permanent exclusion from Australia’s CPRS scheme (See agriculture emissions exclusion)
waste activities = solid waste disposal on land, waste water handling, waste incineration, other
waste emissions = emissions from solid waste disposal on land, wastewater, waste incineration and any other waste management activity
Water Loss Management Program = joint initiative of the Local Government and Shires Associations of NSW, the Water Directorate, and the Australian Government
water recycling = re-using and reclaiming treated waste water
Water Smart Australia = Water Loss Management Program
White Paper = Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme: Australia’s Low Pollution Future, White Paper, December 2008
widening gap = between rich and poor
widening pay gap = was an issue
wind power = continues to be a big renewable energy issue
wind farms = large windmills condensed in one area to produce energy
WLMP = Water Loss Management Program
WMO = World Meteorological Organization
World Geodetic System (WGS) = a standard coordinate frame for the Earth, a standard spheroidal reference surface (the datum or reference ellipsoid) for raw altitude data, and a gravitational equipotential surface (the geoid) that defines the nominal sea level (Refer: Wikipedia)
yotta- (Y) = ; 1024 or 280
zero = ; 100 or 20
zetta- (Z) = ; 1021 or 270
LINKS
Climate Institute
FutureForum
National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting (NGER)
World Resources Institute (WRI)