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Sustainability is becoming an increasingly hot topic and increasingly complex to deal with, given its many facets and facets. To be able to talk about it knowledgeably, appropriate skills and mastery of the right terminology are required. This is precisely why we thought of compiling a "Sustainability Glossary." Since the terms are numerous, we decided to divide it into several articles: today we will discuss the general concepts of sustainability.
Agreement signed by 194 countries and the EU that aims to limit global warming to below 2°C, continuing efforts to circumscribe it to 1.5°C in order to avoid serious consequences from climate change. To achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement, countries must set targets for their climate efforts every five years, increasing their level of ambition over time.
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Plant-derived fuel obtained from biomass, generally of agricultural origin. The biomasses most commonly used as biofuels are corn, wheat, beet, and sugarcane.
The carbon cycle is the process by which carbon is exchanged between the atmosphere, oceans, soil, plants and animals. This natural cycle is critical to the regulation of Earth's climate, as carbon can be found in different forms, such as CO2 in the air or carbonates in sediments.
International treaty established in 1992 during the Rio Earth Summit, with the goal of preventing "dangerous anthropogenic interference" with the climate system. It brings together almost every country in the world and establishes the basis for global cooperation on climate change.
Annual summit organized by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) where participating countries negotiate agreements to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and address climate change. During the 2015 Paris COP, for example, the Paris Agreement, an important international climate treaty, was signed.
Carbon dioxide is a naturally and anthropogenically produced greenhouse gas, particularly from the burning of fossil fuels (oil, coal, natural gas). It is the main contributor to global warming, as it traps heat in the atmosphere. Reducing CO2 emissions is crucial to limiting climate change.
Expression for refers to the global climate emergency caused by anthropogenic activities, such as fossil fuel consumption, deforestation and intensive agriculture. Effects include rising temperatures, extreme weather events, melting glaciers and ocean acidification.
Deforestation is the destruction of forests caused mainly by agricultural expansion, ranching, timber harvesting and urban development. In addition to reducing biodiversity, deforestation contributes to climate change because forests are an important source of mitigation by absorbing CO2 while producing oxygen.
A process of soil degradation that leads to loss of fertility and thus loss of vegetation, both wild and cultivated. It is caused by a combination of factors, including climate change, deforestation, and unsustainable agricultural practices. It threatens food security and water supply in many regions.
Economic model that promotes the efficient use of resources by reducing waste, reusing, repairing and recycling products. In contrast to the linear economy (take, make, discard), the circular economy aims to maintain the value of materials and products for as long as possible.
An economy that pursues sustainable development by reducing environmental risks and ecological impact. In a "green economy," economic growth is linked to environmental protection, improved human welfare and social equity.
Set of practices and technologies that aim to reduce energy consumption while maintaining or improving performance. It involves reducing waste and increasing the efficiency of energy systems, such as through the use of high-efficiency electrical machines, renewable energy generation, and building insulation.
Emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O), generated mainly from human activities, including agriculture and livestock farming. Agricultural emissions come mainly from the use of chemical fertilizers and livestock farming.
Energy produced from sources that naturally regenerate and have less environmental impact than fossil fuels. Examples include solar, wind, hydropower and geothermal energy. Their use is crucial to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and combating climate change.
United Nations organization concerned with food security and the promotion of sustainable agricultural practices globally.
Production and distribution system that reduces the number of intermediaries between the agricultural producer and the final consumer, promoting the purchase of local products and the reduction of transport-related emissions.
Movement that emphasizes the importance of equity in climate policies, recognizing that climate change disproportionately affects the most vulnerable communities, such as people in developing countries, who have contributed the least to the problem but suffer the most from its consequences.
Group of the world's twenty largest economies that come together to discuss global economic issues, including climate change and environmental policies. Their decisions can significantly influence global climate policies.
Environmental impact refers to the effects that an activity or project has on the natural environment. It can be positive or negative and includes aspects such as air and water pollution, loss of biodiversity, use of natural resources, and waste generation. Environmental impact assessment is essential to manage and reduce negative effects on the planet.
The digital footprint refers to the environmental impact of using digital technologies, such as the energy consumed by servers hosting data or the life cycle of electronic devices. It also includes e-waste generation and associated pollution.
Indicator measuring the impact of human activities on the environment, represented by the amount of natural resources used to sustain our way of life, including agricultural production.
A term for the acquisition of large areas of land by governments or private companies, often in developing countries. These acquisitions can undermine the rights of local communities, causing loss of access to natural resources and contributing to problems such as deforestation and food insecurity.
The term refers to countries that are home to a large percentage of the world's biodiversity. These countries, such as Brazil and Indonesia, have extremely rich and diverse ecosystems, but are often threatened by human activities such as deforestation and exploitation of natural resources.
In the climate context, mitigation refers to efforts to reduce or prevent greenhouse gas emissions, helping to slow climate change. Mitigation strategies include adopting renewable energy, increasing energy efficiency and reforestation.
International agreement adopted in 1997 that committed industrialized countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It was the first such treaty and set the stage for subsequent agreements, such as the 2015 Paris Agreement.
The increase in global average temperature, mainly caused by the increase in greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere due to human activities. This phenomenon is responsible for extreme weather events, melting of glaciers and rising sea levels.
Food security is the condition in which all people, at all times, have physical, social and economic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food to meet their nutritional needs and food preferences, enabling a healthy and active life.
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