Kamus Rimbawan (Bahasa Inggris)

Glosarry Climate Change

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A

Abatement

Refers to reducing the degree or intensity of greenhouse-gas emissions.

Activities implemented jointly (AIJ)

Activities carried out under the Convention to mitigate climate change through partnerships between an investor from a developed country and a counterpart in a host country under a pilot phase that ended in the year 2000. The purpose was to involve private-sector money in the transfer of technology and know-how. See also Joint Implementation.

Adaptation

Adjustment in natural or human systems in response to actual or expected climatic stimuli or their effects, which moderates harm or exploits beneficial opportunities.

Adaptation Fund

The Adaptation Fund was established to finance concrete adaptation projects and programmes in developing countries that are Parties to the Kyoto Protocol.  The Fund is to be financed with a share of proceeds from clean development mechanism (CDM) project activities and receive funds from other sources. 

Additionality

Measurable, long-term greenhouse gas emissions reductions and/or removal enhancements that would not have occurred in the absence of a particular project, policy or activity.

Afforestation

Afforestation is defined under the Kyoto Protocol as the direct human-induced conversion of non-forest land to permanent forested land (for a period of at least 50 years).

Afforestation

Planting of new forests on lands that historically have not contained forests.

AFOLU

AFOLU is the acronym for Agriculture, Forestry and Other Land Uses recommended by the IPCC in 2006 as a new term covering LULUCF (Land Use, Land Use Change and Forestry) and agriculture.

Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS)

An ad hoc coalition of low-lying and island countries. These nations are particularly vulnerable to rising sea levels and share common positions on climate change. The 43 members and observers are American Samoa, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Cape Verde, Comoros, Cook Islands, Cuba, Cyprus, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Grenada, Guam, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Kiribati, Maldives,  Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Nauru, Netherlands Antilles, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Seychelles, Singapore, Solomon Islands, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, US Virgin Islands, and Vanuatu.

Amendment

A modification by the COP to the text of the Convention. If consensus cannot be reached, an amendment must win three-quarters of the votes of all Parties present and casting ballots.

Annex I Parties

Industrialised countries that, as parties to the Framework Convention on Climate Change, have pledged to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by the year 2000 to 1990 levels. Annex I Parties consist of countries belonging to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development and countries designated as 'economies in transition'.

Annex I Parties

The industrialized countries listed in this annex to the Convention which were committed return their greenhouse-gas emissions to 1990 levels by the year 2000 as per Article 4.2 (a) and (b). They have also accepted emissions targets for the period 2008-12 as per Article 3 and Annex B of the Kyoto Protocol. They include the 24 original OECD members, the European Union, and 14 countries with economies in transition. (Croatia, Liechtenstein, Monaco, and Slovenia joined Annex 1 at COP-3, and the Czech Republic and Slovakia replaced Czechoslovakia.).

Annex II Parties

List established under the UNFCCC of industrialised countries, excluding economies in transition, that are to provide new and additional resources to help developing countries meet existing commitments under the UNFCCC. (http://www.scidev.net/en/climate-change-and-energy/definitions).

Annex II Parties

The countries listed in Annex II to the Convention which have a special obligation to provide financial resources and facilitate technology transfer to developing countries. Annex II Parties include the 24 original OECD members plus the European Union. (http://www.carbonplanet.com/definitions)

Anthropogenic greenhouse emissions

Greenhouse-gas emissions resulting from human activities. (http://www.carbonplanet.com/definitions)

Article 4.1

An article of the Convention stipulating general commitments assumed by all Parties, developing or developed. (http://www.carbonplanet.com/definitions)

Article 4.2

An article of the Convention stating the specific commitments of developed-country (Annex I) Parties only � notably that they would take measures aimed to return greenhouse-gas emissions to 1990 levels by the year 2000. (http://www.carbonplanet.com/definitions)

Article 6

Supervisory Committee A committee providing international oversight of "track-two" joint implementation projects. Joint implementation projects are carried out by sponsoring and recipient developed countries under Article 6 of the Kyoto Protocol � with the recipient likely to be a country with an "economy in transition". Track-two is used if one or both of the countries does not meet requirements for the standard ("track one") joint implementation programme.  See track two. (http://www.carbonplanet.com/definitions)

Assigned amount unit (AAU)

A Kyoto Protocol unit equal to 1 metric tonne of CO₂ equivalent.  Each Annex I Party issues AAUs up to the level of its assigned amount, established pursuant to Article 3, paragraphs 7 and 8, of the Kyoto Protocol. Assigned amount units may be exchanged through emissions trading. (http://www.carbonplanet.com/definitions)

Avoided deforestation

This occurs where land that would otherwise have been deforested is not because of a change in policy, funding, etc. (http://www.scidev.net/en/climate-change-and-energy/definitions).

B

Bali Action Plan

One part of the Bali Roadmap, the Bali Action Plan is the name given to a decision taken by the Conference of the Parties to the UNFCCC that specifically concerns negotiations on future amendments of the convention itself. The decision establishes an Ad Hoc Working Group on Long-term Cooperative Action to consider specific issues, also set out in the Action Plan, with a view to reaching agreement at the UNFCCC negotiations to be held in Copenhagen in December 2009. (http://www.scidev.net/en/climate-change-and-energy/definitions).

Bali roadmap

The collection of decisions and conclusions adopted by the parties to the UNFCCC and to the Kyoto Protocol at the 2007 UNFCCC conference in Bali, Indonesia. The roadmap provides a process for agreeing future revisions and additions to the UNFCCC and the Kyoto Protocol. It sets the aim of finalising all post-2012 discussions by the UNFCCC negotiations to be held in Copenhagen in December 2009. (http://www.scidev.net/en/climate-change-and-energy/definitions).

Baseline

Also called 'reference line', a baseline can refer to three concepts: (i) the historical baseline, that is, the rate of deforestation and forest degradation (DD) and the resulting CO2 emissions over the past x years; (ii) the projected DD under a business-as-usual scenario; and (iii) a benchmark for rewarding the country (or project). (http://www.scidev.net/en/climate-change-and-energy/definitions).

Berlin Mandate

Adopted at COP-1, the mandate that launched negotiations leading to the adoption of the Kyoto Protocol. (http://www.carbonplanet.com/definitions)

Biodiversity

The number of living organisms, and the variability among them and their environments. (http://www.scidev.net/en/climate-change-and-energy/definitions).

Biological Diversity

Biological Diversity � more commonly known as biodiversity � is a collective term used to describe the totality and variety of living organisms on Earth. Biodiversity is usually classified at three levels � genes, species and ecosystems. (http://www.scidev.net/en/climate-change-and-energy/definitions).

Biomass fuels or biofuels

A fuel produced from dry organic matter or combustible oils produced by plants. These fuels are considered renewable as long as the vegetation producing them is maintained or replanted, such as firewood, alcohol fermented from sugar, and combustible oils extracted from soy beans. Their use in place of fossil fuels cuts greenhouse gas emissions because the plants that are the fuel sources capture carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. (http://www.carbonplanet.com/definitions)

Bonn agreements

Informal term for a political deal reached at COP-6 in Bonn, Germany, in 2001, by which governments agreed on the most politically controversial issues under the Buenos Aires Plan of Action. The Bonn agreements paved the way for the Marrakech Accords later in the same year. (http://www.carbonplanet.com/definitions)

Bonn fund

A special UNFCCC fund for contributions from the Government of Germany to cover costs of UNFCCC events held in Bonn. (http://www.carbonplanet.com/definitions)

Brazilian proposal

A proposal by the delegation of Brazil made in May 1997 as part of the negotiations on the Kyoto Protocol.  It included a formula to set differentiated emission reduction targets for Parties based to the cumulative impact of Parties' historic emissions on the global average surface temperature. (http://www.carbonplanet.com/definitions)

Bunker fuels�

A term used to refer to fuels consumed for international marine and air transport. (http://www.carbonplanet.com/definitions)

Bureau

A body responsible for directing the work of the COP. Its 10 members are delegates elected by each of five regional groups. The Bureau includes the COP President, six Vice Presidents, the Chairs of SBI and SBSTA, and a rapporteur. Each of the Convention's subsidiary bodies also has a Bureau. (http://www.carbonplanet.com/definitions)

C

CACAM

Negotiating coalition of countries of Central Asia and the Caucasus, Albania, and the Republic of Moldova. (http://www.carbonplanet.com/definitions)

Cap and trade

An emissions trading system where an international or national regulator establishes an overall cap on emissions, issues emission units or rights, and allows the transfer and acquisition of such rights. (http://www.scidev.net/en/climate-change-and-energy/definitions).

Capacity building

In the context of climate change, the process of developing the technical skills and institutional capability in developing countries and economies in transition to enable them to address effectively the causes and results of climate change. (http://www.carbonplanet.com/definitions)

Carbon Dioxide (CO2)

The greenhouse gas whose concentration is being most affected directly by human activities. Carbon dioxide also serves as the reference to compare all other greenhouse gases (see carbon dioxide equivalents). The major source of carbon dioxide emissions is fossil fuel combustion. Carbon dioxide emissions are also a product of forest clearing, biomass burning, and non-energy production processes such as cement production. Atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide have been increasing at a rate of about 0.5 per cent per year, and are now about 30 per cent above pre-industrial levels. (http://www.scidev.net/en/climate-change-and-energy/definitions).

Carbon market

A popular but misleading term for a trading system through which countries may buy or sell units of greenhouse-gas emissions in an effort to meet their national limits on emissions, either under the Kyoto Protocol or under other agreements, such as that among member states of the European Union. The term comes from the fact that carbon dioxide is the predominant greenhouse gas and other gases are measured in units called "carbon-dioxide equivalents." (http://www.carbonplanet.com/definitions)

Carbon markets

Any market in which carbon emissions trading, usually in the form of carbon credits, takes place. Markets consist of voluntary markets (where emissions reductions targets are not regulated) and compliance markets (where carbon credits are traded to meet regulated emissions reductions targets). The largest carbon market is currently (2009) the EU's Emissions Trading System. (http://www.scidev.net/en/climate-change-and-energy/definitions).

Carbon sequestration

The process of removing carbon from the atmosphere and depositing it in a reservoir. (http://www.carbonplanet.com/definitions)

Carbon Sequestration

The uptake and storage of carbon. Trees and plants, for example, absorb carbon dioxide, release the oxygen and store the carbon. Fossil fuels were at one time biomass and continue to store the carbon until burned. (http://www.scidev.net/en/climate-change-and-energy/definitions).

Carbon Sinks

Carbon reservoirs and conditions that take in and store more carbon (carbon sequestration) than they release. Carbon sinks can serve to partially offset greenhouse gas emissions. Forests and oceans are common carbon sinks. (http://www.scidev.net/en/climate-change-and-energy/definitions).

Carbon source

A reservoir that gives up carbon to another reservoir within the carbon cycle. For example, if the net exchange is between the biosphere and the atmosphere is towards the ocean, then the atmosphere is the source. (http://www.scidev.net/en/climate-change-and-energy/definitions).

Carbon Stock

Carbon stocks include carbon stored in vegetation (above and below ground), decomposing matter, soil, wood products and the carbon substituted by burning wood for energy instead of fossil fuels. (http://www.scidev.net/en/climate-change-and-energy/definitions).

CBD Convention on Biological Diversity. (http://www.carbonplanet.com/definitions)

CC:TRAIN

Training methodology for assessing vulnerability to climate change. (http://www.carbonplanet.com/definitions)

Certified Emission Reduction (CER)

A CER is a unit of greenhouse gas reductions that has been generated and certified under the Kyoto Protocol's Clean Development Mechanism (CDM). One CER equals one tonne of carbon. Two special types of CERs can be issued for net emission removals from afforestation and reforestation CDM projects: (i) temporary certified emission reduction (tCERs); and (ii) long-term certified emission reductions (lCERs) (http://www.scidev.net/en/climate-change-and-energy/definitions).

Certified emission reductions (CER)

A Kyoto Protocol unit equal to 1 metric tonne of CO₂ equivalent.  CERs are issued for emission reductions from CDM project activities.  Two special types of CERs called temporary certified emission reduction (tCERs) and long-term certified emission reductions (lCERs) are issued for emission removals from afforestation and reforestation CDM projects. (http://www.carbonplanet.com/definitions)

CGE

Consultative Group of Experts on National Communications from Parties not included in Annex I to the Convention. (http://www.carbonplanet.com/definitions)

Chair (or Chairman, Chairperson, etc.)

National delegates elected by participating governments to lead the deliberations of the Convention's subsidiary bodies. Different chairs may be elected for other informal groups. The Chair is responsible for facilitating progress towards an agreement and serves during the inter-sessional period until the next COP.

(http://www.carbonplanet.com/definitions)

Clean Development Mechanism (CDM)

A mechanism under the Kyoto Protocol through which developed countries may finance greenhouse-gas emission reduction or removal projects in developing countries, and receive credits for doing so which they may apply towards meeting mandatory limits on their own emissions. (http://www.carbonplanet.com/definitions)

Clean Development Mechanisms (CDM)

Article 12 of the Kyoto Protocol provides for the CDM, which would enable developed countries to invest in emissions reducing projects in developing countries in order to obtain credit to put towards meeting their assigned targets. The details of the CDM have yet to be negotiated, but in principle allows countries to use credits obtained from the year 2000 to meet their Kyoto targets, if they choose to do so. (http://www.scidev.net/en/climate-change-and-energy/definitions).

Clearing house

A service which facilitates and simplifies transactions among multiple parties. (http://www.carbonplanet.com/definitions)

CMS

Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals. (http://www.carbonplanet.com/definitions)

CO2 equivalent

Not all greenhouse gases warm the atmosphere equally � methane for example, has a greater warming effect than carbon dioxide. CO2 equivalent, or 'CO2e' accounts for this and means that other greenhouse gases can be converted to the equivalent amount of CO2, based on their relative contribution to global warming. This provides for a single, uniform means of measuring emissions reductions for multiple greenhouse gases. (http://www.scidev.net/en/climate-change-and-energy/definitions).

Coalition for Rainforest Nations (CfRN)

A collaboration between developing nations that contain rainforests to reconcile forest stewardship with economic development. As of November 2008, participants included 41 countries in Asia, Africa, the Americas and Oceania. Sometimes the coalition acts as a single group in UNFCCC negotiations. It is behind a number of REDD submissions. (http://www.scidev.net/en/climate-change-and-energy/definitions).

Co-benefits

Benefits from implementing REDD schemes beyond reducing greenhouse gas emissions, such as poverty alleviation, biodiversity protection and improvement in forest governance. (http://www.scidev.net/en/climate-change-and-energy/definitions).

Committee of the Whole

Often created by a COP to aid in negotiating text. It consists of the same membership as the COP. When the Committee has finished its work, it turns the text over to the COP, which finalizes and then adopts the text during a plenary session. (http://www.carbonplanet.com/definitions)

Common Reporting Format (CRF)

Standardized format for reporting estimates of greenhouse-gas emissions and removals and other relevant information by Annex I Parties. (http://www.carbonplanet.com/definitions)

Compliance Committee

A committee that helps facilitate, promote and enforce on compliance with the provisions of the Kyoto Protocol. It has 20 members with representation spread among various regions, small-island developing states, Annex I and non-Annex I parties, and functions through a plenary, a bureau, a facilitative branch and an enforcement branch. (http://www.carbonplanet.com/definitions)

Compliance

Fulfilment by countries/businesses/individuals of emission and reporting commitments under the UNFCCC and the Kyoto Protocol. (http://www.carbonplanet.com/definitions)

Compliance-grade MRV

A monitoring, reporting and verification (MRV) process that ensures reliable climate benefit associated with real and measurable emission reductions, and enhancement of removals (quantified in tons of CO2 equivalent). (http://www.scidev.net/en/climate-change-and-energy/definitions).

Conference of the Parties (COP)

The collection of nations that have ratified the Framework Convention on Climate Change (FCCC), that was signed at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in 1992. The COP currently has more than 150 countries represented, and about 50 additional observer states. Its primary role is to keep the implementation of the Convention under review and to take the decisions necessary for the effective implementation of the Convention. (http://www.scidev.net/en/climate-change-and-energy/definitions).

Conference of the Parties (COP)

The supreme body of the Convention. It currently meets once a year to review the Convention's progress. The word "conference" is not used here in the sense of "meeting" but rather of "association," which explains the seemingly redundant expression "fourth session of the Conference of the Parties." (http://www.carbonplanet.com/definitions)

Conference of the Parties serving as the Meeting of the Parties (CMP)

The Convention's supreme body is the COP, which serves as the meeting of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol. The sessions of the COP and the CMP are held during the same period to reduce costs and improve coordination between the Convention and the Protocol. (http://www.carbonplanet.com/definitions)

Conference room papers (CRPs)

A category of in-session documents containing new proposals or outcomes of in-session work. CRPs are for use only during the session concerned. (http://www.carbonplanet.com/definitions)

Consultative Group of Experts on National Communications from non-Annex I Parties

A panel established to improve the preparation of national communications from developing countries. National communications are an obligation of Parties to the Climate Change Convention. (http://www.carbonplanet.com/definitions)

Contact group

An open-ended meeting that may be established by the COP, a subsidiary body or a Committee of the Whole wherein Parties may negotiate before forwarding agreed text to a plenary for formal adoption. Observers generally may attend contact group sessions. (http://www.carbonplanet.com/definitions)

Countries with Economies in Transition (EIT)

Those Central and East European countries and former republics of the Soviet Union in transition from state-controlled to market economies.

(http://www.carbonplanet.com/definitions)

CSD

United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development. (http://www.carbonplanet.com/definitions)

Executive Board of the Clean Development Mechanism

A 10-member panel elected at COP-7 which supervises the CDM and has begun operation in advance of the Protocol's entry into force. (http://www.carbonplanet.com/definitions)

D

Decision�

A formal agreement that (unlike a resolution) leads to binding actions. It becomes part of the agreed body of decisions that direct the work of the COP. (http://www.carbonplanet.com/definitions)

Declaration

A non-binding political statement made by ministers attending a major meeting (e.g. the Geneva Ministerial Declaration of COP-2). (http://www.carbonplanet.com/definitions)

Deforestation

Conversion of forest to non-forest. (http://www.carbonplanet.com/definitions)

Deforestation

The practices or processes that result in the change of forested lands to non-forest uses. This is often cited as one of the major causes of the enhanced greenhouse effect, on the grounds that the burning or decomposition of the wood releases carbon dioxide, and that trees that once removed carbon dioxide from the atmosphere in the process of photosynthesis are no longer present and contributing to carbon storage. (http://www.scidev.net/en/climate-change-and-energy/definitions).

Designated National Authority (DNA)

An office, ministry, or other official entity appointed by a Party to the Kyoto Protocol to review and give national approval to projects proposed under the Clean Development Mechanism. (http://www.carbonplanet.com/definitions)

Documents

Documents fall into different categories. Official documents are available to everyone and feature the logos of the United Nations and the Climate Change Convention. They carry a reference number, such as FCCC/CP/1998/1. Pre-session documents are available before a meeting, often in all six UN languages. In-session documents are distributed on-site (see CRPs, L docs, Misc. docs, and non-papers). Informal documents are often distributed outside the meeting room by observers. (http://www.carbonplanet.com/definitions)

Drafting group

A smaller group established by the President or a Chair of a Convention body to meet separately and in private to prepare draft text � text which must still be formally approved later in a plenary session. Observers generally may not attend drafting group meetings. (http://www.carbonplanet.com/definitions)

E

Emission reduction unit (ERU)

A Kyoto Protocol unit equal to 1 metric tonne of CO₂ equivalent.  ERUs are generated for emission reductions or emission removals from joint implementation project. (http://www.carbonplanet.com/definitions)

Emission Trading

The Kyoto Protocol allows Parties listed in Annex B to participate in trading of their assigned amounts for the purposes of fulfilling their emissions commitments. Parties buying parts of assigned amounts can add these to their assigned amounts under the Protocol, while Parties selling must deduct them. Such trading must be supplemental to domestic actions. The COP is to define the rules and modalities for trading. (http://www.scidev.net/en/climate-change-and-energy/definitions).

Emissions trading

One of the three Kyoto mechanisms, by which an Annex I Party may transfer Kyoto Protocol units to or acquire units from another Annex I Party.  An Annex I Party must meet specific eligibility requirements to participate in emissions trading. (http://www.carbonplanet.com/definitions)

Entry into force

The point at which an intergovernmental agreement becomes legally binding � occurring at a pre-stated interval after a pre-stated and required number of ratifications by countries has been achieved. The Climate Change Convention required 50 ratifications to enter into force. It now enters into force for each new Party 90 days after that Party ratifies the Convention. (http://www.carbonplanet.com/definitions)

Environmental Integrity Group

A coalition or negotiating alliance consisting of Mexico, the Republic of Korea, and Switzerland. (http://www.carbonplanet.com/definitions)

Environmental services

Natural processes carried out by ecosystems that support all life on Earth. Environmental services include water supply, cycling of soil nutrients, pollination, natural means of pest control and carbon sequestration. Conservationists and some economists argue that these services have a monetary value, which ought to be included in a country's national accounts. (http://www.scidev.net/en/climate-change-and-energy/definitions).

ESCAP Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific. (http://www.carbonplanet.com/definitions)

European Union (EU)

As a regional economic integration organization, the EU is a Party to both the Convention and the Kyoto Protocol. However, it does not have a separate vote from its member states. Because the EU signed the Convention when it was known as the EEC (European Economic Community), the EU retains this name for all formal Convention-related purposes. Members are Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. (http://www.carbonplanet.com/definitions)

Expert Group on Technology Transfer (EGTT)

An expert group established at COP7 with the objective of enhancing the implementation of Article 4.5 of the Convention, by analyzing and identifying ways to facilitate and advance technology transfer activities under the Convention. (http://www.carbonplanet.com/definitions)

Expert review teams

Groups of experts, nominated by Parties, who review national reports submitted by Annex I Parties to the UNFCCC, and the Kyoto Protocol. (http://www.carbonplanet.com/definitions)

F

FAO

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. (http://www.carbonplanet.com/definitions)

Financial Mechanism

Developed country Parties (Annex II Parties) are required to provide financial resources to assist developing country Parties implement the Convention. To facilitate this, the Convention established a financial mechanism to provide funds to developing country Parties.  The Parties to the Convention assigned operation of the financial mechanism to the Global Environment Facility (GEF) on an on-going basis, subject to review every four years.  The financial mechanism is accountable to the COP. (http://www.carbonplanet.com/definitions)

Friends of the chair

Delegates called upon by the Chair (who takes into account the need for political balance among various interests) to assist in carrying out specific tasks. (http://www.carbonplanet.com/definitions)

Fugitive fuel emissions

Greenhouse-gas emissions as by-products or waste or loss in the process of fuel production, storage, or transport, such as methane given off during oil and gas drilling and refining, or leakage of natural gas from pipelines. (http://www.carbonplanet.com/definitions)

G

GATT�

General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade. (http://www.carbonplanet.com/definitions)

GCOS

Global Climate Observing System. (http://www.carbonplanet.com/definitions)

Global Environment Facility (GEF)

A global, three-dimensional computer model of the climate system that can be used to simulate human-induced climate change. GCMs are highly complex, and represent the effects of such factors as reflective and absorptive properties of atmospheric water vapour, greenhouse gas concentrations, clouds, annual and daily solar heating, ocean temperatures and ice boundaries. The most recent GCMs include global representations of the atmosphere, oceans, and land surface. (http://www.scidev.net/en/climate-change-and-energy/definitions).

Global Environment Facility (GEF)

The GEF is an independent financial organization that provides grants to developing countries for projects that benefit the global environment and promote sustainable livelihoods in local communities.  The Parties to the Convention assigned operation of the financial mechanism to the Global Environment Facility (GEF) on an on-going basis, subject to review every four years.  The financial mechanism is accountable to the COP. (http://www.carbonplanet.com/definitions)

Global Warming

An increase in the near-surface temperature of the Earth. Global warming has occurred in the distant past as the result of natural influences, but the term is most often used to refer to the warming predicted to occur as a result of increased emissions of greenhouse gases. Scientists generally agree that the Earth's surface has warmed by about 1 degree Fahrenheit in the past 140 years. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change recently concluded that increased concentrations of greenhouse gases are causing an increase in the Earth's surface temperature and that increased concentrations of sulphate aerosols have led to relative cooling in some regions, generally over and downwind of heavily industrialised areas. (http://www.scidev.net/en/climate-change-and-energy/definitions).

Global warming potential (GWP)

An index representing the combined effect of the differing times greenhouse gases remain in the atmosphere and their relative effectiveness in absorbing outgoing infrared radiation. (http://www.carbonplanet.com/definitions)

GOOS

Global Ocean Observing System. (http://www.carbonplanet.com/definitions)

Greenhouse Gas

Any gas that absorbs infra-red radiation in the atmosphere. Greenhouse gases include water vapour, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, halogenated fluorocarbons, ozone, perfluorinated carbons, and hydrofluorocarbons. (http://www.scidev.net/en/climate-change-and-energy/definitions).

Greenhouse gases (GHGs)

The atmospheric gases responsible for causing global warming and climate change. The major GHGs are carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N20). Less prevalent --but very powerful � greenhouse gases are hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs) and sulphur hexafluoride (SF6). (http://www.carbonplanet.com/definitions)

Group of 77 (G-77) and China

A large negotiating alliance of developing countries that focuses on numerous international topics, including climate change. The G-77 was founded in 1967 under the auspices of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). It seeks to harmonize the negotiating positions of its 131 member states. (http://www.carbonplanet.com/definitions)

GRULAC

Group of Latin American and Caribbean States. (http://www.carbonplanet.com/definitions)

GTOS

Global Terrestrial Observing System. (http://www.carbonplanet.com/definitions)

GWP Global warming potential. (http://www.carbonplanet.com/definitions)

H

"hot air"

Refers to the concern that some governments will be able to meet their targets for greenhouse-gas emissions under the Kyoto Protocol with minimal effort and could then flood the market with emissions credits, reducing the incentive for other countries to cut their own domestic emissions. (http://www.carbonplanet.com/definitions)

I

ICAO International Civil Aviation Organization. (http://www.carbonplanet.com/definitions)

ICCP International Climate Change Partnership. (http://www.carbonplanet.com/definitions)

ICLEI International Council of Local Environmental Initiatives. (http://www.carbonplanet.com/definitions)

IEA International Energy Agency. (http://www.carbonplanet.com/definitions)

IGO Intergovernmental organization. (http://www.carbonplanet.com/definitions)

IMO International Maritime Organization. (http://www.carbonplanet.com/definitions)

Implementation Actions (legislation or regulations, judicial decrees, or other actions) that governments take to translate international accords into domestic law and policy. (http://www.carbonplanet.com/definitions)

INC Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee for the UNFCCC (1990-1995). (http://www.carbonplanet.com/definitions)

In-depth review (IDR) A process by which an Annex I Party's implementation of the Convention and/or the Kyoto Protocol is technically assessed by international teams of experts. (http://www.carbonplanet.com/definitions)

Indigenous peoples The (original) inhabitants of a particular geographical location, who have a specific and distinctive culture and belief system of their own. (http://www.scidev.net/en/climate-change-and-energy/definitions).

Informal contact group A group of delegates instructed by the President or a Chair to meet in private to discuss a specific matter in an effort to consolidate different views, reach a compromise, and produce an agreed proposal, often in the form of a written text. (http://www.carbonplanet.com/definitions)

Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) A committee created to draft the Convention. The INC met in five sessions between February 1991 and May 1992. After the text of the Convention was adopted in 1992, the INC met six further times to prepare for COP-1. It completed its work in February 1995. (http://www.carbonplanet.com/definitions)

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Established in 1988 by the World Meteorological Organization and the UN Environment Programme, the IPCC surveys world-wide scientific and technical literature and publishes assessment reports that are widely recognized as the most credible existing sources of information on climate change. The IPCC also works on methodologies and responds to specific requests from the Convention's subsidiary bodies. The IPCC is independent of the Convention. (http://www.carbonplanet.com/definitions)

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) The IPCC was established jointly by the United Nations Environment Programme and the World Meteorological Organization in 1988. Its purpose is to assess information in the scientific and technical literature related to all significant components of the issue of climate change. The IPCC draws upon hundreds of expert scientists as authors and thousands as expert reviewers. Leading experts on climate change and environmental, social, and economic sciences from some 60 nations have helped the IPCC to prepare periodic assessments of the scientific underpinnings for understanding global climate change and its consequences. With its capacity for reporting on climate change, its consequences, and the viability of adaptation and mitigation measures, the IPCC is also looked to as the official advisory body to the world's governments on the state of the science of the climate change issue. (http://www.scidev.net/en/climate-change-and-energy/definitions).

International Climate Change Partnership Global coalition of companies and trade associations committed to constructive participation in international policy making on climate change. (http://www.carbonplanet.com/definitions)

IOC Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission. (http://www.carbonplanet.com/definitions)

ISO International Standards Organization. (http://www.carbonplanet.com/definitions)

IUCN World Conservation Union. (http://www.carbonplanet.com/definitions)

J

Joint implementation (JI)

A mechanism under the Kyoto Protocol through which a developed country can receive "emissions reduction units" when it helps to finance projects that reduce net greenhouse-gas emissions in another developed country (in practice, the recipient state is likely to be a country with an "economy in transition"). An Annex I Party must meet specific eligibility requirements to participate in joint implementation. (http://www.carbonplanet.com/definitions)

Joint Implementation

The process permitted under the Kyoto Protocol (q.v.) under which developed countries can invest in projects in other developed countries to acquire credits to assists in meeting their assigned target reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. Countries can only use credits generated in the commitment period of 2008 to 2012. Participation is voluntary. (http://www.scidev.net/en/climate-change-and-energy/definitions).

Joint Liaison Group (JLG)

Group of representatives of UNFCCC, CBD, and UNCCD Secretariats set up to explore common activities to confront problems related to climate change, biodiversity and desertification. (http://www.carbonplanet.com/definitions)

JUSSCANNZ�

An acronym representing non-EU industrialized countries which occasionally meet to discuss various issues related to climate change. The members are Japan, the United States, Switzerland, Canada, Australia, Norway, and New Zealand. Iceland, Mexico, and the Republic of Korea may also attend JUSSCANZ meetings. (http://www.carbonplanet.com/definitions)

JWG� Joint working group. (http://www.carbonplanet.com/definitions)

K

Kyoto mechanisms

Three procedures established under the Kyoto Protocol to increase the flexibility and reduce the costs of making greenhouse-gas emissions cuts; they are the Clean Development Mechanism, Emissions Trading and Joint Implementation. (http://www.carbonplanet.com/definitions)

Kyoto Protocol

An international agreement standing on its own, and requiring separate ratification by governments, but linked to the UNFCCC. The Kyoto Protocol, among other things, sets binding targets for the reduction of greenhouse-gas emissions by industrialized countries. (http://www.carbonplanet.com/definitions)

Kyoto Protocol

The international agreement, reached in 1997 in Kyoto, Japan, which extends the commitments of the UNFCCC originally made at the Earth Summit in 1992. In particular, it sets targets for future emissions of greenhouse gases by the developed countries. (http://www.scidev.net/en/climate-change-and-energy/definitions).

L

L. docs

In-session documents that contain draft reports and texts for adoption by the COP or its subsidiary bodies. Usually such documents are available in all six UN languages. (http://www.carbonplanet.com/definitions)

Land use, land-use change, and forestry (LULUCF)�

A greenhouse gas inventory sector that covers emissions and removals of greenhouse gases resulting from direct human-induced land use, land-use change and forestry activities. (http://www.carbonplanet.com/definitions)

Leakage

Leakage occurs when a reduction of emissions in one area leads to an increase in emissions from another. For example, a REDD project that protects one forest but leads to increased deforestation elsewhere. Also known as displacement. (http://www.scidev.net/en/climate-change-and-energy/definitions).

Leakage

That portion of cuts in greenhouse-gas emissions by developed countries � countries trying to meet mandatory limits under the Kyoto Protocol � that may reappear in other countries not bound by such limits. For example, multinational corporations may shift factories from developed countries to developing countries to escape restrictions on emissions. (http://www.carbonplanet.com/definitions)

Least Developed Countries (LDCs)

The World's poorest countries.  The criteria currently used by the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) for designation as an LDC include low income, human resource weakness and economic vulnerability.  Currently 50 countries have been designated by the UN General Assembly as LDCs. (http://www.carbonplanet.com/definitions)

Least Developed Countries Expert Group (LEG)

A panel of 12 experts which provides advice to LDCs on the preparation and implementation of national adaptation programmes of action (NAPAs) � plans for addressing the urgent and immediate needs of those countries to adapt to climate change. (http://www.carbonplanet.com/definitions)

Least Developed Country Fund (LDCF)

The LDCF is a fund established to support a work programme to assist Least Developed Country Parties to carry out, inter alia, the preparation and implementation of national adaptation programmes of action (NAPAs).  The Global Environment Facility, as the entity that operates the financial mechanism of the Convention, has been entrusted to operate this fund.  (http://www.carbonplanet.com/definitions)

Liability

The obligation of the REDD implementing project or country to ensure that any credited emission reductions are permanent. (http://www.scidev.net/en/climate-change-and-energy/definitions).

LULUCF

Acronym for land use, land-use change and forestry, which is a recognised category of activities that can contribute to both greenhouse gas emissions and emissions removals. The other main categories are energy-related emissions (both production and consumption), agriculture and waste-related activities. (http://www.scidev.net/en/climate-change-and-energy/definitions).

M

Marrakesh Accords

Agreements reached at COP-7 which set various rules for "operating" the more complex provisions of the Kyoto Protocol. Among other things, the accords include details for establishing a greenhouse-gas emissions trading system; implementing and monitoring the Protocol's Clean Development Mechanism; and setting up and operating three funds to support efforts to adapt to climate change. (http://www.carbonplanet.com/definitions)

Meeting

A formal gathering that occurs during a "session." Each session of the COP, for example, is divided into a number of meetings. A meeting is generally scheduled from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. or from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. (http://www.carbonplanet.com/definitions)

Miscellaneous documents (misc. docs)

Documents issued on plain paper with no UN masthead. They generally contain views or comments published as received from a delegation without formal editing. (http://www.carbonplanet.com/definitions)

Mitigation

An anthropogenic (i.e. derived from human activities) intervention to reduce the emissions or enhance the sinks of greenhouse gases. (http://www.scidev.net/en/climate-change-and-energy/definitions).

Mitigation

In the context of climate change, a human intervention to reduce the sources or enhance the sinks of greenhouse gases.  Examples include using fossil fuels more efficiently for industrial processes or electricity generation, switching to solar energy or wind power, improving the insulation of buildings, and expanding forests and other "sinks" to remove greater amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. (http://www.carbonplanet.com/definitions)

Montreal Protocol

The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, and international agreement adopted in Montreal in 1987. (http://www.carbonplanet.com/definitions)

N

"No-regrets options"

Technology for reducing greenhouse-gas emissions whose other benefits (in terms of efficiency or reduced energy costs) are so extensive that the investment is worth it for those reasons alone. For example, combined-cycle gas turbines � in which the heat from the burning fuel drives steam turbines while the thermal expansion of the exhaust gases drives gas turbines � may boost the efficiency of electricity generating plants by 70 per cent. (http://www.carbonplanet.com/definitions)

National adaptation programmes of action (NAPAs)

Documents prepared by least developed countries (LDCs) identifying urgent and immediate needs for adapting to climate change. The NAPAs are then presented to the international donor community for support. (http://www.carbonplanet.com/definitions)

National communication

A document submitted in accordance with the Convention (and the Protocol) by which a Party informs other Parties of activities undertaken to address climate change. Most developed countries have now submitted their fourth national communications; most developing countries have completed their first national communication and are in the process of preparing their second. (http://www.carbonplanet.com/definitions)

National delegation

One or more officials empowered to represent and negotiate on behalf of a government. (http://www.carbonplanet.com/definitions)

Non-Annex I parties

Developing countries not listed in Annex I to the UNFCCC. These countries do not have binding emissions targets under the Kyoto Protocol. (http://www.scidev.net/en/climate-change-and-energy/definitions).

Non-Annex I Parties

Refers to countries that have ratified or acceded to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change that are not included in Annex I of the Convention. (http://www.carbonplanet.com/definitions)

Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)

Organizations that are not part of a governmental structure. They include environmental groups, research institutions, business groups, and associations of urban and local governments. Many NGOs attend climate talks as observers. To be accredited to attend meetings under the Convention, NGOs must be non-profit. (http://www.carbonplanet.com/definitions)

Non-paper

An in-session document issued informally to facilitate negotiations. A non-paper does not have an official document symbol. It may have an identifying number or carry the name of its author. (http://www.carbonplanet.com/definitions)

Non-Party

A state that has not ratified the Convention but attends meetings as an observer. (http://www.carbonplanet.com/definitions)

O

Observers

Agencies, non-governmental organizations, and Governments not Parties to the Convention which are permitted to attend, but not vote, at meetings of the COP and its subsidiary bodies. Observers may include the United Nations and its specialized agencies; other intergovernmental organizations such as the International Atomic Energy Agency; and accredited non-governmental organizations (NGOs). (http://www.carbonplanet.com/definitions)

OECD�

Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. (http://www.carbonplanet.com/definitions)

OPEC� Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries. (http://www.carbonplanet.com/definitions)

P

Party�

A state (or regional economic integration organization such as the European Union) that agrees to be bound by a treaty and for which the treaty has entered into force. (http://www.carbonplanet.com/definitions)

Party

Individual members of a legal agreement, such as the member states of an international law agreement like the UNFCCC. (http://www.scidev.net/en/climate-change-and-energy/definitions).

Payments for Environmental Services (PES)

Schemes where beneficiaries of environmental services pay those who manage them to ensure the services continue. (http://www.scidev.net/en/climate-change-and-energy/definitions).

Peatlands

Wetlands where the soil is highly organic because it is formed mostly from partly decomposed plants. (http://www.scidev.net/en/climate-change-and-energy/definitions).

Permanence

The duration and non-reversibility of a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. Non-permanence can be seen as a form of leakage. (http://www.scidev.net/en/climate-change-and-energy/definitions).

Planted forest

Woodland where trees have been established through planting or seeding. (http://www.scidev.net/en/climate-change-and-energy/definitions).

Plenary�

A formal meeting of the entire COP or one of its subsidiary bodies. Formal decisions or conclusions may only be taken during plenary sessions. (http://www.carbonplanet.com/definitions)

Policies and measures (PAMs)

A frequently used phrase � sometimes abbreviated as PAMs � referring to the steps taken or to be taken by countries to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions under the UNFCCC and the Kyoto Protocol. Some possible policies and measures are listed in the Protocol and could offer opportunities for intergovernmental cooperation. (http://www.carbonplanet.com/definitions)

President�

The official of a member government elected by the Parties to preside over the COP. The President is often a senior official or minister from the state or region hosting the meeting. The President may not participate in the negotiations as a representative of the member government during the term of presidency. (http://www.carbonplanet.com/definitions)

Protocol

An international agreement linked to an existing convention, but as a separate and additional agreement which must be signed and ratified by the Parties to the convention concerned. Protocols typically strengthen a convention by adding new, more detailed commitments. (http://www.carbonplanet.com/definitions)

Q

Quantified Emissions Limitation and Reduction Commitments (QELROs)
Legally binding targets and timetables under the Kyoto Protocol for the limitation or reduction of greenhouse-gas emissions by developed countries. (http://www.carbonplanet.com/definitions)

R

Ratification�

Formal approval, often by a Parliament or other national legislature, of a convention, protocol, or treaty, enabling a country to become a Party. Ratification is a separate process that occurs after a country has signed an agreement. The instrument of ratification must be deposited with a "depositary" (in the case of the Climate Change Convention, the UN Secretary-General) to start the countdown to becoming a Party (in the case of the Convention, the countdown is 90 days). (http://www.carbonplanet.com/definitions)

Readiness

REDD country actions including a process of policy design, consultation and consensus building, and testing and evaluation for a REDD national strategy prior to scaled-up REDD implementation. (http://www.scidev.net/en/climate-change-and-energy/definitions).

Recommendation

A formal act of the COP which is weaker than a decision or a resolution, and is not binding on Parties to the Convention. (http://www.carbonplanet.com/definitions)

REDD Acronym: Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Degredation. (http://www.carbonplanet.com/definitions)

REDD-plus

Also called REDD+, these proposals encompass REDD activities, but also include consideration of the role of conservation, sustainable forest management and enhancement of forest carbon stocks in developing countries. (http://www.scidev.net/en/climate-change-and-energy/definitions).

Reduced impact logging (RIL)

Planned and carefully controlled tree felling to minimise environmental impact. RIL can also reduce carbon emissions from logging. (http://www.scidev.net/en/climate-change-and-energy/definitions).

Reducing emissions from deforestation (RED)

Initial REDD proposals that only considered reducing emissions from deforestation but not forest degradation. (http://www.scidev.net/en/climate-change-and-energy/definitions).

Reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD)

REDD refers to mechanisms currently being negotiated under the UNFCCC process to reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation. REDD may refer to a broad set of approaches and actions that will achieve this, but the core idea is to create performance-based mechanisms that reward projects or countries that produce emission reductions. (http://www.scidev.net/en/climate-change-and-energy/definitions).

Reforestation

Reforestation is the human-induced conversion of non-forested land to forested land through planting or seeding on land that was once forested, but has been converted to non-forested land. In the first commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol, reforestation activities have been defined as reforestation of lands that were not forested on 31 December 1989, but have had forest cover at some point during the past 50 years. (http://www.scidev.net/en/climate-change-and-energy/definitions).

Reforestation

Replanting of forests on lands that have previously contained forests but that have been converted to some other use. (http://www.carbonplanet.com/definitions)

Regional groups

Alliances of countries, in most cases sharing the same geographic region, which meet privately to discuss issues and nominate bureau members and other officials for activities under the Convention. The five regional groups are Africa, Asia, Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), Latin America and the Caribbean (GRULAC), and the Western Europe and Others Group (WEOG). (http://www.carbonplanet.com/definitions)

Registries, registry systems

Electronic databases that will track and record all transactions under the Kyoto Protocol's greenhouse-gas emissions trading system (the "carbon market") and under mechanisms such as the Clean Development Mechanism. (http://www.carbonplanet.com/definitions)

Removal unit (RMU)

A Kyoto Protocol unit equal to 1 metric tonne of carbon dioxide equivalent. RMUs are generated in Annex I Parties by LULUCF activities that absorb carbon dioxide. (http://www.carbonplanet.com/definitions)

Research and systematic observation

An obligation of Parties to the Climate Change Convention; they are called upon to promote and cooperate in research and systematic observation of the climate system, and called upon to aid developing countries to do so. (http://www.carbonplanet.com/definitions)

Reservation

An exception or concern noted for the record by a Party in the course of accepting a decision of the COP. No reservations are allowed to the Convention itself, or to the Protocol. (http://www.carbonplanet.com/definitions)

Reservoirs�

A component or components of the climate system where a greenhouse gas or a precursor of a greenhouse gas is stored. Trees are "reservoirs" for carbon dioxide. (http://www.carbonplanet.com/definitions)

Resolution

Directives that guide the work of the COP � opinions rather than permanent legal acts. Unlike decisions, resolutions do not generally become part of the formal body of legislation enacted by the COP. (http://www.carbonplanet.com/definitions)

Reverse leakage

A mitigation activity that results in emission reductions in areas outside the original mitigation area. Also called 'positive leakage'. (http://www.scidev.net/en/climate-change-and-energy/definitions).

Review of commitments

Regular scrutiny by Convention Parties of the adequacy of the treaty's Article 4.2 (a) and (b) outlining developed country commitments to limit greenhouse-gas emissions. The first review took place at COP-1 and led to a finding that progress was not "adequate" � and so to negotiations that led to the Kyoto Protocol, which has more stringent commitments for developed countries.

Rio Conventions

Three environmental conventions, two of which were adopted at the 1992 "Earth Summit" in Rio de Janeiro: the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), and the Convention on Biodiversity (CBD), while the third, the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), was adopted in 1994. The issues addressed by the three treaties are related in particular, climate change can have adverse effects on desertification and biodiversity  and through a Joint Liaison Group, the secretariats of the three conventions take steps to coordinate activities to achieve common progress.

Roster of experts

Experts nominated by Parties to the Climate Change Convention to aid the Secretariat in work related to review of national reports of Annex I Parties, preparation of reports on adaptation technology, the transfer of technology to developing countries, and the development of know-how on mitigating and adapting to climate change.

Rules of procedure

The parliamentary rules that govern the procedures of the COP, covering such matters as decision-making and participation. The COP has not yet formally adopted rules of procedure, but all except one (on voting) are currently being "applied."

S

Second Assessment Report (SAR)

An extensive review of worldwide research on climate change compiled by the IPCC and published in 1995. Some 2,000 scientists and experts participated. The report is also known as Climate Change 1995. The SAR concluded that "the balance of evidence suggests that there is a discernible human influence on global climate." It also said "no-regrets options" and other cost-effective strategies exist for combating climate change.

Secretariat

The office staffed by international civil servants responsible for "servicing" the UNFCCC Convention and ensuring its smooth operation. The secretariat makes arrangements for meetings, compiles and prepares reports, and coordinates with other relevant international bodies. The Climate Change Secretariat, which is based in Bonn, Germany, is institutionally linked to the United Nations.

Signature

The signing by a head of state or government, a foreign minister, or other designated official indicating a country's agreement with an adopted international text, such as a Convention or Protocol, and signalling the country's intention of becoming a Party to the agreement.

Sink

Any process, activity or mechanism which removes a greenhouse gas, an aerosol or a precursor of a greenhouse gas from the atmosphere. Forests and other vegetation are considered sinks because they remove carbon dioxide through photosynthesis.

Special Climate Change Fund (SCCF)

The SCCF was established to finance projects relating to adaptation; technology transfer and capacity building; energy, transport, industry, agriculture, forestry and waste management; and economic diversification.  This fund should complement other funding mechanisms for the implementation of the Convention.  The Global Environment Facility (GEF), as the entity that operates the financial mechanism of the Convention, has been entrusted to operate this fund. 

"Spill-over effects"

Reverberations in developing countries caused by actions taken by developed countries to cut greenhouse-gas emissions. For example, emissions reductions in developed countries could lower demand for oil and thus international oil prices, leading to more use of oil and greater emissions in developing nations, partially off-setting the original cuts. Current estimates are that full-scale implementation of the Kyoto Protocol may cause 5 to 20 per cent of emissions reductions in industrialized countries to "leak" into developing countries.

Square brackets

Typographical symbols : placed around text under negotiation to indicate that the language enclosed is being discussed but has not yet been agreed upon.

Stern Report/Review

The Stern Report on the Economics of Climate Change was commissioned by the British government and published in 2006. Written by the economist Lord Stern of Brentford, it discusses the effect of climate change and global warming on the world economy.

Subsidiary body

A committee that assists the conference of the parties. Two permanent ones are defined by the Convention on Climate Change: the Subsidiary Body for Implementation (SBI) and the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice (SBSTA).

Subsidiary body

�A committee that assists the Conference of the Parties. Two permanent subsidiary bodies are created by the Convention: the Subsidiary Body for Implementation (SBI) and the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice (SBSTA). COP-1 also established two temporary bodies: the Ad hoc Group on the Berlin Mandate, which concluded its work on 30 November 1997, and the Ad hoc group on Article 13. Additional subsidiary bodies may be established as needed.

Subsidiary Body for Implementation (SBI)

The SBI makes recommendations on policy and implementation issues to the COP and, if requested, to other bodies.

Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice (SBSTA)

The SBSTA serves as a link between information and assessments provided by expert sources (such as the IPCC) and the COP, which focuses on setting policy.

Sustainable development

Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

T

Technology transfer A broad set of processes covering the flows of know-how, experience and equipment for mitigating and adapting to climate change among different stakeholders.

Third Assessment Report (TAR) The third extensive review of global scientific research on climate change, published by the IPCC in 2001.  Among other things, the report stated that "The Earth's climate system has demonstrably changed on both global and regional scales since the pre-industrial era, with some of these changes attributable to human activities. There is new and stronger evidence that most of the warming observed over the last 50 years is attributable to human activities." The TAR also focused on the regional effects of climate change.

Track- two JI One of two approaches for verifying emission reductions or removals under joint implementation, whereby each JI project is subject to verification procedures established under the supervision of the Joint Implementation Supervisory Committee. Track two procedures require that each project by reviewed by an accredited independent entity.

U

Umbrella group

A loose coalition of non-European Union developed countries formed following the adoption of the Kyoto Protocol. Although there is no formal membership list, the group usually includes Australia, Canada, Iceland, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, the Russian Federation, Ukraine, and the United States.

UNCCD United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification

UNCED United Nations Conference on Environment and Development.

UNCTAD United Nations Conference on Trade and Development.

UNDP
United Nations Development Programme.

UNECE United Nations Economic Commission for Europe.

UNEP United Nations Environment Programme.

UNFCCC United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

UNIDO United Nations Industrial Development Organization.

Uniform report format A standard format through which Parties submit information on activities implemented jointly under the Convention.

United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) The international treaty signed at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) in June 1992. The UNFCCC commits signatory countries to stabilise anthropogenic (i.e. human-induced) greenhouse gas emissions to levels that would prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system. The UNFCCC also requires that all signatory parties develop and update national inventories of anthropogenic emissions of all greenhouse gases not otherwise controlled by the Montreal Protocol.

UN-REDD A collaborative programme for reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation in developing countries, UN-REDD is operated by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). The programme has developed a multi-donor trust fund (established July 2008) to pool resources and provide funding to REDD activities. (http://www.scidev.net/en/climate-change-and-energy/definitions).

V

Voluntary commitments

A draft article considered during the negotiation of the Kyoto Protocol that would have permitted developing countries to voluntarily adhere to legally binding emissions targets.  The proposed language was dropped in the final phase of the negotiations.  The issue remains important for some delegations and may be discussed at upcoming sessions of the Conference of the Parties.

Vulnerability

The degree to which a system is susceptible to, or unable to cope with, adverse effects of climate change, including climate variability and extremes. Vulnerability is a function of the character, magnitude, and rate of climate variation to which a system is exposed, its sensitivity, and its adaptive capacity.

W

WCC
World Climate Conference.

WEOG
Western European and Others Group (United Nations regional group).

WHO
World Health Organization.

WMO
World Meteorological Organization.

WSSD
World Summit on Sustainable Development.

WTO

world trade organization