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a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z
Here are some familiar, some not-so familiar and some 'did you know' words and phrases, all relating to one of the hottest topics in the world today - climate change.
A Alternative Energy
An alternative to energy derived from fossil fuel sources. Examples include solar, hydroelectric and wind power.
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B Biofuel
This is a fuel produced from dry organic matter, or from the combustible oils produced by plants. Examples of biofuels include alcohols made from fermented sugar and soybean oil.
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C Climate Change
Climate change can be described as the impact people have on the natural climate and the environment, measured over an extended period of time.
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D Dobson Unit
Not so much a common phrase, this unit measures the total amount of ozone in a vertical column above the earth.
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E Emissions Trading
Emissions trading is a way of controlling pollution by providing specific economic incentives. Companies have a certain number of credits that allow them to emit only a set amount of pollutants. Companies that need to increase their emissions then have to buy credits from those who pollute less which, of course, is a trade. The buyer is forced to pay for polluting, while the seller is rewarded for having fewer emissions.
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F Fuel Switching
This means supplying energy services using different fuels. Fuel switching is often used to refer to actions that reduce CO2 emissions, for example by switching from coal to natural gas.
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G Greenhouse Gas (or GHG)
A greenhouse gas is a gas that contributes to the warming of the Earth's atmosphere by reflecting radiation from the Earth's surface. These gasses occur both naturally and through human-influenced processes. Greenhouse gasses include carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, methane, ozone and chlorofluorocarbons.
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H Half-Life
A term associated with the amount of time it takes for the radioactivity of an isotope, which is used in the production of nuclear energy, to fall to half its original value. Supporters of nuclear energy are attracted to the notion that it is 'clean', as opposed to burning fossil fuels.
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I International Energy Agency (or IEA)
Formed in 1973, the IEA coordinates worldwide energy policies and arranges the cooperation of participating countries to share energy information and develop energy programs. There are 26 member states of the IEA, including Australia.
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J Joint Implementation
This phrase comes from the Kyoto Protocol and refers to how richer countries can help finance energy saving projects in poorer countries. This helps the richer countries to reach their emission reduction goals. See Emissions Trading.
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K Kyoto Protocol
At the Climate Convention in Kyoto, Japan in December 1997, a protocol was drafted that required developed nations to meet certain emission reduction targets of greenhouse gases by 2012. The treaty came into force in February 2005, and after much political debate, Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd signed the instrument of ratification in December 2007.
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L Land Use Change
Altering the way we manage different types of land, such as forest, grassland, urban environments can have a strong influence on our climate system. Taking away trees or increasing the population of an area can create changes in greenhouse gas production and emission.
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M Mustn't forget light bulbs...
Within three years incandescent light bulbs will be phased out, replaced by fluorescent or low-wattage bulbs, which will cost about $5 more, but are more energy-efficient, reportedly saving an average of $30 per year. Government reports say that the change to fluorescent lighting could cut greenhouse gas emissions by up to 800,000 tonnes a year by 2012.
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N Nitrous Oxide (N2O)
A powerful greenhouse gas with a very high global warming potential, N2O can be created by the combustion of fossil fuels and the burning of biomass such as sugar cane.
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O Ozone (O3)
Known as a greenhouse gas, ozone can exist in the lower part of the atmosphere as a major ingredient of smog, caused by emissions from cars and large factories. Ozone exists in the upper atmosphere as a protective layer of gas that helps to absorb dangerous ultra-violet radiation.
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P Phew, is it getting hot in here?
A joint study by Hydro Tasmania, CSIRO, UTAS and TPAC suggests that the impact of climate change in our part of the world will be fairly moderate between now and 2040. Temperatures will increase, and rainfall patterns and winds may change, but it seems that these will be lower than the global average.
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Q Quite important bit - Global Warming
Global warming is the view that the Earth's temperature is being increased, in part due to emissions of greenhouse gases associated with human activities. There is debate over how much global warming occurs naturally and how much we have been responsible through activities such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation and other land-use changes.
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R Renewables
Renewables are energy sources that are constantly renewed by natural processes as opposed to energy that comes from finite resources. Renewables include solar energy, hydro and wind power, as well as technologies based on biomass. See our article on greenspace.
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S Sink
This sink refers to any process or activity that removes a greenhouse gas from the atmosphere. Oceans and plants are two naturally occurring sinks, both removing carbon from the atmosphere.
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T Thermal expansion
A technical way of describing rising sea levels: global warming leads to a decrease in water density through the melting of the ice caps, which expands the volume of the oceans.
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U UNFCCC
A long acronym that stands for the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. This organisation assists in the sharing of information on greenhouse gas emissions, and assists in preparing for the impacts of climate change. One of the key protocols created by the UNFCCC is the Kyoto protocol.
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V Very long words - Hydrochlorofluorocarbons and Hydrofluorocarbons
These were both created as temporary substitutes to ozone depleting substances and are used for many industrial and commercial needs. While they don't deplete the ozone layer, they are strong greenhouse gasses.
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W Weather
One of the biggest effects climate change will have will be on the weather. The actual difference between the climate and the weather, is that 'climate' is the average weather, usually measured over a period of 30 years, while the 'weather' is what you actually get on the day, such as a hailstorm.
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X Extra information
Not technically an 'X' word, but here are some websites you can look at for some extra information on climate change:
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Y You serious? Glaciers?
Glaciers are important to climate change because they are the largest reserve of fresh water on earth. So if they melt from rising temperatures, it's easy to see how our sea levels and coastal communities could be affected.
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Z Zzzzzz...
Don't fall asleep thinking about climate change. It's a very important subject, and it will only become more so in the coming years. Whilst in Tasmania we might not be throwing away our winter woollies, climate change can still have an impact on our lives.
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