The COP31 Climate Terminology Guide

The leadership role in which the host country steers the COP negotiations, sets the agenda and seeks to build consensus among the Parties. The presidency is handed over from the previous COP and carries the diplomatic process forward for a year until the next conference. Türkiye, which will assume this role at COP31, will be in a critical position to shape the direction and priorities of the negotiations.

(Source: UNFCCC)

The official platform on which non-state actors (business, cities, regions, investors and NGOs) showcase their climate commitments and concrete actions. Complementary to the government negotiations, this agenda makes the private sector's contribution to climate goals visible and traceable. In the COP31 process it is one of the main arenas where companies can announce their projects and investments.

(Source: UNFCCC)

Refers to the difference between the financing needed to reach climate goals and the current level of financing. This gap is a key indicator that adaptation and mitigation investment remains insufficient, particularly in developing countries. Closing it requires mobilizing the private sector and blended-finance models alongside public resources.

(Source: Climate Policy Initiative)

Refers to the participation of non-state actors (NGOs, private sector, academia, local governments) in the COP process with official observer status. These organizations cannot vote in the negotiations, but they can follow the processes, submit views and organize side events. For the business world, it is one of the official channels for closely following the negotiations and influencing the agenda.

(Source: UNFCCC)

The gap showing how far countries' current emission-reduction commitments (NDCs) fall below the level science requires to limit the increase in global temperature to 1.5°C. UNEP's annually published Emissions Gap Report quantifies this difference. The size of the gap is the fundamental indicator of how far countries need to raise their targets.

(Source: UNEP)

The annual financing target that developed countries have committed to provide to support the climate action of developing countries. The annual USD 100 billion target set in 2009 is being replaced by the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) adopted at COP29. This target is one of the central issues of the North–South financing balance and of climate justice.

(Source: UNFCCC)

The global target framework that aims to strengthen adaptive capacity worldwide against the impacts of climate change and to reduce vulnerability. Defined in Article 7 of the Paris Agreement, this goal places adaptation, alongside mitigation, at the center of the global agenda. With the framework adopted at COP28, concrete indicators and monitoring mechanisms have begun to be defined.

(Source: UNFCCC)

The UN-managed area during the COP where the official negotiations are conducted and which only accredited delegates, observers and the press can access. Country delegations' pavilions, negotiation rooms and official meetings are located in this zone. The Blue Zone is the UN-managed area where the official negotiations take place.

(Source: UNFCCC)

Refers to the main negotiation areas—such as mitigation, adaptation, climate finance, loss and damage, and transparency—conducted simultaneously during the COP process. Each track advances with its own technical bodies and agenda; the final decisions are formed from the whole of these tracks. This structure explains why climate negotiations are so multi-layered and complex.

(Source: UNFCCC)

The framework that governs how countries can exchange emission reductions with one another through carbon markets and cooperation mechanisms in order to reach their climate goals. Article 6.2 covers bilateral cooperation between countries, while Article 6.4 covers the centralized carbon market under UN supervision. Although its implementation rules were largely clarified at COP29, this article—whose technical discussions continue—will determine the future of international carbon trading.

(Source: UNFCCC)

Refers to the technology and investment roadmaps that different sectors—such as energy, industry, transport and agriculture—need to follow to reach their net-zero targets. These pathways are defined separately for each sector according to its emission profile and transformation potential. For companies, they serve as a reference for understanding the pace and priorities of the transformation in their own sector.

(Source: IEA)

The system that requires countries to report their emissions, their progress toward climate goals and the support they receive on a regular basis, in a common and comparable manner. Forming the trust and accountability foundation of the Paris Agreement, this framework obliges countries to submit a Biennial Transparency Report (BTR) every two years. Based on robust data, this structure measures whether commitments are turning into real performance.

(Source: UNFCCC)

Refers to the countries and regional economic integration organizations (for example, the European Union) that have ratified the UNFCCC and hold decision-making authority in the negotiations. There are currently 198 Parties (197 states + EU), and decisions are generally taken by consensus. "Party" status means that an actor has an official right to speak at the negotiating table.

(Source: UNFCCC)

The highest-level body under the UNFCCC where climate policies are negotiated and decisions are taken. Convened every year since 1995, the COP assesses countries' progress and sets the direction of the global climate regime. COP31, to be held in 2026 under Türkiye's hosting, will be the 31st meeting of this process.

(Source: UNFCCC)

Refers to the difference between the climate goals announced by countries or companies and the actual implementation and results on the ground. This gap is the key measure of whether commitments remain on paper. Positioning COP31 as the "implementation COP" aims precisely at closing this gap.

(Source: UNEP)

The high-level representative who promotes cooperation among governments, the private sector and other stakeholders to achieve climate goals and aims to accelerate climate action. Created after the Paris Agreement, this role is appointed each year by the COP presidency and ensures that the private sector's commitments are aligned with global goals. For companies, it serves as an important bridge linking voluntary climate initiatives to the official process.

(Source: UNFCCC)

The more open and participatory area, compared with the Blue Zone, where business, civil society, academia and the general public hold events during the COP. It hosts exhibitions, panels, technology showcases and networking events. For companies, it is the main platform for gaining visibility and developing collaborations outside the official negotiations.

(Source: UNFCCC)

Refers to the turning point at which global or national greenhouse-gas emissions reach their highest level and then enter a permanent decline. To reach the temperature targets, this peak must be passed as soon as possible. An economy passing its emissions peak is an indication that growth and emissions have begun to decouple.

(Source: IPCC)

The mechanism under the Paris Agreement through which the collective progress of countries toward climate goals is assessed every five years. The first GST was completed at COP28 (2023) and revealed that the world is falling behind its targets. Its results serve to guide countries in setting their next NDCs more ambitiously.

(Source: UNFCCC)

The fundamental principle expressing that all countries must combat climate change, but that their obligations must also differ because their historical responsibilities and current capacities differ. This principle forms the rationale for developed countries assuming greater responsibility. It lies at the center of debates on climate finance and justice.

(Source: UNFCCC)

The international climate agreement adopted at COP21 in 2015 that aims to hold the increase in global temperature well below 2°C and preferably to 1.5°C. Covering almost all countries, the agreement is based on each country determining its own nationally determined contribution (NDC) and updating it regularly. It forms the fundamental legal and political framework of the modern climate regime.

(Source: UNFCCC)

The national plans containing the emission-reduction and adaptation targets each country sets under the Paris Agreement and the policies it will follow to reach them. Countries are obliged to update their NDCs every five years with an increasing level of ambition. NDCs are the official and international measure of a country's climate commitment.

(Source: UNFCCC)

The framework convention adopted at the 1992 Rio Summit that forms the foundation of global climate governance. All subsequent agreements, including the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement, have been negotiated under this convention. The COP meetings are the main mechanism carrying out the UNFCCC's decision-making process.

(Source: UNFCCC)

The long-term development and transformation plans, covering 2050 and beyond, that countries prepare to reach their net-zero targets. Complementing the short-term NDCs, this strategy maps out an economy-wide structural transformation. For investors and companies, it is an important signal of a country's long-term direction.

(Source: UNFCCC)

The technology that enables CO₂ in the atmosphere to be captured directly through chemical processes and then stored or used. It differs from other carbon-capture methods in that it operates without being tied to a specific emission source. Although still costly and at limited scale, it is seen as a critical technology for permanent carbon removal.

(Source: IEA)

The replacement of fossil-fuel-based systems in areas such as heating, transport and industry with electricity-based systems. To the extent that electricity is generated from renewable sources, electrification becomes one of the most powerful tools of decarbonization. Electric vehicles and heat pumps are prominent examples of this transformation.

(Source: IEA)

Refers to the direct reduction of greenhouse-gas emissions at the source through efficiency, fuel switching or clean technologies. Unlike indirect methods such as offsetting, it aims to prevent emissions from occurring at all or to reduce their occurrence. It is the fundamental approach that should be prioritized in climate strategies.

(Source: IPCC)

The approach of obtaining the same service or output using less energy. Through insulation, efficient equipment and process improvements, it reduces both emissions and costs. Often described by the International Energy Agency as the "first fuel," it is one of the most economical tools of decarbonization.

(Source: https://www.iea.org)

The highest-emitting type of hydrogen, produced from fossil fuels such as natural gas, with the resulting carbon emissions released into the atmosphere.

(Source: IEA)

The remaining emissions that cannot be completely eliminated due to current technical or economic constraints. They are especially pronounced in hard-to-abate sectors such as agriculture, aviation and certain industrial processes. To reach net zero, these emissions must be balanced through carbon-removal methods.

(Source: IPCC)

The greenhouse-gas emissions from sources directly owned or controlled by a company. Fuel combustion at facilities, production processes and the company's own vehicle fleet fall within this scope. They represent the emissions for which the company is directly responsible from its own operations.

(Source: https://ghgprotocol.org)

The indirect emissions arising from the generation of the electricity, steam, heating and cooling that a company purchases. Although the emission physically occurs at the energy producer, it is attributed to the consuming company. Switching to renewable energy is the primary way to reduce emissions in this scope.

(Source: GHG Protocol)

All indirect emissions arising along a company's value chain, outside its own operations. Purchased goods and services, logistics, business travel and the use of sold products fall within this scope. In most companies it constitutes the largest and most difficult-to-manage portion of the total footprint.

(Source: GHG Protocol)

The balancing by an organization of emissions it cannot reduce itself by purchasing carbon credits from greenhouse-gas reduction or removal projects carried out elsewhere. Afforestation or renewable-energy projects are common examples. Offsetting should not replace direct reduction and should be used only as a complementary tool for unavoidable emissions.

(Source: https://icvcm.org)

The state in which the emissions caused by an organization, product or activity are reduced to net zero through reduction and offsetting. Unlike net zero, it may rely more heavily on offsetting and often covers only certain emission scopes. For this reason, it is important to state transparently which scope and method a claim covers.

(Source: ISO)

The technology by which CO₂ produced at sources such as industrial facilities or power plants is captured before being released into the atmosphere and permanently stored in underground geological formations. It is seen as an important option, especially for hard-to-abate sectors such as cement and steel. If the captured carbon is also used, the process is called CCUS.

(Source: IPCC)

The amount of greenhouse-gas emissions per unit of production, service or economic output (for example, tonnes of CO₂ per tonne of steel). Because it measures efficiency rather than absolute emissions, it makes it possible to compare the performance of growing companies. Falling carbon intensity is an indication that production and emissions are decoupling.

(Source: OECD)

The process of removing the economy from fossil-fuel dependence by reducing the carbon intensity of energy and production systems. Renewable energy, electrification and efficiency are the main levers of this process. Decarbonization lies at the core of the path to the net-zero goal.

(Source: IPCC)

Lower-carbon hydrogen, usually produced from natural gas, in which the carbon emissions arising during production are captured through carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies; it is lower-carbon than grey hydrogen.

(Source: IEA)

The general name for the technologies and methods that remove carbon dioxide already present in the atmosphere. Afforestation, biochar, direct air capture and ocean-based methods fall within this scope. They are increasingly seen as critical for compensating the risk of overshooting temperature targets and for balancing residual emissions.

(Source: IPCC)

The state in which the greenhouse gases an organization or country releases into the atmosphere and the gases it removes from the atmosphere are balanced so that the net effect is reduced to zero. The priority is to reduce emissions as much as possible and to balance the remaining unavoidable emissions through carbon removal. Today it is the concept at the center of global climate goals and corporate strategies.

(Source: IPCC)

Refers to the types of energy obtained from continually replenished natural sources such as solar, wind, hydroelectric, geothermal and bioenergy. Unlike fossil fuels, they produce low or zero carbon emissions during use. They are the cornerstone of decarbonizing the energy system and of energy security.

(Source: https://www.irena.org)

Hydrogen produced by splitting water through electrolysis using renewable energy, with almost no carbon emissions arising during production. It is seen as the key to decarbonization in sectors where electrification is difficult, such as steel, chemicals and long-distance transport. As its cost falls, it is becoming a strategic component of the global energy transition.

(Source: IEA)

The process of returning degraded or destroyed ecosystems (forests, wetlands, corals) to their former healthy state. It increases carbon-sequestration capacity while also improving biodiversity and ecosystem services. The United Nations has declared the 2021–2030 period the "Decade on Ecosystem Restoration."

(Source: UNEP)

The capacity of societies, economies and ecosystems to withstand, adapt to and rapidly recover from climate-related shocks and stresses. It covers not only preventing harm but also continuing to function by adapting to changing conditions. For companies, it is a critical concept for the continuity of operations and supply chains.

(Source: IPCC)

The set of measures and arrangements aimed at preparing systems and communities for the current and expected impacts of climate change. It covers a wide spectrum, from flood-prevention infrastructure to drought-resistant agriculture. Together with mitigation, it is one of the two fundamental pillars of climate policy.

(Source: UNFCCC)

The irreversible economic and social impacts of climate change.

At COP27 (Sharm el-Sheikh, 2022) it was decided, as a historic decision, to establish a separate financing mechanism, and at COP28 the details regarding the operation of this fund were finalized. At COP31, the effective use of the fund and the transfer of resources will continue to be a critical agenda item. (Source: UNFCCC)

Refers to the resilience and continuity of water systems against climate-related pressures such as drought, floods and pollution. It covers sustainable water management, infrastructure and efficiency measures. It is becoming an increasingly strategic issue for both food security and the continuity of industrial production.

(Source: World Bank)

Adaptation practices that appear to provide benefit in the short term but that increase climate risks in the long term or shift vulnerability to other groups. For example, irrigation based on excessive water withdrawal may deepen drought risk in the long term. It draws attention to the fact that poorly designed adaptation investments can produce unintended consequences.

(Source: IPCC)

Financing aimed at supporting the transformation of carbon-intensive sectors toward a low-carbon model. It aims to provide resources to activities that are not yet "green" but that have a credible transformation plan. It plays a key role in financing the transformation of emission-intensive sectors such as steel, cement and energy.

(Source: OECD)

The market in which companies and individuals buy and sell carbon credits for their own climate goals, without any legal obligation. The credits are obtained from reduction/removal projects such as afforestation or renewable energy. The credibility of the market depends on verifying the quality of the credits and whether they deliver real reductions.

(Source: https://icvcm.org)

Refers to all financial flows—from public, private and blended sources—aimed at mitigating climate change and adapting to its impacts. It covers a wide area, from renewable-energy investments to adaptation projects. The transfer of resources from developed to developing countries is one of the most contentious topics of the negotiations.

(Source: UNFCCC)

The policy tool that encourages polluters to reduce their emissions by placing an economic cost on greenhouse-gas emissions. It has two main forms: a carbon tax and an emissions trading system (ETS). By putting the "polluter pays" principle into practice, it makes low-carbon investments economically attractive.

(Source: World Bank)

The financing approach in which public or philanthropic resources are used strategically to attract private-sector investment and reduce its risk. It makes climate projects that are considered too risky for the private sector alone investable. It is an important tool, especially for scaling up climate investments in developing countries.

(Source: OECD)

The European Union's regulation that applies to carbon-intensive imported products a charge equivalent to the carbon cost within the EU. Its aim is to prevent production from moving to countries with lower carbon costs (carbon leakage) and to ensure fair competition. Covering sectors such as steel, cement, aluminium, fertilizer, electricity and hydrogen, CBAM directly affects Türkiye's exports to the EU.

(Source: https://ec.europa.eu)

Debt instruments whose proceeds are allocated to financing projects of both environmental and social nature. They combine the features of a green bond (environmental) and a social bond. The principles set by the ICMA define the transparency and reporting standards of these bonds.

(Source: ICMA)

Debt instruments whose proceeds are allocated solely to financing projects that provide environmental benefit (renewable energy, clean transport, energy efficiency). They offer investors measurable environmental impact in addition to a return. They are one of the fastest-growing and most established instruments of sustainable finance.

(Source: ICMA)

The carbon market that operates on the basis of legal regulation and in which the covered entities are obliged to meet their emission obligations. Emissions Trading Systems (ETS) are the most common example of these markets. Unlike the voluntary market, participation and compliance are subject to legal obligation.

(Source: World Bank)

The set of three fundamental criteria used to evaluate a company's environmental, social and governance performance. Investors use the ESG framework to assess sustainability and long-term risk management beyond financial data. Today it is becoming an increasingly decisive framework for access to capital and corporate reputation.

(Source: UN PRI)

The process of measuring, tracking and managing the indirect (Scope 3) emissions arising along a company's value chain, from its supply chain to product use. It is critically important because in most sectors the majority of total emissions fall within this scope. Because of the difficulty of data collection, methodological consistency is of great importance.

(Source: GHG Protocol)

The property whereby the sustainability and emission data disclosed by an organization can be checked and confirmed by independent third parties. It requires the data to be based on traceable evidence. It is a fundamental condition of the credibility of climate reporting and of protection against greenwashing.

(Source: ISO)

Risks arising from the direct physical impacts of climate change (floods, drought, storms, sea-level rise). They are divided into two: "acute" risks linked to sudden events and "chronic" risks linked to long-term changes. They pose a direct financial threat to companies' facilities, supply chains and assets.

(Source: TCFD)

The practice by which companies apply a cost (a shadow price) that they voluntarily set on their emissions, for use in their own decision-making processes. It steers investment decisions toward low-carbon options and prepares for future carbon-cost risks. It has been adopted by many large companies as a risk-management and strategy tool.

(Source: CDP)

The strategic roadmap that sets out the concrete actions, interim targets and investments a company will follow to reach its net-zero or emission-reduction target. It turns a target declaration into applicable and traceable steps. It is a credibility indicator increasingly demanded by investors and regulators.

(Source: TCFD)

The policy, technology, market and reputational risks that arise during the transition to a low-carbon economy. Carbon pricing, regulatory changes or shifts in consumer preferences can trigger these risks. They directly affect the value of assets, especially in fossil-fuel and carbon-intensive sectors.

(Source: TCFD)

The reporting to stakeholders by companies of the physical and transition risks arising from climate change to which they are exposed, their financial impacts and their management approaches. This practice, which became widespread with the TCFD framework, is increasingly turning into mandatory reporting standards (ISSB, CSRD). It enables investors to compare companies' climate resilience.

(Source: TCFD)

The management by a company of its environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance in an integrated way with long-term value creation. It aims to balance financial goals with environmental and social responsibilities. Today it has become an inseparable part of risk management, reputation and competitiveness.

(Source: WBCSD)

The process of systematically measuring, reporting and independently verifying greenhouse-gas emissions and climate actions. By ensuring that data is reliable, consistent and comparable, it strengthens trust in climate commitments. It forms the basis of both the country-level transparency framework and the carbon markets.

(Source: UNFCCC)

The classification system that defines, using common criteria, which economic activities are to be considered environmentally sustainable. The EU Taxonomy is the most comprehensive example in this area. By enabling investors and companies to define green investments consistently, it aims to prevent greenwashing.

(Source: EU)

The practice of presenting the environmental performance of a company's products or activities as more favorable than it actually is. Unverified claims, vague labels or selective data sharing are common forms. Because it undermines consumer trust, it is being increasingly strictly monitored and penalized by regulators.

(Source: OECD)

The shaping of climate policies and the development of joint solutions by countries through regional collaborations and partnerships. It enables coordinated action on cross-border energy, water and trade issues. Hosting COP31 offers Türkiye the opportunity to steer this diplomacy in its region.

(Source: UNFCCC) — Note: this is a strategic/analytical framing concept used by SKD Türkiye; it is not a formal term defined under the UNFCCC, the Paris Agreement, the IPCC or the GHG Protocol.

The approach that aims to reduce emissions at every stage of the supply chain, from raw-material sourcing to production and logistics. It covers a wide area, from supplier selection to transport methods. Because of regulations such as CBAM, it is increasingly becoming a competitive requirement for exporting companies.

(Source: WBCSD)

Refers to the transition process of high-emission sectors—such as cement, iron and steel, aluminium, fertilizer and energy—to low-carbon technologies. Because these are the hardest-to-abate areas, their transformation requires large investment and innovation. It lies at the center of the transformation in terms of Türkiye's industrial structure.

(Source: IEA)

The combined use of public and private-sector financing, in a way that shares risk, to accelerate the low-carbon transformation. Public resources make transformation projects that are considered too risky for private investors attractive. It is a critical model for scaling up industrial transformation in developing economies.

(Source: OECD) — Note: this is a strategic/analytical framing concept used by SKD Türkiye; it is not a formal term defined under the UNFCCC, the Paris Agreement, the IPCC or the GHG Protocol.

Infrastructure systems designed and operated to be resilient against the impacts of climate change such as floods, heat and storms. Although the initial cost is higher, in the long term it significantly reduces repair and disruption costs. It is a strategic investment area for the continuity of cities and economies.

(Source: World Bank)

A supply chain designed to be resilient to climate risks, able to operate without interruption and to recover quickly. Supplier diversification, risk mapping and flexible logistics are the main components of this approach. It aims to secure production continuity in the face of increasing climate events.

(Source: WEF)

Refers to the impact of climate policies and the low-carbon transformation on the competitiveness of countries and companies. When well managed, climate action can turn from a cost into a competitive advantage through new markets and efficiency. Regulations such as CBAM make this relationship concrete in terms of export competition.

(Source: OECD) — Note: this is a strategic/analytical framing concept used by SKD Türkiye; it is not a formal term defined under the UNFCCC, the Paris Agreement, the IPCC or the GHG Protocol.

Refers to the competitive advantage that companies and countries able to produce with low carbon obtain in international markets. As carbon pricing and border regulations become widespread, low-emission production turns into a cost advantage. It is of strategic importance for Türkiye's position in the EU market.

(Source: European Commission) — Note: this is a strategic/analytical framing concept used by SKD Türkiye; it is not a formal term defined under the UNFCCC, the Paris Agreement, the IPCC or the GHG Protocol.

The production model in which economic growth is achieved with low carbon intensity—that is, with fewer emissions per unit of output. It is based on the decoupling of growth from emissions. It brings together both alignment with climate goals and resource efficiency.

(Source: OECD)

The set of public policies aimed at steering industry toward low-carbon technologies. Incentives, standards, R&D support and public procurement are the main tools of these policies. It aims to make industrial transformation compatible with both climate goals and economic development.

(Source: UNIDO)

Refers to investment activities directed at clean energy, energy efficiency, storage and low-carbon production technologies. These investments both reduce emissions and create new areas of industry and employment. An increasingly large share of global capital is being directed to these areas.

(Source: IEA)

The construction of climate goals and policies based on scientific modeling and, in particular, on IPCC scenarios. These scenarios set out the likely consequences of different emission trajectories on temperature and climate. They enable companies and countries to place their targets on a realistic and scientific basis.

(Source: IPCC)

The approach that aims not only to protect nature and ecosystems but to net-improve and restore them by 2030. It aims to halt and reverse biodiversity loss. It is being increasingly adopted as the biodiversity-domain counterpart of the climate-neutrality goal.

(Source: World Economic Forum)

The economic model based on keeping resources in use for as long as possible, minimizing waste, and creating value through the reuse, repair and recycling of products. It forms an alternative to the linear "take-make-dispose" model. By reducing both emissions and raw-material dependence, it contributes to climate and resource security.

(Source: Ellen MacArthur Foundation)

Refers to the difference between climate solutions that are technically possible and those that are economically and operationally applicable. The existence of a technology does not mean that it is scalable or cost-effective. This gap indicates which areas policies and financing should prioritize.

(Source: IEA) — Note: this is a strategic/analytical framing concept used by SKD Türkiye; it is not a formal term defined under the UNFCCC, the Paris Agreement, the IPCC or the GHG Protocol.

Carbon-finance instruments developed to support the transition of high-emission sectors to a low-carbon model. They are issued in connection with verified transformation activities. Unlike classic carbon credits, they focus on financing the gradual transformation of existing sectors.

(Source: World Bank)

The analytical method that measures the resilience of companies or financial systems under severe but plausible climate and transition scenarios. Central banks and regulators increasingly use these tests to assess financial stability. It aims to strengthen risk management by foreseeing potential losses.

(Source: NGFS)

An analytical method that enables companies or countries to evaluate the risks and opportunities they may face under different climate and policy scenarios. It usually includes both high-warming and rapid-transformation scenarios. It strengthens strategic planning and resilience to climate risks.

(Source: TCFD)

The set of institutional structures and processes covering the formulation, implementation, monitoring and accountability of climate policies. It applies both at the country level and within companies (including board responsibility). Effective climate governance is the fundamental guarantee that commitments turn into real results.

(Source: OECD)

A concept—not yet officially standardized—that refers to the emissions avoided through the use of a product or service compared with an alternative. For example, the emission savings brought about by an energy-efficient device or by software enabling remote working are evaluated within this scope. Although it is useful for companies to demonstrate a positive climate contribution, it must be handled carefully because it is open to exaggerated claims. It is officially outside the GHG Protocol.

(Source: WBCSD)

Refers to the total cumulative amount of carbon that can be released into the atmosphere without exceeding a certain temperature target (for example, 1.5°C). Because this budget is limited and depleting rapidly, it quantifies the urgency of emission reduction. The sharing of the global budget among countries and sectors is one of the fundamental debates of climate justice.

(Source: IPCC)

The removal and permanent storage of carbon dioxide present in the atmosphere through biological (afforestation, soil) or technological (direct air capture) methods. Unlike emission reduction, it targets the carbon already in the atmosphere. It is indispensable for balancing residual emissions that are impossible to reduce and for reaching net zero.

(Source: IPCC)

Refers to the emission-reduction plans and transformation scenarios that countries and companies will follow to reach their net-zero targets by a certain date. These pathways set out in which sectors, when and with which technologies reductions will be made. The IEA's Net Zero by 2050 scenario is one of the most widely referenced examples.

(Source: IEA)

Refers to the resources that finance projects aimed at adapting to the impacts of climate change (flood prevention, resilient agriculture, water management). Compared with mitigation finance, it has historically had a smaller share within global climate finance. Correcting this imbalance is among the priority topics of the negotiations, especially for vulnerable countries.

(Source: UNFCCC)

The analytical method that evaluates the environmental impacts of a product or service throughout its entire life cycle, from raw-material extraction to production, use and disposal. With a "cradle-to-grave" perspective, it reveals hidden sources of emissions and impacts. It is a fundamental tool for product comparisons and for verifying environmental claims.

(Source: ISO 14040)