Environmental Policy Glossary

Precipitation with elevated levels of sulfuric and nitric acids, caused primarily by emissions of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides from fossil fuel combustion.

The variety of life in a particular ecosystem or on Earth as a whole, encompassing genetic diversity, species diversity, and ecosystem diversity.

A market-based regulatory system that sets an emissions cap and allows firms to buy and sell emission permits.

The total amount of greenhouse gases emitted directly or indirectly by an individual, organization, event, or product, usually expressed in CO2 equivalents.

The process of capturing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide, either through natural processes (forests, soils, oceans) or technological means (carbon capture and storage).

A fee imposed on the burning of carbon-based fuels, intended to internalize the social cost of carbon emissions.

A Kyoto Protocol mechanism allowing developed countries to invest in emission-reduction projects in developing countries to earn carbon credits.

Adjustments in ecological, social, or economic systems in response to actual or expected climate change effects, aimed at reducing vulnerability and building resilience.

Actions taken to reduce or prevent greenhouse gas emissions, such as transitioning to renewable energy, improving energy efficiency, or protecting forests.

A regulatory approach that prescribes specific standards, practices, or technologies and enforces compliance through legal penalties.

The clearing or thinning of forests by humans, often for agriculture, logging, or urban development, leading to habitat loss, carbon release, and biodiversity decline.

The benefits that humans derive from ecosystems, including provisioning (food, water), regulating (climate, flood control), cultural (recreation), and supporting services (nutrient cycling).

A process of evaluating the likely environmental consequences of a proposed project or action before implementation.

The fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, income, or origin in environmental decision-making.

A side effect of economic activity that affects uninvolved third parties, either positively or negatively, without being reflected in market prices.

A gas that absorbs and emits infrared radiation, trapping heat in the atmosphere. Major GHGs include carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and fluorinated gases.

The practice of making misleading claims about the environmental benefits of a product, service, or company policy to appear more environmentally responsible than is warranted.

A 1997 international treaty setting binding emission reduction targets for industrialized nations, entered into force in 2005.

A situation in which the allocation of goods and services by a free market is not efficient, often due to externalities, public goods, or information asymmetries.

National Environmental Policy Act (1970). U.S. law requiring federal agencies to assess environmental effects of proposed actions.

A 2015 international climate treaty under the UNFCCC aiming to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.

The principle that those responsible for pollution should bear the costs of managing and remediating it.

The principle that action should be taken to prevent environmental harm even in the absence of complete scientific certainty.

The capacity to maintain ecological, social, and economic systems over the long term without depleting natural resources or degrading environmental quality.

The depletion of shared resources by individuals acting in self-interest without collective management or regulation.