Sustainability Keywords Explained

Sustainability

The United Nations defines sustainability as “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”

This includes everything from protecting natural resources and wildlife to reducing our carbon footprint and conserving energy.

Climate Change

Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns. 

Such shifts can be natural, due to changes in the sun’s activity or large volcanic eruptions. But since the 1800s, human activities have been the main driver of climate change, primarily due to the burning of fossil fuels like coal, oil and gas.

Global Warming

Global warming refers to the rise in global temperatures due mainly to the increasing concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

Higher temperatures are one element of changing climate. Other indirect results of warming are changes in atmospheric and oceanic circulation patterns and how much moisture the atmosphere can hold, affecting rainfall patterns.

Greenhouse Gases

Greenhouse gases trap some of the heat that radiates after sunlight strikes the Earth’s surface, making the atmosphere warmer. 

The main greenhouse gases that are causing climate change are carbon dioxide and methane. These mostly come from burning fossil fuels, things like using gasoline for driving a car or propane or gas for heating a building. Clearing land and cutting down forests can also release carbon dioxide. 

Energy, industry, transport, buildings, agriculture and land use are among the main sectors causing greenhouse gases.

Carbon Footprint

A carbon footprint is a measure of the greenhouse gas emissions released into the atmosphere by a particular person, organization, product, or activity. A bigger carbon footprint means more emissions of carbon dioxide and methane, and therefore a bigger contribution to the climate crisis.

Fossil Fuels

Fossil energy sources, including oil, coal and natural gas, are non-renewable resources that formed when prehistoric plants and animals died and were gradually buried by layers of rock. 

Over millions of years, different types of fossil fuels formed. Today, fossil fuel industries drill or mine for these energy sources, burn them to produce electricity, or refine them for use as fuel for heating or transportation. 

Net Zero 

'Net zero emissions' refers to achieving an overall balance between greenhouse gas emissions produced and greenhouse gas emissions taken out of the atmosphere.

It’s not about removing all emissions, but reducing emissions to a small amount that can be absorbed and durably stored by nature and other carbon dioxide removal measures, leaving zero in the atmosphere.

Sources: United Nations and US Environmental Protection Agency

Ready to Take Action?

In Grand County, you can apply for a home or business energy assessment, volunteer your time, donate, or become a sponsor to support local sustainability programs.