When speaking to many businesses about climate change and beginning their road to net-zero, the main point that delays or prevents progress is jargon.
In this blog we talk through some of the main jargon to help your journey and understanding.
Climate change is a global phenomenon characterized by changes in the Earth’s average temperature, rainfall patterns, and other weather-related events, primarily due to the emission of greenhouse gases (e.g. carbon dioxide) from human activities.
Climate Jargon
- Greenhouse gases: Gases in the Earth’s atmosphere that trap heat from the sun, leading to a warming of the planet.
- Carbon footprint: A measure of the amount of greenhouse gases emitted by an individual, organization, or country.
- Mitigation: Strategies aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and slowing the pace of climate change.
- Adaptation: Measures taken to prepare for and respond to the impacts of climate change.
We have a climate emergency, and we are all responsible for taking action to solve the biggest challenge in our history.
Common terms you will hear when researching your first or next steps to develop a sustainable future for your business;
- Net-zero: achieving an overall balance between CO2e produced and removed from the atmosphere
- Carbon neutral: Offsetting the emissions produced and recorded in Scope 1&2
- Circular economy: resources are re-used or recycled as much as possible, and waste is minimised.
- CO2e: CO2e stands for carbon dioxide equivalent. It’s the standard measurement of GHG emissions
- Green economy: low-carbon, resource efficient and socially inclusive economy
Why is it important I understand the basic terms?
Understanding these terms is important when developing a sustainability strategy for your business because they provide a common language and framework to understand the challenges and opportunities associated with climate change.
Having a solid understanding of the concepts and terminology related to climate change will help you:
- Identify the most relevant and impactful sustainability initiatives for your business
- Communicate effectively with stakeholders, including employees, customers, and investors, about your company’s sustainability efforts and goals
- Benchmark your progress against industry peers and assess the effectiveness of your sustainability strategy over time
- Make informed decisions about investment in new technologies and mitigation strategies, and how these will affect your carbon footprint and sustainability performance
- Stay informed about evolving regulations, standards, and best practices related to sustainability and climate change
In short, having a comprehensive understanding of the jargon related to climate change is essential for developing an effective and well-informed sustainability strategy for your business.
- Cost savings: Implementing energy-efficient practices and investing in renewable energy can lead to lower energy costs over time.
- Improved brand reputation: Companies that prioritize sustainability often see a boost in their public image, attracting customers who value environmental responsibility.
- Increased competitiveness: Companies that adopt sustainable practices are well positioned to adapt to future climate-related regulations and changing consumer preferences.
- Risk reduction: Companies exposed to climate-related risks (e.g. supply chain disruptions) can mitigate these risks by taking action on climate change.
Read a more comprehensive guide to some of the key terms is available here
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