Monitoring
Expert-defined terms from the Certified Professional in Climate Investment Planning course at London School of Planning and Management. Free to read, free to share, paired with a globally recognised certification pathway.
Adaptation #
The process of adjusting to the effects of climate change, such as rising sea levels or increasing temperatures, in order to minimize harm. Related terms include mitigation and resilience. Adaptation can take many forms, such as building sea walls to protect against rising sea levels, or developing new crop varieties that can withstand drought.
Baseline emissions #
The level of greenhouse gas emissions that currently exist, or that would occur under a business-as-usual scenario. Related terms include carbon footprint and emissions reduction target. Baseline emissions are important for setting emissions reduction targets and measuring progress towards those targets.
Carbon capture and storage (CCS) #
A technology that captures carbon dioxide emissions from power plants and other industrial sources, and then stores the carbon dioxide underground in rock formations or other geological structures. Related terms include carbon dioxide and greenhouse gas. CCS is one approach to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and addressing climate change.
Carbon pricing #
A market-based approach to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, in which a price is placed on carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. Related terms include carbon tax and cap-and-trade system. Carbon pricing can provide an economic incentive for businesses and individuals to reduce their carbon footprint.
Carbon sequestration #
The process of capturing and storing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, often through natural means such as forests or soils. Related terms include carbon sink and afforestation. Carbon sequestration can help to offset emissions and reduce the overall level of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
Climate finance #
The flow of funds from developed countries to developing countries for the purpose of addressing climate change. Related terms include green bonds and climate resilience. Climate finance can be used to support a wide range of activities, including the development of renewable energy projects, the construction of climate-resilient infrastructure, and the deployment of adaptation measures.
Climate risk assessment #
The process of identifying, analyzing, and prioritizing the risks posed by climate change to a particular system or asset. Related terms include vulnerability assessment and adaptation planning. Climate risk assessments can help organizations to understand and manage the potential impacts of climate change.
Climate services #
The provision of information and knowledge to help decision-makers understand and respond to climate change. Related terms include climate data and climate modeling. Climate services can include a wide range of activities, such as the development of climate risk assessments, the provision of climate forecasts, and the delivery of training and capacity building programs.
Decarbonization #
The process of reducing or eliminating the use of fossil fuels and other sources of greenhouse gas emissions. Related terms include carbon neutrality and renewable energy. Decarbonization is an important step towards addressing climate change and meeting emissions reduction targets.
Emissions reduction target #
A specific, measurable goal for reducing greenhouse gas emissions over a certain period of time. Related terms include baseline emissions and carbon budget. Emissions reduction targets can be set at the national, regional, or local level, and can be used to guide decision-making and track progress.
Green bonds #
Bonds that are specifically designated for financing projects that have environmental benefits, such as renewable energy or energy efficiency projects. Related terms include climate finance and sustainable development. Green bonds can provide investors with an opportunity to support projects that align with their values and contribute to addressing climate change.
Greenhouse gas (GHG) #
A gas that traps heat in the atmosphere, contributing to the greenhouse effect and global warming. Related terms include carbon dioxide and methane. Greenhouse gases include carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and fluorinated gases.
Greenhouse gas inventory #
A comprehensive accounting of all the greenhouse gas emissions and removals associated with a particular system or activity. Related terms include carbon footprint and emissions reduction target. Greenhouse gas inventories can be used to track progress towards emissions reduction targets and identify opportunities for reducing emissions.
Mitigation #
The process of reducing greenhouse gas emissions or increasing the removal of greenhouse gases from the atmosphere. Related terms include adaptation and carbon sequestration. Mitigation is an important tool for addressing climate change and reducing the risks posed by a changing climate.
Monitoring #
The ongoing observation and measurement of a system or process in order to understand its behavior and track progress towards specific goals. Related terms include evaluation and reporting. Monitoring is an important part of climate investment planning, as it allows organizations to track the impact of their investments and ensure that they are achieving their intended goals.
Resilience #
The ability of a system or community to withstand, adapt to, and recover from climate-related hazards and other stressors. Related terms include adaptation and climate risk management. Resilience is an important aspect of climate investment planning, as it helps to ensure that investments are able to withstand the impacts of a changing climate.
Renewable energy #
Energy that is generated from sources that are naturally replenished, such as the sun, wind, or water. Related terms include decarbonization and sustainable development. Renewable energy is an important part of the transition to a low-carbon economy, as it can help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve energy security.
Sustainable development #
Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Related terms include green bonds and renewable energy. Sustainable development is an important goal for many organizations and governments, as it helps to balance economic, social, and environmental considerations.
Vulnerability assessment #
The process of identifying and evaluating the factors that make a system or community susceptible to the impacts of climate change. Related terms include climate risk assessment and adaptation planning. Vulnerability assessments can help organizations to understand and manage the potential impacts of climate change.