Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) information including Carbon Credits and Carbon Investments

The temperature of the layer of seawater (approximately 0.5 m deep) nearest the atmosphere.

The change in a set of meteorological parameters averaged over three months. Seasonal variation is the largest climatic variation, and temperature is the most fre- quently observed meteorological parameter. Often, monthly averaged data are grouped into seasons, according to the prescribed definition.

An extensive review of worldwide research on climate change compiled by the IPCC and published in 1995. Some 2,000 scientists and experts participated. The report is also known as Climate Change 1995. The SAR concluded that "the balance of evidence suggests that there is a discernible human influence on global climate." It also said "no-regrets options" and other cost-effective strategies exist for combating climate change.

The office staffed by international civil servants responsible for "servicing" the UNFCCC Convention and ensuring its smooth operation. The secretariat makes arrangements for meetings, compiles and prepares reports, and coordinates with other relevant international bodies. The Climate Change Secretariat, which is based in Bonn, Germany, is institutionally linked to the United Nations.

The fairly uniform and accelerating increase of carbon dioxide concentration in the atmosphere, as illustrated by the Mauna Loa record. The secular trend reflects the increase in global atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations produced by combustion of fossil fuels, kilning of limestone, and possibly a net biospheric release of carbon dioxide resulting from deforestation.

The excess radiative energy that has passed from the Earth's surface to the atmosphere through advection, conduction, and convection processes.

The process of removing greenhouse gases (usually carbon dioxide) out of the atmosphere. For example trees and other plants sequestercarbon dioxide from the atmosphere as they grow, through the process of photosynthesis.

A set-aside should be established in the National Allocation Plan for the period 2008 to 2012 of each Member State hosting or intending to host activities under the project based mechanisms of the Kyoto Protocol, which could cause double-counting, listing planned project activities and its anticipated reductions or limitations of emissions that take place in installations under EU ETS and for which ERUs or CERs should be issued by the Member State.

Sulphur hexafluoride.

The radiation received from the sun and emitted in the spectral wavelengths less than 4 m. It is also called solar radiation.

Management of forest land for timber.

Any process, activity or mechanism which removes a greenhouse gas, an aerosol or a precursor of a greenhouse gas from the atmosphere. Forests and other vegetation are considered sinks because they remove carbon dioxide through photosynthesis.

There is a simplified process for small scale CDM projects that will generate less emissions reductions. They are defined as: renewable energy projects under 15 MW, energy efficiency projects that reduce energy consumption by up to 15 GWh per year; or project activities which emit less than 15 kilotonnes CO2 equivalent per year.

Air pollution associated with oxidants.

A major component of the terrestrial biosphere pool in the carbon cycle. Organic soil carbon estimates, rather than total soil carbon, are generally quoted. The amount of carbon in the soil is a function of historical vegetative cover and productivity, which in turn is dependent upon climatic variables.

The rate at which solar energy is received just outside the Earth's atmosphere on a surface that is normal to the incident radiation and at the mean distance of the Earth from the sun. The current value is 0.140 watt/cm2.

The periodic change in sunspot numbers. It is the interval between successive minima and is about 11.1 years.

A large-scale atmospheric and hydrospheric fluctuation centered in the equatorial Pacific Ocean. It exhibits a nearly annual pressure anomaly, alternatively high over the Indian Ocean and high over the South Pacific. Its period is slightly variable, averaging 2.33 years. The variation in pressure is accompanied by variations in wind strengths, ocean currents, sea-surface temperatures, and precipitation in the surrounding areas. El Nino occurrences are associated with the phenomenon.

The SCCF was established to finance projects relating to adaptation; technology transfer and capacity building; energy, transport, industry, agriculture, forestry and waste management; and economic diversification.  This fund should complement other funding mechanisms for the implementation of the Convention.  The Global Environment Facility (GEF), as the entity that operates the financial mechanism of the Convention, has been entrusted to operate this fund.

The public, including individuals, groups or communities affected, or likely to be affected, by the project. Comments of stakeholders have to be included into Project Design Document according to rules established by UNFCCC.

Includes emissions from electricity generation and from fuels consumed in the manufacturing, construction and commercial sectors, and emissions from other sources like domestic heating.

The region of the upper atmosphere extending from the tropopause (8 to 15 km altitude) to about 50 km. The thermal structure is determined by its radiation balance and is generally very stable with low humidity.

A committee that assists the Conference of the Parties. Two permanent subsidiary bodies are created by the Convention: the Subsidiary Body for Implementation (SBI) and the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice (SBSTA). COP-1 also established two temporary bodies: the Ad hoc Group on the Berlin Mandate, which concluded its work on 30 November 1997, and the Ad hoc group on Article 13. Additional subsidiary bodies may be established as needed.

The SBI makes recommendations on policy and implementation issues to the COP and, if requested, to other bodies.

The SBSTA serves as a link between information and assessments provided by expert sources (such as the IPCC) and the COP, which focuses on setting policy.

The relative change in the 14C/C or 13C/C ratio of any carbon pool or reservoir caused by the addition of fossil- fuel CO2 to the atmosphere. Fossil fuels are devoid of 14C because of the radioactive decay of 14C to 14N during long underground storage and are depleted in 13C because of isotopic fractionation eons ago during photosynthesis by the plants that were the precursors of the fossil fuels. Carbon dioxide produced by the combustion of fossil fuels is thus virtually free of 14C and depleted in 13C. The term Suess effect originally referred to the dilution of the 14C/C ratio in atmospheric CO2 by the admixture of fossil-fuel produced CO2, but the definition has been extended to both the 14C and 13C ratios in any pool or reservoir of the carbon cycle resulting from human disturbances.

A relatively dark, sharply defined region on the solar disk, marked by an umbra approximately 2000K cooler than the effective photospheric temperature, surrounded by a less dark but also sharply bounded penumbra. The average spot diameter is about 3700 km, but can range up to 245,000 km. Most sunspots are found in groups of two or more, but they can occur singly. Sunspots are cyclic, with a period of approximately 11 years. The quantitative description of sunspot activity is called the Wolf sunspot number, denoted R. The Wolf sunspot number is also referred to as Wolfer sunspot number, Zurich relative sunspot number, or relative sunspot number.

Supplementarity is a provision in the Kyoto Protocol stating that emissions trading should be a supplement to domestic action. It reflects the request of the European Union to limit the use of the Kyoto Protocol flexibility mechanisms.

The temperature of the air near the surface of the Earth, usually determined by a thermometer in an instrument shelter about 2 m above the ground. The true daily mean, obtained from a thermograph, is approximated by the mean of 24 hourly readings and may differ by 1.0 degrees C from the average based on minimum and maximum readings. The global average surface air temperature is 15 degrees C.

The fraction of solar radiation incident on the Earth's surface that is reflected by it. Reflectivity varies with ground cover, and during the winter months it varies greatly with the amount of snow cover (depth and areal extent). Roughness of terrain, moisture content, solar angle, and angular and spectral distribution of ground- level irradiations are other factors affecting surface albedo.

In an ETS, countries or businesses are allocated carbon credits or permits, usually for a designated time frame. They must then surrender one carbon credit for each tonne of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) emitted within the relevant time frame. This ensures the credits are not double-counted.

Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

SOGE is an integrated system for observation of halogenated greenhouse gases in Europe. The project builds on a combination of observations and modelling.

Tonne

Tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent, and millions of tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent. This is the metric measurement unit for greenhouse emissions. The global warming impact of all greenhouse gases is measured in terms of equivalency to the impact of carbon dioxide (CO2). For example, one million tonnes of emitted methane, a far more potent greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide, is measured as 23 million tonnes of CO2-equivalent, or 23 MtCO2e.

A broad set of processes covering the flows of know-how, experience and equipment for mitigating and adapting to climate change among different stakeholders

Credits issued for an afforestation or reforestation project activity under the CDM that expires at the end of the commitment period following the one during which it was issued. tCERs are issued for the net anthropogenic greenhouse gas removals by sinks achieved by the project activity since the project start date.

Removal carbon dioxide from the atmosphere or the prevention of carbon dioxide emissions from leaving terrestrial ecosystems. Sequestration can be enhances in such ways as reducing the decomposition of organic matter, increase of photosynthetic carbon fixation of different types of vegitation; creating energy offsets using biomass for fuels.

A transition layer of water in the ocean, with a steeper vertical temperature gradient than that found in the layers of ocean above and below. The permanent ther- mocline separates the warm mixed surface layer of the ocean from the cold deep ocean water, and is found between 100- and 1000-m depths. The thermocline first appears at the 55 - 60 degree N and S latitudes, where it forms a horizontal separation between temperate and polar waters. The thermocline reaches its maximum depth at mid-latitudes and is shallowest at the equator and at its northern and southern limits. The thermocline is stably stratified, and transfer of water and carbon dioxide across this zone occurs very slowly. Thus, the thermocline acts as a barrier to the downward mixing of carbon dioxide.

Refers to the combined effects of temperature and salinity that contribute to density variations in the oceans.

The third extensive review of global scientific research on climate change, published by the IPCC in 2001.  Among other things, the report stated that "The Earth's climate system has demonstrably changed on both global and regional scales since the pre-industrial era, with some of these changes attributable to human activities. There is new and stronger evidence that most of the warming observed over the last 50 years is attributable to human activities." The TAR also focused on the regional effects of climate change.

A minor constituent of the atmosphere. The most important trace gases contributing to the greenhouse effect are water vapor, carbon dioxide, ozone, methane, ammonia, nitric acid, nitrous oxide, ethylene, sulfur dioxide, nitric oxide, dichlorofluoromethane or Freon 12, trichlorofluoromethane or Freon 11, methyl chloride, carbon monoxide, and carbon tetrachloride.

To host Track 1 (fast-track) JI project country has to meet such criteria as: a) to be the Party to the Kyoto Protocol; b) has calculated Assigned amount; c) established National registry; d) submitted the annually required inventory; e) established system for the estimation of emissions and sinks; and f) submitted an additional information on the assigned amount. If host country meets all criteria, it is free to implement JI projects under Track 1: apply its own criteria and approve the project and emission reductions according to its own rules. In case host country meets only a)-c) criteria mentioned above, it is eligible for Track 2 JI projects. Second track JI more closely resembles the CDM, and projects must be examined and the emissions reduced or sequestered verified by an independent entity before any transaction can occur.

The process in plants by which water is taken up by the roots and released as water vapor by the leaves. The term can also be applied to the quantity of water thus dissipated.

The boundary between the troposphere and the stratosphere (about 8 km in polar regions and about 15 km in tropical regions), usually characterized by an abrupt change of lapse rate. The regions above the troposphere have increased atmospheric stability than those below. The tropopause marks the vertical limit of most clouds and storms.

The inner layer of the atmosphere below about 15 km, within which there is normally a steady decrease of temperature with increasing altitude. Nearly all clouds form and weather conditions manifest themselves within this region, and its thermal structure is caused primarily by the heating of the Earth's surface by solar radiation, followed by heat transfer by turbulent mixing and convection.

Technology Transfer Information Clearing House.

A type of ecosystem dominated by lichens, mosses, grasses, and woody plants. It is found at high latitudes (arctic tundra) and high altitudes (alpine tundra). Arctic tundra is underlain by permafrost and usually very wet.

The fraction of the total amount of mass (e.g., carbon) in a given pool or reservoir that is released from or that enters the pool in a given length of time. The turnover rate of carbon is often expressed as GtC/year.

Tax on the use of energy in industry, commerce and the public sector, with offsetting cuts in the rate of employers' National Insurance Contributions of 0.3 percentage points and additional support for energy efficiency schemes and renewable sources of energy. The levy forms a key part of the UK Government's overall Climate Change Programme.

A loose coalition of non-European Union developed countries formed following the adoption of the Kyoto Protocol. Although there is no formal membership list, the group usually includes Australia, Canada, Iceland, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, the Russian Federation, Ukraine, and the United States.

United Nations.

United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification.

United Nations Conference on Environment and Development.

United Nations Conference on Trade and Development.

United Nations Development Programme.

United Nations Economic Commission for Europe.

United Nations Environment Programme.

See United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

United Nations Industrial Development Organization.

A standard format through which Parties submit information on activities implemented jointly under the Convention.

The UNFCCC was established 1992 at the Rio Earth Summit. It is the overall framework guiding the international climate negotiations. Its main objective is "stabilisation of greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that would prevent dangerous anthropogenic (man-made) interference with the climate system".

The process of independent evaluation of a CDM project by an accredited Independent Entity according to requirements to CDM projects.

See Voluntary Carbon Stantard.

Voluntary Carbon Unit. Description of carbon offset derived from accreditation to the Voluntary Carbon Standard (VCS) Program.

Verified Emission Reductions are tradable credits for greenhouse emission reduction activities generated to meet voluntary demand for carbon credits by organisations and individuals wanting to offset their own emissions.

In order for carbon offset projects to have a formalised validation of an emission reduction stream, a recognised independent third party must confirm that claimed emissions reduction activity has occurred.

Reductions that, unlike CERs, are sold on the voluntary market. VERs are linked neither to the Kyoto Protocol nor to the EUETS. Sometimes VERs are referred to as Voluntary Emissions Reductions.

See Verified Emission Reductions.

A standard which accredits projects producing credits for the Voluntary Market that meet certain criteria.

The VCS Program includes the standard (VCS 2007) and the Program Guidelines 2007. The VCS Program provides a new global standard and program for approval of voluntary offsets. Is an international accounting tool for government and business to understand, quantify, and manage greenhouse gas emissions.

A draft article considered during the negotiation of the Kyoto Protocol that would have permitted developing countries to voluntarily adhere to legally binding emissions targets.  The proposed language was dropped in the final phase of the negotiations.  The issue remains important for some delegations and may be discussed at upcoming sessions of the Conference of the Parties.

The international Voluntary Gold Standard measures projects against strict criteria that address environmental and social concerns. The Standard only approves projects centered on renewable energy and energy efficiency; it deliberately excludes biosequestration projects.

Voluntary markets for emissions reductions cover those buyers and sellers of Verified Emission Reductions (VERs), which seek to manage their emission exposure for non-regulatory purposes.

Offsetting purchases made by individuals, businesses, and institutions that are not legally mandated.

The degree to which a system is susceptible to, or unable to cope with, adverse effects of climate change, including climate variability and extremes. Vulnerability is a function of the character, magnitude, and rate of climate variation to which a system is exposed, its sensitivity, and its adaptive capacity.

Water present in the atmosphere in gaseous form; the source of all forms of condensation and precipitation. Water vapor, clouds, and carbon dioxide are the main atmospheric components in the exchange of terrestrial radiation in the troposphere, serving as a regulator of planetary temperatures via the greenhouse effect. Approximately 50 percent of the atmosphere's moisture lies within about 1.84 km of the earth's surface, and only a minute fraction of the total occurs above the tropopause.

A process in which an increase in the amount of water vapor increases the atmosphere's absorption of longwave radiation, thereby contributing to a warming of the atmosphere. Warming, in turn, may result in increased evaporation and an increase in the initial water vapor anomaly. This feedback, along with carbon dioxide, is responsible for the greenhouse effect and operates virtually continuously in the atmosphere.

World Climate Conference.

Western European and Others Group (United Nations regional group).

World Health Organization.

World Meteorological Organization.

World Summit on Sustainable Development.

World Trade Organization.

Statistical-dynamical or energy-balance models in which only the latitudinally averaged quantities are determined and the effects of the longitudinally varying transports are determined parametrically. Abbreviated as ZAM.