A
Refers to reducing the degree or intensity of greenhouse-gas emissions.
The level of loss a society or community considers acceptable given existing social, economic, political, cultural, technical and environmental conditions. In engineering terms, acceptable risk is also used to describe structural and non-structural measures undertaken to reduce possible damage at a level, which does not harm people and property, according to codes or 'accepted practice' based, among other issues, on a known probability of hazard.
A washout of an excessive concentration of acidic compounds in the atmosphere, resulting from chemical pollutants such as sulphur and nitrogen compounds. When deposited these increase the acidity of the soil and water causing agricultural and ecological damage.
The AWG-KP was established in 2005 by Parties to the Kyoto Protocol in Montreal to consider further commitments of industrialized countries under the Kyoto Protocol for the period beyond 2012.
The AWG-LCA was established in Bali in 2007 to conduct negotiations on a strengthened international deal on climate change. Expected to complete its work at COP 18 in 2012.
Adjustment in natural or human systems in response to actual or expected climatic stimuli or their effects, which moderates harm or exploits beneficial opportunities.
The Adaptation Committee was established by the Conference of the Parties as part of the Cancun Agreements to promote the implementation of enhanced action on adaptation in a coherent manner under the Convention, inter alia, through various functions.
The Adaptation Fund was established to finance concrete adaptation projects and programmes in developing countries that are particularly vulnerable and are Parties to the Kyoto Protocol. The Fund is to be financed with a share of proceeds from clean development mechanism (CDM) project activities and receive funds from other sources. It is operated by the Adaptation Fund Board.
A collection of airborne particles. The term has also come to be associated, erroneously, with the propellant used in 'aerosol sprays'.
Planting of new forests on lands that historically have not contained forests.
A group of countries in Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific that was created by the Georgetown Agreement in 1975. The group's main objectives are sustainable development and poverty reduction within its member states, as well as their greater integration into the world's economy. All of the member states, except Cuba, are signatories to the Cotonou Agreement which binds them to the European Union.
The sector of an economy that includes crop production, animal husbandry, hunting, fishing, and forestry.
The movement of passengers and / or goods by aircraft.
Message that advises people and organisations when an event is expected to affect a community, area or facility in the near future and that they should take action. A period when resources may require to be brought to a higher level of preparedness.
An ad hoc coalition of low-lying and island countries. These nations are particularly vulnerable to rising sea levels and share common positions on climate change. The 43 members and observers are American Samoa, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Cape Verde, Comoros, Cook Islands, Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Grenada, Guam, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Kiribati, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Nauru, Netherlands Antilles, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Seychelles, Singapore, Solomon Islands, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, US Virgin Islands, and Vanuatu.
Annex I of the FCCC lists the countries who were members of the OECD in 1992, 11 countries undergoing the process of transition to a market economy, and the European Economic Community. Annex I parties are committed to adopt national policies and take measures to mitigate climate change.
The industrialized countries listed in Annex I to the Convention, which committed to returning their greenhouse-gas emissions to 1990 levels by the year 2000 as per Article 4.2 (a) and (b). They have also accepted emissions targets for the period 2008-12 as per Article 3 and Annex B of the Kyoto Protocol. They include the 24 original OECD members, the European Union, and 14 countries with economies in transition. (Croatia, Liechtenstein, Monaco, and Slovenia joined Annex 1 at COP-3, and the Czech Republic and Slovakia replaced Czechoslovakia.)
The countries listed in Annex II to the Convention which have a special obligation to provide financial resources and facilitate technology transfer to developing countries. Annex II Parties include the 24 original OECD members plus the European Union.
Greenhouse-gas emissions resulting from human activities.
An article of the Convention stating the specific commitments of developed-country (Annex I) Parties only -- notably that they would take measures aimed at returning greenhouse-gas emissions to 1990 levels by the year 2000.
A committee providing international oversight of 'track-two' joint implementation projects. Joint implementation projects are carried out by sponsoring and recipient developed countries under Article 6 of the Kyoto Protocol -- with the recipient likely to be a country with an "economy in transition". Track-two is used if one or both of the countries does not meet requirements for the standard ('track one') joint implementation programme. See track two.
A region-wide, Asia-Pacific multilateral forum for official consultations on peace and security issues. Its objectives are to foster constructive dialogue and consultation on political and security issues of common interest and concern and to make significant contributions to efforts towards confidence-building and preventive diplomacy in the Asia-Pacific region.
A multilateral economic and trade forum for 21 member economies that promotes free trade throughout the Asia-Pacific region. APEC members jointly work towards the establishment of a greater regional community to address the economic and social dimensions of development by focusing on trade and investment liberalization, business facilitation, and economic and technical cooperation.
A regional development bank founded in 1966 to facilitate economic development in Asia and the Pacific. ADB assists developing member countries to evolve into thriving modern economies and alleviate poverty through its services.
An independent non-governmental organization that works closely with local, national and regional governments, governmental and non-governmental organizations, donors and development partners, to deploy disaster risk management information and systems to reduce local, national and regional risk across the Asia-Pacific.
The Center is based in Japan and comprises 30 member and 5 advisor countries. It aims to enhance disaster resilience of the member countries, to build safe communities, and to create a society where sustainable development is possible.
A political and economic organisation of 10 Southeast Asian member states. With a regional approach it aims to accelerate economic growth, social progress, and sociocultural evolution among its members, protection of regional peace and stability, and opportunities for member countries to discuss differences peacefully.
Contamination of the atmosphere by large quantities of gases, solids and radiation produced by the burning of natural and artificial fuels, chemicals and other industrial processes and nuclear explosions.
The central body responsible for representing fire, emergency services and land management agencies in the Australasian region. AFAC comprises of 34 full members and 13 affiliate members from every state and territory in Australia, New Zealand and around the Pacific.
A senior officials group comprising representatives from the Australian Commonwealth, state and territory governments, the Australian Local Government Association and New Zealand. It works to strengthen disaster resilience by providing strategic leadership on emergency management policy and supporting related capability and capacity development activities.
Prior to October 2013, was an executive Australian Government Agency responsible for managing Australia's overseas aid program. It is now integrated into the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and runs as a program referred to as Australian Aid. Its objective is to promote economic growth and reduce poverty, and project and protect Australia's broader interests in the Indo-Pacific region.
A professional association and industrial organisation for commercial pilots in Australia. It aims to represent and promote the interests of Australian professional flight crew and to champion the highest possible standards of aviation safety.
A statutory authority established under the Australian Maritime Safety Authority Act 1990. It is responsible, on behalf of the Commonwealth Government of Australia, for the regulation and safety oversight of AustraliaÕs shipping fleet and management of Australia's international maritime obligations.
A centralised Rescue Coordination centre based in Canberra, Australia, which coordinates Australia's civil search and rescue activities.
APCEDI was previously a service of AFAP- the Australian Foundation for the Peoples of Asia and the Pacific and FSPI- the Foundation for the Peoples of the South Pacific International. It provided news on natural disaster events in the Asia-Pacific region and helped with rapid disaster response assessment.
The Australian/New Zealand Standard for risk management was prepared by the Joint Standards Australia/Standards New Zealand Committee OB/7 on Risk Management. It is from AS/NZS 4360:1990 that CHARM was developed and adapted for the Pacific. AS/NZS 4360:1990 provides definitions which have not yet been developed and adapted for the Pacific.
B
Included in the Bali Road Map, agreed at the Conference of the Parties in Bali, Indonesia in 2007 (COP13), introduced AWG-LCA.
The Bali Road Map was adopted at the 13th Conference of the Parties and the 3rd Meeting of the Parties in December 2007 in Bali. The Road Map is a set of a forward-looking decisions that represent the work that needs to be done under various negotiating 'tracks' that is essential to reaching a secure climate future. It includes the Bali Action Plan, which charts the course for a new negotiating process designed to tackle climate change, with the aim of completing this by 2009. It also includes the AWG-KP negotiations, the launch of the Adaptation Fund, the scope and content of the Article 9 review of the Kyoto Protocol, as well as decisions on technology transfer and on reducing emissions from deforestation.
A programme specific to Small Island Developing States (SIDS) that comprehensively addresses the economics, environmental, and social development vulnerabilities facing small islands as well as outlining a strategy that seeks to mitigate those vulnerabilities.
Adopted at COP-1, the mandate that launched negotiations leading to the adoption of the Kyoto Protocol.
Business and industry non-governmental organisations.
The total weight or volume of organisms in a given area or volume.
A fuel produced from dry organic matter or combustible oils produced by plants. These fuels are considered renewable as long as the vegetation producing them is maintained or replanted, such as firewood, alcohol fermented from sugar, and combustible oils extracted from soy beans. Their use in place of fossil fuels cuts greenhouse gas emissions because the plants that are the fuel sources capture carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
Informal term for a political deal reached at COP-6 in Bonn, Germany, in 2001, by which governments agreed on the most politically controversial issues under the Buenos Aires Plan of Action. The Bonn agreements paved the way for the Marrakech Accords later in the same year.
A special UNFCCC fund for contributions from the Government of Germany to cover costs of UNFCCC events held in Bonn.
A proposal by the delegation of Brazil made in May 1997 as part of the negotiations on the Kyoto Protocol. It included a formula to set differentiated emission reduction targets for Parties based on the cumulative impact of Parties historic emissions on the global average surface temperature.
Ordinances and regulations controlling the design, construction, materials, alteration and occupancy of any structure for safety, welfare and integrity. Building codes include both technical and functional standards.
A term used to refer to fuels consumed for international marine and air transport.
C
A combination of all the strengths and resources available within a community, society or organization that can reduce the level of risk, or the effects of a disaster. Capacity may include physical, institutional, social or economic means as well as skilled personal or collective attributes such as leadership and management. Capacity may also be described as capability.
In the context of climate change, the process of developing the technical skills and institutional capability in developing countries and economies in transition to enable them to address effectively the causes and results of climate change.
Efforts aimed to develop human skills within a community or organization needed to reduce the level of risk. In extended understanding, capacity building also includes development of institutional, financial, political and other resources, such as technology at different levels and sectors of the society.
An inter-agency initiative of UNDP/BCPR,ÊOCHA and the UNISDR secretariat. CADRI's mission is to advance knowledge of, and strengthen sustainable capacity development for, disaster risk reduction worldwide.
The term used to describe the exchange of carbon (in various forms, e.g., as carbon dioxide) between the atmosphere, ocean, terrestrial biosphere and geological deposits.
A popular (but misleading) term for a trading system through which countries may buy or sell units of greenhouse-gas emissions in an effort to meet their national limits on emissions, either under the Kyoto Protocol or under other agreements, such as that among member states of the European Union. The term comes from the fact that carbon dioxide is the predominant greenhouse gas, and other gases are measured in units called "carbon-dioxide equivalents."
The process of removing carbon from the atmosphere and depositing it in a reservoir.
An institution that coordinates the Caribbean region's response to climate change. It is primarily concerned with maintaining a repository of climate change information and data and providing climate change-related policy advice and guidelines to the Caribbean member states.
An agency focused on disaster management organisation which serves the Caribbean Community. Its main function is to make an immediate and coordinated response to any disastrous event affecting any member state, upon the state's request for such assistance.
A capacity development programme launched by UNDP and designed to build capacity across the Caribbean region for the management of climate-related risk. It is a platform for coordinating and sharing knowledge and experiences on disaster risk management and climate change adaptation throughout the Caribbean.
A collection of 27 countries seeking ambitious outcomes from the UNFCCC process and low carbon domestic output. Founded in 2010. Participating countries include Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Bangladesh, Belgium, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ethiopia, France, Germany, Ghana, Indonesia, Malawi, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Peru, Samoa, Spain, Tanzania, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Uruguay, UK and the European Commission.
Convention on Biological Diversity.
See Clean Development Mechanism
A non-profit research institution of the Universit catholique de Louvain (UCL). CRED has been active for over thirty years in the fields of international disaster and conflict health studies, with research and training activities linking relief, rehabilitation and development. It promotes research, training and technical expertise on humanitarian emergencies, with a special focus on public health and epidemiology.
A Kyoto Protocol unit equal to 1 metric tonne of CO2 equivalent. CERs are issued for emission reductions from CDM project activities. Two special types of CERs called temporary certified emission reduction (tCERs) and long-term certified emission reductions (lCERs) are issued for emission removals from afforestation and reforestation CDM projects.
Chlorofluorocarbon.
See Methane.
A comprehensive hazard and risk management tool and/or process within the context of an integrated national development planning network/process.
Pollution of soil, water or air by chemical substances that may have an adverse effect on organic life or the environment.
A group of chemical compounds used in industry and in the household, of which the excessive and universal use is believed to be one of the causes of ozone depletion, with resulting environmental damage.
An emergency caused by the breakdown of normal law and order or the civil processes.
A New Zealand Ministry which provides policy advice to government, supports CDEM planning and operations, ensures there is coordination at local, regional and national levels, and manages the central government response for large scale civil defence emergencies that are beyond the capacity of local authorities.
A riot, violent protest, demonstration or illegal assembly that may affect public safety.
A mechanism under the Kyoto Protocol through which developed countries may finance greenhouse-gas emission reduction or removal projects in developing countries, and receive credits for doing so which they may apply towards meeting mandatory limits on their own emissions.
Climate is usually defined as the "average weather", or more rigorously, as the statistical description of the weather in terms of the mean and variability of relevant quantities over periods of several decades (typically three decades as defined by WMO). These quantities are most often surface variables such as temperature, precipitation, and wind, but in a wider sense the "climate" is the description of the state of the climate system.
The long-term significant change in the average weather for a region.
Climate change as referred to in the observational record of climate occurs because of internal changes within the climate system or in the interaction between its components, or because of changes in external forcing either for natural reasons or because of human activities. It is generally not possible clearly to make attribution between these causes. Projections of future climate change reported by IPCC generally consider only the influence on climate of anthropogenic increases in greenhouse gases and other human-related factors.
In IPCC reports, climate sensitivity usually refers to the long-term (equilibrium) change in global mean surface temperature following a doubling of atmospheric CO2 (or equivalent CO2) concentration. More generally, it refers to the equilibrium change in surface air temperature following a unit change in radiative forcing (¡C/W m-2).
Carbon dioxide.
The enhancement of plant growth as a result of elevated atmospheric CO2 concentration.
A voluntary grouping of largely developing nations with rainforests which addresses issues surrounding environmental sustainability specific to tropical rainforests. Participation does not necessarily imply that countries adhere to any specific domestic policies or negotiating positions within the international context. At September 2011, the group included Argentina, Bangladesh, Belize, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chile, Congo, Costa Rica, Cote d'Ivoire, DR Congo, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Equatorial Guinea, El Salvador, Fiji, Gabon, Ghana, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Indonesia, Jamaica, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Madagascar, Malaysia, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Samoa, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, Suriname, Thailand, Uruguay, Uganda, Vanuatu and Vietnam. Countries participate on a voluntarily basis primarily through unified negotiating positions, workshops and collaborative programs.
The removal of earth from coasts by meteorological, hydrological or human action.
A regional organisation that embodies the concept of collective intergovernmental effort to strengthen economic and social development of member countries in the Asia-Pacific region. It is based on the partnership concept of self-help and mutual help in the development process with the focal areas of human resource development and south-south cooperation.
Standardized format for reporting estimates of greenhouse-gas emissions and removals and other relevant information by Annex I Parties.
A senior Australian interdepartmental committee which may be activated during the response and recovery phase of a disaster. It comprises representatives of Commonwealth Government departments and agencies with a significant role to play in the provision of disaster relief or rehabilitation assistance.
An Australian Government department that develops and implements policies and programmes that ensure Australia's agricultural, fisheries, food and forestry industries remain competitive, profitable and sustainable. This department is active throughout the entire supply chain, from producer to consumer across Australia.
The imparting or exchanging of information by speaking, writing, or using some other medium
The district or locality in which people live. A group of people living in the same locality and under the same government. A social group having common interests.
The extent to which a defined group of people has been informed of, and has understood, information about a particular topic.
A methodology or approach that seeks to build on existing community coping mechanisms and adaptation capacities. It also aims to build local resilience.
Managing disaster risk by increasing local capacity and resilience and reducing vulnerability to natural hazards. The approach engages the local community in managing local disaster risk often with the collaboration of external actors from civil society, local government and the private sector.
A scientific programme of the International Social Science Council (ISSC) aiming to produce critical knowledge for understanding, eradicating and preventing poverty. It is structured as a network of scholars engaged in poverty-related research and a research programme with a focus on planning and developing research proposals and projects.
Complex emergencies combine internal conflict with large-scale displacements of people, mass famine or food shortage, and fragile or failing economic, political, and social institutions. Often, complex emergencies are also exacerbated by natural disasters.
Fulfilment by countries/businesses/individuals of emission reduction and reporting commitments under the UNFCCC and the Kyoto Protocol.
A committee that helps faciitate, promote and enforce compliance with the provisions of the Kyoto Protocol. It has 20 members with representation spread among various regions, small-island developing states, Annex I parties and non-Annex I parties, and functions through a plenary, a bureau, a facilitative branch and an enforcement branch.
A comprehensive hazard and risk management tool for use within an integrated national development planning process. It aims to facilitate greater collaboration between risk reduction projects at all levels (though mostly at the national level with participation from stakeholders for decision-making) and across sectors to enhance sustainable development. CHARM takes all hazards into account across the whole country.
The supreme body of the Convention. It currently meets once a year to review the Convention's progress. The word "conference" is not used here in the sense of "meeting" but rather of "association". The "Conference" meets in sessional periods, for example, the "fourth session of the Conference of the Parties."
The Convention's supreme body is the COP, which serves as the meeting of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol. The sessions of the COP and the CMP are held during the same period to reduce costs and improve coordination between the Convention and the Protocol.
A panel established to improve the preparation of national communications from developing countries. National communications are an obligation of Parties to the Climate Change Convention.
A Coordinating Executive Group (CEG) in New Zealand comprised of senior representatives of the Auckland Council and member organisations. Its role involves implementing the decisions of the Auckland Civil Defence Emergency Management Group and providing them with strategic advice.
The manner in which people or organizations use existing resources and abilities to face adverse consequences that could lead to a disaster. In general, this involves managing resources, both in normal times, as well as during adverse conditions. The strengthening of coping capacities usually builds resilience to withstand the effects of natural and other hazards.
A project working to strengthen capacity to face climate change in 12 Pacific island countries and territories. Jointly implemented by the German Agency for International Cooperation and the Secretariat of the Pacific Community, the project is scheduled to run to 2015.
A comprehensive partnership agreement treaty between developing countries in Africa, Caribbean and the Pacific (ACP) and the European Union (EU). Signed in 2000 by 78 countries, the agreement aims for equality of partners, global participation, dialogue and regionalisation. It was also designed to establish a partnership with 3 pillars: development cooperation, political cooperation, and economic and trade cooperation.
An inter-organisational process that brings together several regional inter-governmental agencies. It is established with the aim of improving cooperation, coordination and collaboration between the work-programmes of its various members and achieving the common goal of sustainable development in the Pacific region.
All measures taken to counter and reduce disaster risk. They most commonly referred to engineering (structural) measures but can also include non-structural measures and tools designed and employed to avoid or limit the adverse impact of natural hazards and related environmental and technological disasters.
The distinctive ideas, customs, social behaviour, products, or way of life of a particular nation, society, people, or period.
A large-scale closed-circulation atmospheric system with low central barometric pressure rotating counter clockwise in the northern hemisphere and clockwise in the southern hemisphere.
D
Damage Analysis-Survey of real or potential disasters to assess actual or expected damages and make recommendations relating to prevention, preparedness and response. Damage Assessement-The process of identifying and recording of the impacts of a damaging.
The clearing or destruction of a previously forested area.
A mosquito-borne disease of tropical and sub-tropical climates that may develop into dengue hemorrhagic fever.
A government Department of the United Kingdom responsible for administrating overseas aid. Its goal is to eliminate extreme poverty and promote sustainable development around the world.
The central public service department of New Zealand charged with providing support and advice to the Governor-General, the Prime Minster and members of the Cabinet of New Zealand. Its principal role is provision of advice on a daily basis, on the wide range of government policies and its priorities.
An office, ministry, or other official entity appointed by a Party to the Kyoto Protocol to review and give national approval to projects proposed under the Clean Development Mechanism.
An international enterprise owned by the German Government. It primarily acts as a service provider for sustainable development that assists the German Government in achieving its objectives in the field of international cooperation.
The sustainable improvement of national, community and personal quality of life and capacity.
A serious disruption of the functioning of a community or a society causing widespread human, material, economic or environmental losses which exceed the ability of the affected community or society to cope using its own resources. A disaster is a function of the risk process. It results from the combination of hazards, conditions of vulnerability and insufficient capacity or measures to reduce the potential negative consequences of risk.
Policy and administrative decisions and operational activities at all levels to ensure preparedness for, response to and recovery from potential disaster events.
The central public service department of New Zealand charged with providing support and advice to the Governor-General, the Prime Minster and members of the Cabinet of New Zealand. Its principal role is provision of advice on a daily basis, on the wide range of government policies and its priorities.
The systematic management of organisations, resources, skills and abilities to reduce disaster risk and alleviate the impacts of hazards and related disasters.
The development and application of measures to reduce the likelihood and possible consequences of potential disasters.
The difference between maximum and minimum temperature over a period of 24 hours.
The result of a lack of rain over an extended period of time.
E
The provision of timely and effective information, through identified and authoritative institutions, that allows action to be taken before an event.
Systems that are used to send emergency population warnings.
A shaking of the earth caused by a sudden movement of rock beneath the Earths surface, usually along a geological fault.
A New Zealand Government-owned Crown entity, established under the Earthquake Commission Act 1993. It provides primary natural disaster insurance to the owners of residential properties in New Zealand.
Qualitative change and restructuring in a country's economy in connection with technological and social progress. The main indicator of economic development is increasing GNP per capita(or GDP per capita), reflecting an increase in the economic productivity and average material wellbeing of a country's population. Economic development is closely linked with economic growth.
A scheme to create a free trade area (FTA) between the European Union and the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States (ACP).
The branch of knowledge concerned with the production, consumption, and transfer of wealth.
A complex set of relationships of living organisms functioning as a unit and interacting with their physical environment. The boundaries of what could be called an ecosystem are somewhat arbitrary, depending on the focus of interest or study. Thus the extent of an ecosystem may range from very small spatial scales to, ultimately, the entire Earth (IPCC, 2001).
The act or process of imparting or acquiring knowledge or skills.
(In revision) An irregularly occurring pattern of abnormal warming of the surface coastal waters off Ecuador, Peru and Chile This coupled atmosphere-ocean phenomenon is associated with the fluctuation of inter-tropical surface pressure pattern and circulation in the Indian and Pacific oceans, called the Southern Oscillation. There have been a number of attempts to define El Ni–o, both quantitatively and qualitatively, but none has achieved universal recognition. This phenomenon triggers a shift in seasonal patterns of weather systems over many subtropical and mid-latitude parts of the globe.
An Australian Federal Government agency tasked with coordinating governmental responses to national emergency incidents. It also supports state and territory authorities with coordinating and planning for the response to disasters and civil emergencies when they cannot reasonably cope with the needs of the situation.
A division of the Attorney- GeneralÕs Department, responsible for knowledge and capability development in the national emergency management sector. It actions its responsibilities through the coordination of education, training, professional development, information, research and community awareness services to the nation and regions.
The supply, handling, transportation and distribution of resources. It includes all aspects of ordering, receiving, packing, moving, storing and delivering.
A non-transferable or tradable allocation of entitlements by a government to an individual firm to emit a specified amount of a substance.
The portion or share of total allowable emissions assigned to a country or group of countries within a framework of maximum total emissions and mandatory allocations of resources or assessments.
A Kyoto Protocol unit equal to 1 metric tonne of CO2 equivalent. ERUs are generated for emission reductions or emission removals from joint implementation projects.
A level of emission that under law may not be exceeded.
One of the three Kyoto mechanisms, by which an Annex I Party may transfer Kyoto Protocol units to, or acquire units from, another Annex I Party. An Annex I Party must meet specific eligibility requirements to participate in emissions trading.
Using less energy/electricity to perform the same function. Programs designed to use electricity more efficiently - doing the same with less.
Ration of energy consumption and economic or physical output. At the national level, energy intensity is the ratio of total domestic primary energy consumption or final energy consumption to gross domestic product or physical output.
Renewable energy is power generated from infinite sources, such as wind or solar power. Conventional energy is generated from finite sources, such as natural gas or fossil oil.
The combination of elements whose complex interrelationships make up the settings, the surroundings and the conditions of life of the individual and of society, as they are or as they are felt. The environment includes the built environment, the natural environment and all natural resources, including air, land and water. It also includes the surroundings of the workplace.
A natural or other hazard that can be expected to have its primary impact on a part of the environment.
The reduction of the capacity of the environment to meet social objectives and needs. Potential effects are varied and may contribute to an increase in vulnerability and the frequency and intensity of natural hazards. Some examples: land degradation, deforestation, desertification, wild land fires, loss of biodiversity, land, water and air pollution, climate change, sea level rise, ozone depletion.
Study undertaken in order to assess the effect on a specified environment of the introduction of any new factor, which may upset the ecological balance. EIA is a policy making tool that serves to provide evidence and analysis of environmental impacts of activities from conception to decision-making. It is utilised extensively in national programming and for international development assistance projects. An EIA must include a detailed risk assessment and provide alternatives solutions.
An indicator-based method for estimating the vulnerability of the environment to hazards.
The concentration of CO2 that would cause the same amount of radiative forcing as the given mixture of CO2 and other greenhouse gases.
An executive body of the European Union representing its interests. It is responsible for proposing legislation, implementing decisions, upholding EU treaties and managing the day-to-day business of the EU.
An economic and political partnership between 28 European countries, created following the Second World War. The EU is a party to both the UNFCCC and the Kyoto Protocol.
The short term transfer of people from their homes or workplaces because of a threatened or actual hazard impact.
A sea zone prescribed by the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea over which a state has special rights regarding the exploration and use of marine resources, including energy production from water and wind.
A 10-member panel elected at COP-7 which supervises the CDM.
An expert group established at COP 7 with the objective of enhancing the implementation of Article 4.5 of the Convention, by analyzing and identifying ways to facilitate and advance technology transfer activities under the Convention. The EGTT completed its work in 2010.
Groups of experts, nominated by Parties, who review national reports submitted by Annex I Parties to the UNFCCC and the Kyoto Protocol.
F
An independent sovereign island nation and a United States associated state consisting of four states.
An international, multi-disciplined team that supports the ability of national organisations to operate in cases of disaster and promotes the coordination of aid from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. The system is designed to form and deploy teams of highly trained response practitioners to a disaster site within 12 to 24 hours.
Based in Nadi, Fiji, FMS is responsible for one of six Regional Specialized Meteorological Centres within the World Weather Watch Programme of the World Meteorological Organization.
Developed country Parties (Annex II Parties) are required to provide financial resources to assist developing country Parties implement the Convention. To facilitate this, the Convention established a financial mechanism to provide funds to developing country Parties. The Parties to the Convention assigned operation of the financial mechanism to the Global Environment Facility (GEF) on an on-going basis, subject to review every four years. The financial mechanism is accountable to the COP.
Burning of all or part of the natural or built environment as a result of natural or human activity.
The occupation or industry of catching or rearing fish; may also include processing and selling fish.
A UN agency that leads international efforts to defeat hunger, achieve food security and ensure people have regular access to enough high quality food. Its goals are: the eradication of hunger, food insecurity and malnutrition; the elimination of poverty; and, sustainable management of natural resources.
A situation that exists when all people, at all times, have physical, social and economic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food that meets their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life.
Forestry is the management and care of woods
A regional secretariat for a network of 10 independent community-based organisations working in the Pacific to foster self-reliance and sustainable community development. It designs, coordinates, supports and monitors the implementation of regional networks and projects.
The Fourth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, released in 2007.
G
Gross Domestic Product. The value of all goods and services produced (or consumed) within a nation's borders.
Refers to the attitudes, feelings, and behaviors that a given culture associates with a person's biological sex.
Analysis that combine relational databases with spatial interpretation and outputs often in form of maps. A more elaborate definition is that of computer programmes for capturing, storing, checking, integrating, analysing and displaying data about the earth that is spatially referenced. Geographical information systems are increasingly being utilised for hazard and vulnerability mapping and analysis, as well as for the application of disaster risk management measures.
Study of the structure of the earth and the processes acting on it.
Possible reductions in emissions of greenhouse gases (quantified in terms of absolute reductions or in percentages of baseline emissions) that can be achieved through the use of technologies and measures.
An international collaboration for comprehensive monitoring of the Earth's climate system. Its purpose is to ensure the accessibility to, and a secure repository of, information needed to address climate-related issues.
A cooperation framework under the United Nations. It serves to consolidate and improve the dissemination of disaster-related information in order to improve the coordination of international relief efforts.
A project initiated and maintained by the Asian Disaster Reduction Centre (ADRC). A GLIDE number is a database solution to improving the organisation, accessibility and quality of disaster information.
An independent financial organisation that unites 183 countries in partnership with international institutions, civil society organisations, and the private sector to address global environmental issues. It provides grants to member states for projects that benefit the global environment and promote sustainable livelihoods in local communities.
The GEF is an independent financial organization that provides grants to developing countries for projects that benefit the global environment and promote sustainable livelihoods in local communities. The Parties to the Convention assigned operation of the financial mechanism to the GEF on an on-going basis, subject to review every four years. The financial mechanism is accountable to the COP.
A global partnership, managed by the World Bank that assists high risk, low-capacity developing countries enhance their capacity in disaster prevention and climate change adaptation. It provides technical and financial assistance to help mainstream disaster and climate risk management policies into country-level strategies.
An international collaboration for comprehensive monitoring of the Earth's oceans. It also generates oceanographic services and creates a networking platform for research, operational, and user communities.
A programme hosted by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) that supports efforts in sustainable development through disaster risk management. It facilitates an integrated approach to supporting improved coordination of resources and quality control mechanisms for disaster risk reduction.
An index representing the combined effect of the differing times greenhouse gases remain in the atmosphere and their relative effectiveness in absorbing outgoing infrared radiation.
The processes and systems by which an organization or society operates.
A gas that absorbs radiation at specific wavelengths within the spectrum of radiation (infrared radiation) emitted by the Earth's surface and by clouds. The gas in turn emits infrared radiation from a level where the temperature is colder than the surface. The net effect is a local trapping of part of the absorbed energy and a tendency to warm the planetary surface. Water vapour (H2O), carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrous oxide (N2O), methane (CH4) and ozone (O3) are the primary greenhouse gases in the EarthÕs atmosphere.
The atmospheric gases responsible for causing global warming and climate change. The major GHGs are carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N20). Less prevalent --but very powerful -- greenhouse gases are hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs) and sulphur hexafluoride (SF6).
The monetary value of all the finished goods and services produced within a country's borders in a specific time period, usually calculated on an annual basis. It includes all private and public consumption, government outlays, investments, and exports less imports that occur within a defined territory.
An intergovernmental organisation of developing countries in the United Nations. This coalition is designed to promote and articulate its membersÕ collective interests and enhance a joint negotiating capacity in the United Nations.
A large negotiating alliance of developing countries that focuses on numerous international topics, including climate change. The G-77 was founded in 1967 under the auspices of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). It seeks to harmonize the negotiating positions of its 131 member states.
H
Compounds containing either chlorine, bromine or fluorine and carbon. Such compounds can act as powerful greenhouse gases (q.v.) in the atmosphere. The chlorine and bromine containing halocarbons are also involved in the depletion of the ozone layer.
A potentially damaging physical event, phenomenon and/or human activity, which may cause the loss of life or injury, property damage, social and economic disruption or environmental degradation. Hazards can include latent conditions that may represent future threats and can have different origins: natural (geological, hydro meteorological and biological) and/or induced by human processes (environmental degradation and technological hazards). Hazards can be single, sequential or combined in their origin and effects. Each hazard is characterised by its location, intensity, frequency and probability.
Identification, study and monitoring of any hazard to determine its potential, origin, characteristics, behaviour and effects on the community.
The process of establishing geographically where and to what extent hazards are likely to affect an area.
An event, activity or phenomenon that has the potential to cause harm to life, health or property, damage to the environment or some combination of these.
The health status of millions of people is projected to be affected through, for example, increases in malnutrition; increased deaths, diseases and injury due to extreme weather events; increased burden of diarrhoeal diseases; increased frequency of cardio-respiratory diseases due to higher concentrations of ground-level ozone in urban areas related to climate change; and the altered spatial distribution of some infectious diseases. {WGI 7.4, Box 7.4; WGII 8.ES, 8.2, 8.4, SPM}; Climate change is projected to bring some benefits in temperate areas, such as fewer deaths from cold exposure, and some mixed effects such as changes in range and transmission potential of malaria in Africa. Overall it is expected that benefits will be outweighed by the negative health effects of rising temperatures, especially in developing countries. {WGII 8.4, 8.7, 8.ES, SPM}; Critically important will be factors that directly shape the health of populations such as education, health care, public health initiatives, and infrastructure and economic development. {WGII 8.3, SPM} (IPCC, 2014)
A hazard that has the potential to significantly affect the well-being of a community.
A period of abnormally hot weather. Heat waves and warm spells have various and in some cases overlapping definitions (IPCC-SREX, 2014).
Hydrofluorocarbons.
HIV - Human Immunodeficiency Virus causes AIDS - Acquired ImmunoDeficiency Syndrome and leads to failure of the human immune system.
Refers to the concern that some governments will be able to meet their targets for greenhouse-gas emissions under the Kyoto Protocol with minimal effort and could then flood the market with emissions credits, reducing the incentive for other countries to cut their own domestic emissions.
Rights inherent to all human beings, whatever their nationality, place of residence, sex, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, language, or any other status.
Previously a section of AusAID that was primarily concerned with administering Australia's humanitarian aid. Now subsumed into Australian Aid.
Hydrology-Study of the movement, distribution, and quality of water throughout the Earth. Meteorology-The study of atmospheric phenomena.
Coordinated under the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR), HFA is a guideline that assists the efforts of nations and communities to build resilience to disasters. It was developed and agreed on with the many partners needed to reduce disaster risk - governments, international agencies, and disaster experts - bringing them into a common system of coordination.
I
Independent Assessment Report, the output of an independent assessment of each Annex I Party's International Transaction Log, which in turn is part of the Party's reporting requirements to the UNFCCC. IAR is forwarded to expert review teams for consideration as part of the review of national registries under Article 8 of the Kyoto Protocol. the procedure to produce the IAR is designed to provide independent assessment of each national registry.
International consultation and analysis, a form of review currently being negotiated and designed in the UNFCCC intergovernmental process.
A hazard resulting from Industries (manufacturing of a good or service).
Radiation emitted by the Earth's surface, the atmosphere and by clouds. Also known as terrestrial and long-wave radiation. Infrared radiation has a distinctive spectrum (i.e., range of wavelengths) governed by the temperature of the Earth-atmosphere system. The spectrum of infrared radiation is practically distinct from that of solar (q.v.) or short-wave radiation because of the difference in temperature between the Sun and the Earth-atmosphere system.
The basic physical and organizational structures and facilities (e.g. buildings, roads, power supplies) needed for the operation of a society or enterprise
The basic physical and organizational structures and facilities (e.g. buildings, roads, power supplies) needed for the operation of a society or enterprise
Pervasive influx and development of insects affecting humans, animals, crops and materials.
Cuba's national meteorological institute.
An integrated approach for sustainably managing coastal areas, taking into account all coastal habitats and uses.
An international organisation of Parliaments of sovereign states established to promote representative democracy and world peace. It is a permanent forum for political multilateral negotiations.
Established in 1988 by the World Meteorological Organization and the UN Environment Programme, the IPCC surveys world-wide scientific and technical literature and publishes assessment reports that are widely recognized as the most credible existing sources of information on climate change. The IPCC also works on methodologies and responds to specific requests from the Convention's subsidiary bodies. The IPCC is independent of the Convention.
The IAEA is the world's centre for cooperation in the nuclear field. It is an agency under the United Nations (UN) that works with its Member States and multiple partners worldwide to promote safe, secure and peaceful use of nuclear technologies.
An international financial institution which offers loans to middle-income developing countries. Working closely with the World Bank Group it provides a combination of financial resources, knowledge and technical services, and strategic advice to developing countries that aims to reduce poverty and promote economic growth.
A specialised agency of the United Nations that codifies the principles and techniques of international air navigation and fosters planning and development of international air transport.
A humanitarian institution signatory to the Geneva Conventions of 1949, their Additional Protocols that gives the organisation mandate to protect victims of international and internal armed conflicts. It takes action in response to emergencies and promotes international humanitarian law and its implementation in national law.
An international trade union which merged with the World Confederation of Labour in 2006 to form the International Trade Union Confederation.
An independent, treaty-based international organisation and international tribunal established to prosecute individuals for the most serious crimes of concern to the international community.
An intergovernmental organisation with 190 member countries that facilitates international police cooperation. It assists police around the world by providing technical and operational support.
The United Nations General Assembly designated the 1990s decade as the International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction. The decade was intended to reduce, through concerted international action, especially in developing countries, loss of life, poverty damage and social and economic disruption caused by natural disasters.
An international financial institution, part of the World Bank, which offers concessional loans and grants to the world's poorest developing countries. This association shares the World Bank's mission of reducing poverty and aims to provide affordable development financing.
A humanitarian network that reaches 150 million people in 189 National Societies through the work of over 17 million volunteers. This volunteer and community-based network act before, during and after disasters and health emergencies to improve humanitarian standards.
A global development institution and member of the World Bank that offers investment, advisory, and asset management services encouraging development in the private sectors of developing countries. It is owned by 184 countries and works in more than 100 developing countries.
A specialized agency of the United Nations established as an international financial institution dedicated to eradicating rural poverty in developing countries. It finances agricultural development projects primarily for food production and security in the developing countries.
An inter-governmental organisation representing the hydrographic community. Its primary role is to ensure that the world's seas, oceans and national waters are properly surveyed and charted. It does this through the setting of international standards, the coordination of the endeavours of national hydrographic offices, and through its capacity-building programme.
A United Nations agency dealing with labour issues, particularly international labour standards, social protection, and work opportunities for all. Its primary concern is cooperation between governments and employers' and workers' organisations in fostering social economic progress.
A specialised agency of the United Nations with 171 Member States and three Associate Members. Its acts as the global standard-setting authority for the safety, security and environmental performance of international shipping.
An international organisation of 188 countries whose primary purpose is to ensure the stability of the international monetary system. It works to foster global monetary cooperation, secure financial stability, facilitate international trade, promote high employment and sustainable economic growth, and reduce poverty around the world.
The supreme governing body of the Olympic Movement. It is responsible for facilitating collaboration between all parties of the Olympic family, and ultimately the organisation of the modern Olympic Games and Youth Olympic games.
An inter-governmental organisation in the field of migration. It is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It does so by providing services and advice to governments and migrants.
An international standard-setting body composed of representatives from various national standards organisations. It promotes worldwide proprietry, industrial and commercial standards.
An international community, created in 1970, representing 80 member states and governments (57 members and 23 observers) where French is the customary language and where there is a notable affiliation with French culture. The IOF's mission is to embody the active solidarity between its member's states. IOF organises political activities and actions of multilateral cooperation's that benefit French-speaking populations.
An international humanitarian network that is dedicated to preventing and alleviating human suffering in warfare and natural disasters. It is composed of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and the 189 individual National Societies. Each group is responsible for different aspects of the coordination of ICRM.
A United Nations specialised agency for information and communication technologies. It coordinates the shared global use of the radio spectrum, promotes international cooperation in assigning satellite orbits, works to improve telecommunication infrastructure in the developing world, and assists in the development and coordination of worldwide technical standards.
A commercial communications satellite services provider. Acting as an intergovernmental consortium it uses a combination of satellite and terrestrial connectivity technology to assist enterprises, governments and service providers deliver connections around the world.
An international trade union federation that represents 176 million workers through its 328 affiliated organisations within 162 countries and territories. It promotes and defends workers' rights and interests through international cooperation between trade unions, global campaigning and advocacy within major global institutions.
IT hardware includes desktops, displays, laptops and printers.
J
An independent governmental agency that coordinates official development assistance for the Government of Japan. It aims to contribute to the development of Japanese and global economy by supporting the socioeconomic development, recovery or economic stability of developing regions.
A mechanism under the Kyoto Protocol through which a developed country can receive "emissions reduction units" when it helps to finance projects that reduce net greenhouse-gas emissions in another developed country (in practice, the recipient state is likely to be a country with an "economy in transition"). An Annex I Party must meet specific eligibility requirements to participate in joint implementation.
The Joint Implementation Supervisory Committee (JISC), under the authority and guidance of the CMP, inter alia, supervises the verification procedure for Joint Implementation projects.
An acronym representing non-EU industrialized countries which occasionally meet to discuss various issues related to climate change. The members are Japan, the United States, Switzerland, Canada, Australia, Norway, and New Zealand. Iceland, Mexico, and the Republic of Korea may also attend JUSSCANZ meetings.
K
A non-scientific term; but the popular concept is that it is the higher high waters which occur around Christmas time. Equally high tides occur in the winter months but these are at night.
Three procedures established under the Kyoto Protocol to increase the flexibility and reduce the costs of making greenhouse-gas emissions cuts. They are the Clean Development Mechanism, Emissions Trading and Joint Implementation.
An international agreement standing on its own, and requiring separate ratification by governments, but linked to the UNFCCC. The Kyoto Protocol, among other things, sets binding targets for the reduction of greenhouse-gas emissions by industrialized countries.
L
(in revision) Is the opposite of an El Ni–o pattern, during which waters in the west Pacific are warmer than normal and trade winds are stronger
Deterioration of land quality or land forms resulting from natural phenomena or human activity.
Branch of planning that determines the options for land use, with the effects on the community.
A greenhouse gas inventory sector that covers emissions and removals of greenhouse gases resulting from direct human-induced land use, land-use change and forestry activities.
Downhill movement of natural soil and rock.
That portion of cuts in greenhouse-gas emissions by developed countries -- countries trying to meet mandatory limits under the Kyoto Protocol -- that may reappear in other countries not bound by such limits. For example, multinational corporations may shift factories from developed countries to developing countries to escape restrictions on emissions.
The world's poorest countries. The criteria currently used by the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) for designation as an LDC include low income, human resource weakness and economic vulnerability. Currently 48 countries have been designated by the UN General Assembly as LDCs.
A panel of 13 experts which provides advice to LDCs on the preparation and implementation of national adaptation programmes of action (NAPAs) -- plans for addressing the urgent and immediate needs of those countries to adapt to climate change.
A fund managed by the Global Environment Facility that supports Least Developed Countries in the preparation and implementation of their national adaptation programmes of action (NAPAs).
The LDCF is a fund established to support a work programme to assist Least Developed Country Parties to carry out, inter alia, the preparation and implementation of national adaptation programmes of action (NAPAs). The Global Environment Facility, as the entity that operates the financial mechanism of the Convention, has been entrusted to operate this fund. More information here.
Acts and other legal instruments established at various levels of governments.
Farm animals regarded as an asset
The supply, handling, transportation and distribution of resources. It includes all aspects of ordering, receiving, packing, moving, storing and delivering.
M
A potentially fatal mosquito born disease caused by parasites.
The cost on one additional unit of effort. In terms of reducing emissions, it represents the cost of reducing emissions by one more unit.
The pricing of commercial goods and services such that the price equals the additional cost that arises from the expansion of production by one additional unit.
The practice of analysing, making and implementing decisions to maintain or alter any area of the marine environment or marine resource. It is often aimed at balancing natural or cultural resource use and conservation.
Pollution of oceans, lakes or rivers resulting from the discharge of hydrocarbons (often petroleum or crude oil), chemicals or other potentially harmful matter from tanks, tankers or pipelines during transportation or storage.
Conditions that prevent or impede the diffusion of cost-effective technologies or practices that could mitigate GHG emissions.
Actions that can be taken by a government or a group of governments, often in conjunction with the private sector, to accelerate the use of technologies or other practices that reduce GHG emissions.
A bilateral or multilateral agreement between two or more parties.
The study of the physics, chemistry, and dynamics of the atmosphere and the direct effects of the atmosphere upon the Earth's surface, the oceans, and life in general.
A hydrocarbon that is a greenhouse gas with a global warming potential estimated at 21. Methane is produced through anaerobic (without oxygen) decomposition of waste in landfills, animal digestion, decomposition of animal wastes, production and distribution of natural gas and petroleum, coal production, and incomplete fossil fuel combustion.
A set of reforms of the EU's Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) adopted by the EU Council of Ministers in 2003. These reforms aim to strengthen links between European agriculture and global markets, prepare for EU enlargement, improve society's capacity to meet demands regarding conservation of the environment and product quality, and make the CAP more compatible with the demands of third countries.
A New Zealand government ministry focused on growing the success of its national primary sectors. It focuses on maximising export opportunities, improving sector productivity, increasing sustainable resource use, and protecting the primary sector from biological risk.
A central New Zealand government agency responsible for emergency management. The ministry provides policy advice to government, supports community disaster risk management planning and operations, ensures there is coordination at local, regional and national levels, and manages the central government response for large scale civil defence emergencies that are beyond the capacity of local authorities.
The public service department of New Zealand charged with advising the government on foreign and trade policy, and promoting New Zealand's interests in trade and international relations.
Observation, measurement and valuation of progress in order to identify change.
Monitoring-Observation, measurement and valuation of progress in order to identify change. Early Warning-The provision of timely and effective information, through identified and authoritative institutions, that allows action to be taken before an event.
Measurable, reportable and verifiable. A process/concept that potentially supports greater transparency in the climate change regime.
A member of the World Bank Group, MIGA is an international financial institution which offers political risk insurance and credit enhancement guarantees. It aims to promote foreign direct investment into developing countries to help support economic growth and reduce poverty.
N
Nitrous oxide. A powerful greenhouse gas with a global warming potential evaluated at 310. Major sources of nitrous oxide include soil cultivation practices, especially the use of commercial and organic fertilizers, fossil fuel combustion, nitric acid production, and biomass burning.
An ecumenical organisation of Australia's Christian churches in dialogue and practical cooperation. It works in collaboration with state ecumenical councils around Australia.
Documents prepared by least developed countries (LDCs) identifying urgent and immediate needs for adapting to climate change.
A document submitted in accordance with the Convention (and the Protocol) by which a Party informs other Parties of activities undertaken to address climate change. Most developed countries have now submitted their fifth national communications; most developing countries have completed their first national communication and are in the process of preparing their second.
An Australian Government initiative established to assist states and territories with significant costs of natural disasters. Through the NDRRA, the Australian Government provides financial assistance to alleviate the financial burden on the states and to facilitate the early provision of assistance to disaster affected communities.
An organisation that is neither a part of a government nor a conventional for-profit business. They include many groups and institutions that are entirely or largely independent of government and that have primarily humanitarian or cooperative rather than commercial objectives.
A Crown Research Institute of New Zealand that conducts commercial and non-commercial research across a broad range of disciplines in the environmental sciences. It aims to build New Zealand's resilience to weather and climate hazards and enhance its management and economic value of its natural resources.
A Crown Research Institute of New Zealand that conducts commercial and non-commercial research across a broad range of disciplines in the environmental sciences. It aims to build New Zealand's resilience to weather and climate hazards and enhance its management and economic value of its natural resources.
A network of community-based volunteers and staff that are formed around the world. There are 189 NRCS that support the public authorities in their own countries as independent auxiliaries to the government in the humanitarian field.
A system managed and operated by the Australian Red Cross, used throughout the Australia to unite families and close friends of persons affected by major emergencies.
Any portion of the natural environment, such as air, water, soil, botanical and zoological resources and minerals.
Needs Analysis-Examination and analysis of information in order to make recommendations about the needs required to improve the situation. Needs Assessment-Collection and organisation of information to identify total needs.
The New Zealand Government's international aid and development agency managed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. It aims to support sustainable development and the reduction of world poverty.
Enhancement of plant growth through the deposition of nitrogen compounds. In IPCC reports, this typically refers to fertilization from anthropogenic sources of nitrogen such as, man-made fertilizers and nitrogen oxides released from burning of fossil fuels.
Measures whose benefits such as improved performance or reduced emissions of local/regional pollutants, but excluding the benefits of climate change mitigation equal or exceed their costs. They are sometimes known as "measures worth doing anyway".
No-regrets mitigation options are those whose benefits, such as reduced energy costs and reduced emissions of local/regional pollutants, equal or exceed their cost to society, excluding the benefits of climate change mitigation. They are sometimes known as "measures worth doing anyway'.
Technology for reducing greenhouse-gas emissions whose other benefits (in terms of efficiency or reduced energy costs) are so extensive that the investment is worth it for those reasons alone. For example, combined-cycle gas turbines -- in which the heat from the burning fuel drives steam turbines while the thermal expansion of the exhaust gases drives gas turbines -- may boost the efficiency of electricity generating plants by 70 per cent.
Refers to countries that have ratified or acceded to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change that are not included in Annex I of the Convention.
Organizations that are not part of a governmental structure. They include environmental groups, research institutions, business groups, and associations of urban and local governments. Many NGOs attend climate talks as observers. To be accredited to attend meetings under the Convention, NGOs must be non-profit.
A movement of 115 members representing the interest and priorities of developing countries. It was formed as an organisation of States that did not seek to formally align themselves with either the Unites States or the Soviet Union, but sought to remain independent or neutral. This has extended to the NAM aiming to provide an independent path in world politics for its member states.
O
Ocean acidification refers to a reduction in the pH of the ocean over an extended period of time, caused primarily by uptake of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere.
An organisational unit within the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) responsible for leading and coordinating the U.S. Government's response to disasters overseas.
UNDRO was previously a standalone organisation of the United Nations that assisted in the UN deliverance of disaster and emergency relief. In 1992 it was incorporated in the Department of Humanitarian Affairs of the UN Secretariat by the Secretary General.
The cost of an economic activity foregone by the choice of another activity.
An international community, created in 1970, representing 80 member states and governments (57 members and 23 observers) where French is the customary language and where there is a notable affiliation with French culture. The IOF's mission is to embody the active solidarity between its member's states. IOF organises political activities and actions of multilateral cooperation that benefit French-speaking populations.
The implementing body of the Chemical Weapons Convention which prohibits the use of chemical weapons and requires their destruction. OPCW is comprised of 190 member states, working together to achieve a world free of chemical weapons.
P
ACP member states from the Pacific Region, comprising Cook Islands, Timor-Leste, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu
A major climate change adaptation project funded by the GEF and the Australian Government, and implemented by UNDP and SPREP in the Pacific region. It worked to enhance the adaptive capacity and mainstreaming of climate risks into national development and planning and activities of Pacific Island countries.
A project implemented in Fiji, Solomon Islands, Tonga and Vanuatu by the National Council of Churches in Australia, and organized by faith-based networks. It was designed to integrate community-focused disaster risk reduction programs with existing disaster risk reduction institutions.
A secretariat for the Nuclear Free and Independent Pacific Movement. The Centre collects and disseminates information, advocates and lobbies, promotes understanding, and mobilisation of resources within and outside the region on five campaign areas: demilitarisation, decolonisation, environment, human rights and good governance, and sustainable human development.
The regional ecumenical organisation representing the Christian church in the Pacific Region. It seeks to pursue the visibility and unity of the member churches of the organisation and promote the ecumenical movement in the Pacific region.
An applied science, information and technology centre, working to reduce disaster risks and impacts on life, poverty, and economies worldwide. The PDC delivers information, tools and services used to support decision making in disaster response and civil-military humanitarian assistance operations, disaster risk reduction, mitigation and planning.
The PDRMPN was established in 2006 to support capacity building and assist Pacific island countries and territories in the implementation of the Pacific Disaster Risk Reduction and Disaster Management Framework for Action 2005-2015.
A regional strategy for disaster risk management (DRM) in the Pacific. It is due to be replaced in 2015 by an integrated regional strategy that combines DRM and climate change (the Strategy for Climate and Disaster Resilient Development or SRDP).
A Pacific regional body formed to provide a forum for agencies involved in the design and delivery of emergency management training and development within the region to work together to ensure that through partnership arrangements there is an integrated regional approach to the building for national capacity.
A network of Pacific NGOs existing to facilitate communication and provide a common voice at regional and international forums. It also aims to strengthen Pacific forms of social development and improve the wellbeing of communities that are served by members of the NGO.
A free trade agreement amongst the 14 Forum Island Countries. The agreement enhances liberalisation of trade in goods through the removal of virtually all economic trade barriers between member States.
An intergovernmental organisation that aims to enhance economic, social and political cooperation between 16 independent countries of the Pacific Region. Members include Australia, Cook Islands, federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, New Zealand, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Republic of Marshall Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu.
An international organisation established by treaty that enjoys legal personality in each of the sixteen member countries. It is responsible for implementing the decisions made by the Pacific Islands Forum and for a range of activities designed to improve the capacity of Forum member countries and co-ordinating actions on matters of common interest.
A regional strategy for climate change action in the Pacific. The framework aims to inform the decisions and actions of national, regional and international partners, and seeks to mainstream climate change into regional and national policies and plans. It is due to be replaced in 2015 by an integrated strategy (SRDP) that combines DRM and climate change.
A 5-year project that began in 2007, and worked to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the Pacific region through the promotion of renewable energy as an alternative to fossil fuels.
Non-state actors are entities that participate or act in international relations but do not belong to any established state institution. In the Pacific they include non-profit, voluntary groups organised at a regional level and headquartered in a PIF member state.
A strategic framework endorsed by Pacific Island Forum Leaders in 2005, with the purpose of strengthening regional cooperation and integration in the Pacific. It is a high-level framework that guides the economic growth, sustainable development, good governance and security of member states of the Pacific Islands Forum.
A programme funded under the 9th European Development Fund to assist capacity building in trade for the 14 Pacific ACP states. The project was administered through the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat with a number of regional agencies implementing the various components of the project.
Epidemic disease that spreads across a large region or even worldwide.
An intergovernmental organisation with 117 member states. It encourages the resolution of disputes that involve states, state entities, intergovernmental organisations, and private parties by assisting in the establishment of arbitration tribunals and assisting their work.
Perfluorocarbon.
The process of formulating goals and objectives and determinating strategies and activities to achieve them.
Procedures developed and implemented by government(s) regarding the goal of mitigating climate change through the use of technologies and measures.
A frequently used phrase -- sometimes abbreviated as PAMs -- referring to the steps taken or to be taken by countries to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions under the UNFCCC and the Kyoto Protocol. Some possible policies and measures are listed in the Protocol and could offer opportunities for intergovernmental cooperation.
A general statement or understanding that guides thinking in decision-making.
Degradation of one or more elements or aspects of the environment by noxious industrial, chemical or biological substances as a result of human or mechanical failure or mismanagement of natural and environmental resources.
Avoiding a solution that is irreversible, because the assumptions on which the solution is based may prove incorrect, in favour of a seemingly inferior solution that can be reversed.
Collaborative arrangements between the public sector (government/intergovernmental organizations) and the private sector (business enterprises/civil society organizations)
The process of informing the population, increasing consciousness of risks and spreading knowledge of how people can reduce the effects of hazards.
Q
Legally binding targets and timetables under the Kyoto Protocol for the limitation or reduction of greenhouse-gas emissions by developed countries.
R
An imposed positive radiative forcing (q.v.) on the Earth-atmosphere system (e.g., through the addition of greenhouse gases) represents an energy surplus. The temperature of the surface and lower atmosphere will then increase and in turn increase the amount of infrared radiation being emitted to space, thus a new energy balance will be established. The amount that emissions of infrared radiation to space increase for a given increase in temperature is known as the radiative damping.
A simple measure of the importance of a potential climate change mechanism. Radiative forcing is the perturbation to the energy balance of the Earth-atmosphere system (in W m-2) following, for example, a change in the concentration of carbon dioxide or a change in the output of the Sun; the climate system responds to the radiative forcing so as to re-establish the energy balance. A positive radiative forcing tends to warm the surface and a negative radiative forcing tends to cool the surface. The radiative forcing is normally quoted as a global and annual mean value. A more precise definition of radiative forcing, as used in IPCC reports, is the perturbation of the energy balance of the surface-troposphere system, after allowing for the stratosphere to re-adjust to a state of global mean radiative equilibrium (see Chapter 4 of IPCC94). Sometimes called "climate forcing".
Decisions and actions taken after a disaster to restore the normal living conditions while encouraging and facilitating adjustments to reduce disaster risk.
Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation.
Replanting of forests on lands that have previously contained forests but that have been converted to some other use.
Electronic databases that tracks and records all transactions under the Kyoto Protocol's greenhouse-gas emissions trading system (the 'carbon market') and under mechanisms such as the Clean Development Mechanism. 'Registry' may also refer to current discussions on a system for inscribing nationally appropriate mitigation actions.
Rules or codes enacted by governments that mandate productspecifications or process performance characteristics.
The provision of immediate life support, shelter and other survival needs to persons affected by, or responding to, a disaster.
A Kyoto Protocol unit equal to 1 metric tonne of carbon dioxide equivalent. RMUs are generated in Annex I Parties by LULUCF activities that absorb carbon dioxide.
The systematic investigation into and study of materials and sources in order to establish facts and reach new conclusions
An obligation of Parties to the Climate Change Convention; they are called upon to promote and cooperate in research and systematic observation of the climate system, and called upon to aid developing countries to do so.
Scientific/technical research and development of new production processes or products, coupled with analysis and measures that provide information to potential users regarding the application of the new product or process; demonstration tests the feasibility of applying these products or processes via pilot plants and other pre-commercial applications.
A component or components of the climate system where a greenhouse gas or a precursor of a greenhouse gas is stored. Trees are "reservoirs" for carbon dioxide.
The capacity of a system, community or society potentially exposed to hazards to adapt, by resisting or changing in order to reach and maintain an acceptable level of functioning and structure. This is determined by the degree to which the social system is capable of organizing itself to increase its capacity for learning from past disasters for better future protection and improve prevention measures.
Actions taken before, during, and immediately after a disaster to ensure that its effects are minimised, and that people affected are given immediate relief and support.
Reinforcement of structures in order to be more resistant to the forces of natural hazards. Retrofitting involves consideration of changes in the mass, stiffness, damping, load path and ductility of materials, as well as radical changes such as the introduction of energy absorbing dampers and base isolation systems. Examples of retrofitting include the consideration of wind loading to strengthen and minimize the wind force, or in earthquake prone areas, the strengthening of structures.
Regular scrutiny by Convention Parties of the adequacy of the treaty's Article 4.2 (a) and (b) outlining developed country commitments to limit greenhouse-gas emissions. The first review took place at COP-1 and led to a finding that progress was not "adequate" -- and so to negotiations that led to the Kyoto Protocol, which has more stringent commitments for developed countries.
Three environmental conventions, two of which were adopted at the 1992 "Earth Summit" in Rio de Janeiro: the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), and the Convention on Biodiversity (CBD), while the third, the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), was adopted in 1994. The issues addressed by the three treaties are related -- in particular, climate change can have adverse effects on desertification and biodiversity -- and through a Joint Liaison Group, the secretariats of the three conventions take steps to coordinate activities to achieve common progress.
The probability of harmful consequences, or expected losses (deaths, injuries, property, livelihoods, economic activity disrupted or environment damaged) resulting from interactions between natural or human induced hazards and vulnerable conditions. Conventionally risk is expressed by the notation Risk = Hazards x Vulnerability. Beyond expressing a possibility of physical harm, it is crucial to appreciate that risks are always created or exist within social systems. It is important to consider the social contexts in which risks occur and that people therefore do not necessarily share the same perceptions of risk and their underlying causes.
A systematic use of information to determine how often specific events may occur and the extent of their likely consequences.
The process of establishing geographically the effects a particular hazard may have, and related vulnerability.
The process of formally or informally shifting the financial consequences of particular risks from one party to another whereby a household, community, enterprise or state authority will obtain resources from the other party after a disaster occurs, in exchange for ongoing or compensatory social or financial benefits provided to that other party. Insurance is a well-known form of risk transfer, where coverage of a risk is obtained from an insurer in exchange for ongoing premiums paid to the insurer.
A centre that is responsible for the distribution of information, advisories, and warnings regarding the specific program they are a part of, agreed by consensus at the World bank Meteorological Organization as part of the World Weather Watch. There are six tropical cyclone RSMCs that have regional responsibility in providing advisories and meteorological information.
The movement of passengers and / or goods on roads.
S
Generally refers to the provision of facilities and services for the safe disposal of human urine and faeces. It can also refer to the maintenance of hygienic conditions, through services such as garbage collection and wastewater disposal.
An emerging natural phenomenon causing flooding of the coastal areas, particularly in the Pacific Islands and other island nations of the world, including low-lying nations.
The movement of passengers and / or goods at sea, between two ports.
Formerly a stand-alone organization, in 2011 SOPAC became the Applied Geoscience and Technology Division of the Secretariat of the Pacific Community. SOPAC works in areas such as disaster reduction and with issues relating to oceans and islands.
An international organisation that works on behalf of its 22 member Pacific island countries and territories to promote sustainable development in the Pacific region. Areas of focus include applied geosciences, economic development, education, fisheries, land resources and public health.
An intergovernmental organisation working on behalf of the governments and administrations of the Pacific region to ensure the protection and sustainable development of the regionÕs environment. Its key priorities are climate change, biodiversity and ecosystem management, waste management and pollution control, and environmental monitoring and governance.
The state of being free from danger or threat
Sulphur hexafluoride.
The average height (trough to crest) of the 1/3rd highest waves. An experienced observer will most frequently report the highest 1/3rd of the waves observed.
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.
A distinct group of 52 small developing island states facing specific social, economic and environmental vulnerabilities. SIDS were recognised as a special case by the UN with unique vulnerabilities and characteristics that make the difficulties they face in pursuit of sustainable development severe and complex.
Social development theory attempts to explain qualitative changes in the structure and framework of society, that help the society to better realize its aims and objectives. (Wikipedia)
The ability of a system, community or society exposed to hazards to resist, absorb, accommodate to and recover from the effects of a hazard in a timely and efficient manner, including through the preservation and restoration of its essential basic structures and functions.
Radiation emitted by the Sun. Also known as short-wave radiation. Solar radiation has a distinctive spectrum (i.e., range of wavelengths) governed by the temperature of the Sun. The spectrum of solar radiation is practically distinct from that of infrared (q.v.) or terrestrial radiation because of the difference in temperature between the Sun and the Earth-atmosphere system.
A programme funded by the UNDP from 1994-2000 to assist Pacific island countries to improve their capacity to manage the effects of natural disasters effectively and rapidly by building institutional capacities and developing human resources.
Established by United Nations Disaster Relief Organization (now OCHA) in the early 1990s, the SPPO assisted in the early development of disaster management in the Pacific region.
A trade agreement in which Australia and New Zealand offer duty-free and unrestricted access for specified products originating from the developing island member countries of the Pacific Islands Forum. The agreement was designed to address the unequal trade of relationships between the two groups.
The science and technology of space travel and exploration
Reverberations in developing countries caused by actions taken by developed countries to cut greenhouse-gas emissions. For example, emissions reductions in developed countries could lower demand for oil and thus international oil prices, leading to more use of oil and greater emissions in developing nations, partially off-setting the original cuts. Current estimates are that full-scale implementation of the Kyoto Protocol may cause 5 to 20 per cent of emissions reductions in industrialized countries to "leak" into developing countries.
Procedures showing in detail how tasks are to be performed in specific situations. Commonly known as SOPs.
Procedures showing in detail how tasks are to be performed in specific situations. Commonly known as SOPs.
Identifying and storing supplies to meet relief needs.
Atmospheric disturbance involving strong agitation of prevailing pressure and wind fields.
An integrated Pacific regional strategy for DRM and Climate Change which will become effective in 2016. The strategy aims to provide guidance on enhancing the resilience of development, in sectors such as health, education, water and sanitation, social assistance, energy, agriculture, fisheries, tourism, environment and infrastructure. The SRDP will succeed the Pacific Disaster Risk Reduction and Disaster Management Framework for Action and the Pacific Islands Framework for Action on Climate Change (PIFACC) - both of which are set to expire in 2015.
The highly stratified and stable region of the atmosphere above the troposphere (q.v.) extending from about 10 km to about 50 km.
The safety of constructed facilities,Ê whether fixed or moveable, temporary or permanent, including: buildings, masts, towers, framework, pipelines, roads, bridges, rail infrastructure and underground works.
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.
Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
T
The amount by which it is possible to reduce GHG emissions or improve energy efficiency by using a technology or practice in all applications in which it could technically be adopted, without consideration of its costs or practical feasibility.
Relating to or using technology:
A hazard resulting from the use of technology for manufacturing, mining, processing, transport or storage.
A broad set of processes covering the flows of know-how, experience and equipment for mitigating and adapting to climate change among different stakeholders.
The Asia Foundation is a nonprofit international development organization committed to improving lives across Asia. Its programs address critical issues such as governance and law, economic development, women's empowerment, environment, and regional cooperation.OFDA is the USAID office responsible for leading and coordinating the U.S. GovernmentÕs response to overseas disasters.
The region in the worldÕs ocean, typically at a depth of 1 km, where temperature decreases rapidly with depth and which marks the boundary between the surface and deep ocean.
Large-scale density-driven circulation in the oceans, driven by differences in temperature and salinity.
The periodic rising and falling of the earth's oceans and atmosphere resulting from the gravitational forces of the moon and sun acting upon the rotating earth. This disturbance actually propagates as a wave through the atmosphere and along the surface of the waters of the earth.
Annual tabulations of daily predictions of the times and heights of high and low water at various places. Such tables are constructed from astronomical data and the results of harmonic analysis of previous observations at the desired point.
The commercial organization and operation of holidays and visits to places of interest:
Long-standing traditions and practices of regional, indigenous, or local communities.
Teaching defined skills.
A system or means of conveying people or goods from place to place
One of the 5 regional bodies of the WMO's Weather and Disaster Risk Reduction Services Department Tropical Cyclone Programme. It shares responsibilities for cyclone warning services and their infrastructures throughout the South Pacific Region.
Any regional centre participating in the WMO Tropical Cyclone Programme, a programme tasked to establish national and regionally coordinated systems to ensure that the loss of life and damage caused by tropical cyclones are reduced to a minimum.
The lowest part of the atmosphere from the surface to about 10 km in altitude in mid-latitudes (ranging from about 9 km in high latitudes to about 16 km in the tropics on average) where clouds and 'weather' phenomena occur. The troposphere is defined as the region where temperatures generally decrease with height.
Lowermost layer of the atmosphere in which air temperature falls steadily with increasing altitude. All weather occurs in the troposphere.
A seismic sea wave generated by displacement of the seafloor by a volcano, earthquake and or landslide, which causes the formation of a small group of water waves with a wavelength equal to the water depth at the point of origin that can be devastating when they reach low-lying coastal areas.
A tailored collection of resources to help Pacific Island countries prepare for the deadly and destructive potential of tsunamis.
U
A regional commission of the United Nations for the Asia-Pacific region. It works to overcome some of the regions greatest challenges and enhance economic cooperation among its member states.
A United Nations agency responsible for mobilising and coordinating humanitarian response to disasters and emergencies. The agency's activities include organisation and monitoring of humanitarian funding, information management, policy development and humanitarian advocacy.
A standard format through which Parties submit information on activities implemented jointly under the Convention.
An international organisation established in October 24, 1945. The UN is worldwide in scope and membership with 193 member states. It objectives include maintaining international peace and security, develop friend relation among nations, cooperate in solving international problems and in promoting respect for human rights, and to be a centre for harmonizing the actions of nations.
A United Nations program that provides long-term humanitarian and developmental assistance to children and mothers in developing countries. Its services involve providing emergency food, healthcare and educational supplies.
A major international conference held in Rio de Janeiro in 1992 to reconcile worldwide economic development with protection of the environment. By means of treaties and other documents signed at the conference, 178 nations committed to the pursuit of economic development in ways that would protect the Earth's environment and non-renewable resources.
Informally known as Rio+20, the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development was the 3rd international conference on sustainable development aimed at reconciling the economic and environmental goals. The key themes were a green economy in the context of sustainable development, poverty eradication, and the institutional framework for sustainable development.
An intergovernmental body and principal organ of the United Nations General Assembly responsible for dealing with development issues, in particular international trade. It promotes development through international trade, economic analysis and services, formulating policies, and research.
Formerly a stand-alone UN organisation, UNDHA merged into the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in 1998. It was concerned with the UN's response to complex emergencies and natural disasters.
An organisation established as the United Nations' global development network. It assists countries to eradicate poverty, achieve sustainable human development, build climate and disaster resilience, and democratic governance and peace building.
UNDAC is part of the international emergency response system for sudden-onset emergencies. It is designed to help the UN and governments of disaster-affected countries during the first phase of a sudden-onset emergency.
An agency of the United Nations that coordinates its environmental activities, assisting developing countries in implementing environmental policies and practices. It serves as an authoritative advocate and implementing body for the global environmental dimension of sustainable development.
An international environmental treaty negotiated at the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development and now with 195 Parties to the Convention. The objective of the treaty is to stabilise greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that would prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system.
A United Nations agency established to promote and accelerate industrial development in developing countries and international industrial cooperation. The organisation works towards improving quality of life of the world's poor in three areas: poverty reduction, trade capacity-building, and energy and environment.
The Secretariat of the International Strategy for Disaster Reduction. Its functions include ensuring disaster risk reduction is applied to climate change adaptation, increasing investments, building disaster resilient cities, schools and hospitals and strengthening the international system for disaster risk reduction.
A United Nations agency responsible for mobilising and coordinating humanitarian response to disasters and emergencies. The agency’s activities include organisation and monitoring of humanitarian funding, information management, policy development and humanitarian advocacy.
A United Nations program under the auspices of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs. It functions as a platform that facilitates the use of space-based technologies for disaster management and emergency response.
The United States Government agency primarily responsible for administering civilian foreign aid. It aims to end extreme poverty and to promote resilient, democratic societies while advancing the security of the United States.
A specialised agency of the United Nations that coordinates postal policies among member nations, in addition to the worldwide postal system. With its 192 member countries, the UPU is the primary forum for cooperation between postal sector players.
An intergovernmental organisation and public research university with a number of locations spread throughout Oceania. It is the premier provider of tertiary education and centre for teaching, research, consulting and training on all aspects of Pacific culture, environment and human resource development needs.
Measurement and management of urban hazards and vulnerability in order to improve awareness and local capacity to effectively reduce disaster risk.
V
Any one of several organic compounds which are released to the atmosphere by plants or through vaporization of oil products, and which are chemically reactive and are involved in the chemistry of tropospheric ozone production. Methane, while strictly falling within the definition of a VOC, is usually considered separately.
An opening in the earth's crust that allows gas, ash or molten lava to be ejected from the earth's surface.
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 continues to be discussed, currently in the context of the Bali Action Plan, in terms of what constitutes 'voluntary'.
Measures to reduce GHG emissions that are adopted by firms or other actors in the absence of government mandates. Voluntary measures help make climate-friendly products or processes more readily available or encourage consumers to incorporate environmental values in their market choices.
The degree of sensitivity to the impact of hazards.
Populations susceptible to the damaging effects of a hazard, for a variety of physical, social, economic, and environmental reasons.
W
A colourless, transparent, odourless, liquid which forms the seas, lakes, rivers, and rain and is the basis of the fluids of living organisms:
Analysing existing atmospheric conditions to forecast weather for a specified area and period.
A treaty-based organisation established to conserve and manage tuna and other highly migratory fish stocks across the western and central areas of the Pacific Ocean.
A document that consulting firms use to organise a project. It outlines the plan by which the company plans to complete a quality project within a given amount of time and in compliance with a set budget.
A United Nations international financial institution that provides loans to developing countries for capital programs. The World Bank's official goal is the reduction of poverty.
An independent intergovernmental body whose mission is to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of Customs administrations. It represents 179 Customs administrations across the globe that collectively process 98% of world trade.
A leftist-oriented international labour organisation established by the World Trade Union Congress. The largest affiliates are the developing nations of Asia, Latin America and Africa.
A specialised agency of the United Nations that is concerned with international public health. Its main areas of work include: health systems, promoting health through the life-course, non-communicable diseases, communicable diseases, corporate services, preparedness, surveillance and response.
A specialised agency of the United Nations established as a global forum for intellectual property services, policy, information and cooperation. Its mission is to lead the development of a balanced and effective international intellectual property system that enables innovation and creativity for the benefit of all.
A specialised agency of the United Nations for meteorology, operational hydrology and related geophysical sciences. It is the UN's authoritative voice on the state and behaviour of the Earth's atmosphere, its interaction with the oceans, the climate it produces and the resulting distribution of water resources.
A summit held in 2002 where sustainable development was reaffirmed as a central component of the international agenda. A wide range of targets and concrete commitments for action to implement sustainable development objectives were agreed to and reaffirmed by governments.
The United Nations agency responsible for the promotion of responsible, sustainable and universally accessible tourism. It is the international organisation in the field of tourism which promotes tourism as an instrument to reduce poverty and fostering sustainable development.
An intergovernmental organisation which regulates international trade. It serves to help producers of goods and services, exporters, and importers conduct business.
An international non-governmental conservation organisation that works in 100 countries. Its mission is to conserve nature and reduce the most pressing threats to the diversity of life on Earth.
Y
Young people, primarily under age 21