Climate change glossary

Climate language can seem intimidating. Understanding what it means helps everyone be part of the conversation about our future. Whether you're reading a report, looking at Council plans, or simply trying to make sense of headlines, this glossary explains commonly used terms in plain English. 

Adaptation 
Preparing for the changes in weather and climate that are already happening. It includes actions such as: 

• improving flood defences
• designing buildings that cope with heat or heavy rain
• planning services so communities are more resilient to future climate impacts.

Biodiversity
Biodiversity refers to the variety of all living things; plants, animals, fungi and microorganisms, in an environment. Healthy biodiversity keeps ecosystems strong and helps nature adapt to changes.

Carbon emissions
Gases released into the atmosphere from activities such as burning oil, gas and petrol. Carbon dioxide (CO₂) is the most common. Others include methane and nitrous oxide. These gases trap heat in the atmosphere and contribute to climate change.  

Carbon footprint
A way measuring how much greenhouse gas (like CO₂) is released because of your activities. This could be:

• heating your home
• driving a car
• or producing food and goods.

The smaller your carbon footprint, the less you contribute to climate change.

Climate change 
Climate change refers to significant changes in the Earth's usual weather patterns that happen over many years. Today's climate change is largely caused by human activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels. This increases heat-trapping gases in the atmosphere.  

Climate crisis and Climate Emergency 
These terms describe the urgent and serious nature of climate change. They point to the immediate need for action to limit harm to people, nature and the economy. Guildford Borough Council has declared a climate emergency to emphasise the need for coordinated action. 

Circular economy
A way of using resources that reduces waste and keeps materials in use for longer. A circular economy encourages reuse, repair, recycling and redesign to reduce pressure on the environment. 

Decarbonisation
Reducing carbon emissions from a process, product or activity. Examples include:

• switching to clean energy
• improving energy efficiency
• using low-carbon technology.

Energy efficiency 
Using less energy to achieve the same result. Examples include:

• improving insulation so a home stays warm with less heating
• using LED lights that use less electricity

Increasing energy efficiency cuts emissions and often saves money too.

Greenhouse Gases (GHGs)
These are gases in the atmosphere that trap heat and warm the planet. The main greenhouse gases linked to human activities are:

• carbon dioxide
• methane
• and nitrous oxide

Low carbon 
Low carbon activities or technologies produce far less greenhouse gas emissions than traditional methods. Renewable energy like wind and solar power are examples of low-carbon energy sources. 

Net Zero 
Net Zero means that the amount of greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere is balanced by the amount removed. 

The Council has committed to achieving net zero emissions for its own services by 2030. 

Renewable energy
Energy that comes from sources that don't run out or that naturally replenish. Examples include:

• sunshine
• wind
• rain
• heat from the Earth

Using renewable energy helps reduce reliance on fossil fuels and cuts carbon emissions.

Resilience
How well people, places and systems can cope with shocks, such as extreme weather, and recover from them. Making Guildford more resilient means planning for:

• heat
• storms
• floods
• and other climate impacts.

Retrofit
Retrofitting means improving existing buildings so they are more energy-efficient. Examples include:

• adding insulation to your home
• upgrading heating systems
• installing energy-efficient windows

This reduces energy use and emissions and can lower household bills. 

Sustainability 
Meeting today's needs without damaging the planet for future generations. Using resources wisely, managing harm and ensuring a long-term balance so that life can continue to thrive. 

Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions
These are categories used to measure greenhouse gases:

Scope 1 are direct emissions from activities the Council controls (like our vehicles or heating buildings.)

Scope 2 are indirect emissions from energy the Council buys and uses (like electricity.)

Scope 3 includes all other indirect emissions that happen because of Council activities (for example supply chain effects.)