Climate Change, Emissions & Energy Glossary
The following comes from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and other sources with modifications for clarity and adequacy.
A
Adaptation - Adjustment or preparation of natural or human systems to a new or changing environment which moderates harm or exploits beneficial opportunities.
Adaptive Capacity - The ability of a system to adjust to climate change (including climate variability and extremes) to moderate potential damages, to take advantage of opportunities, or to cope with the consequences.
Aerosols - Small particles or liquid droplets in the atmosphere that can absorb or reflect sunlight depending on their composition.
Afforestation - Planting of new forests on lands that historically have not contained forests.
Alternative Energy - Any energy source not reliant upon fossil fuels.
Anthropogenic - Made by or resulting from human activities. Usually used to describe emissions produced as a result of human activities.
AR4 - The Fourth Assessment Report (2007) of the IPCC intended to assess scientific, technical and socioeconomic information concerning climate change, its potential effects, and options for adaptation and mitigation. AR4 is the largest and most detailed summary of the climate change situation ever undertaken, produced by thousands of authors, editors, and reviewers from dozens of countries, citing over 6,000 peer-reviewed scientific studies.
AR5 - The Fifth (and latest) Assessment Report issued by the IPCC was finalized in 2014 as an update on the knowledge about the broader topic of climate change. The report was delivered in stages from three working groups and one synthesis report:
Atmosphere - The gaseous envelope surrounding the Earth. The dry atmosphere consists almost entirely of nitrogen (78.1% volume mixing ratio) and oxygen (20.9% volume mixing ratio), together with a number of trace gases, such as argon (0.93% volume mixing ratio), helium, greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2 - 0.035% volume mixing ratio), and ozone. In addition, the atmosphere contains water vapor, whose amount is highly variable but typically 1% volume mixing ratio. The atmosphere also contains clouds and aerosols. See Climate System
Adaptive Capacity - The ability of a system to adjust to climate change (including climate variability and extremes) to moderate potential damages, to take advantage of opportunities, or to cope with the consequences.
Aerosols - Small particles or liquid droplets in the atmosphere that can absorb or reflect sunlight depending on their composition.
Afforestation - Planting of new forests on lands that historically have not contained forests.
Alternative Energy - Any energy source not reliant upon fossil fuels.
Anthropogenic - Made by or resulting from human activities. Usually used to describe emissions produced as a result of human activities.
AR4 - The Fourth Assessment Report (2007) of the IPCC intended to assess scientific, technical and socioeconomic information concerning climate change, its potential effects, and options for adaptation and mitigation. AR4 is the largest and most detailed summary of the climate change situation ever undertaken, produced by thousands of authors, editors, and reviewers from dozens of countries, citing over 6,000 peer-reviewed scientific studies.
AR5 - The Fifth (and latest) Assessment Report issued by the IPCC was finalized in 2014 as an update on the knowledge about the broader topic of climate change. The report was delivered in stages from three working groups and one synthesis report:
- Working Group I: The Physical Science Basis –September 30, 2013
- Working Group II: Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability –March 31, 2014
- Working Group III: Mitigation of Climate Change –April 15, 2014
- AR5 Synthesis Report (SYR) –November 2, 2014
Atmosphere - The gaseous envelope surrounding the Earth. The dry atmosphere consists almost entirely of nitrogen (78.1% volume mixing ratio) and oxygen (20.9% volume mixing ratio), together with a number of trace gases, such as argon (0.93% volume mixing ratio), helium, greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2 - 0.035% volume mixing ratio), and ozone. In addition, the atmosphere contains water vapor, whose amount is highly variable but typically 1% volume mixing ratio. The atmosphere also contains clouds and aerosols. See Climate System
B
Biogas (biofuel) - Gas or liquid fuel made from plant material including wood, wood waste, wood liquors, peat, railroad ties, wood sludge, spent sulfite liquors, agricultural waste, straw, tires, fish oils, tall oil, sludge waste, waste alcohol, municipal solid waste, landfill gases, other waste, and ethanol blended into motor gasoline. See Renewable Natural Gas
Biomass - Materials that are biological in origin, including organic material (both living and dead) from above and below ground, for example, trees, crops, grasses, tree litter, roots, and animals and animal waste.
Biosphere - The part of the Earth's system comprising all ecosystems and living organisms, in the atmosphere, on land (terrestrial biosphere) or in the oceans (marine biosphere), including derived dead organic matter, such as litter, soil organic matter and oceanic detritus. See Climate System
Black Carbon Aerosol - Black carbon (BC) is the most strongly light-absorbing component of particulate matter (PM) and is formed by the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels, biofuels, and biomass. It is emitted directly into the atmosphere in the form of fine particles less than 2.5 microns in diameter (PM2.5).
Blackout - A condition under which voltage and current levels are insufficient to operate most electrical devices.
Brownout - A condition under which voltage on a distribution network is intentionally reduced, below 95% of nominal voltage, in order to avoid a shortage of generating capacity and resulting blackouts.
BTM (Behind-the-Meter) - The location of the connection for an energy resource on the customer-side of the electric meter. BTM usually refers to electrical generation or storage controlled by the home or property owner. Resources or activities that take place in-front-of-the-meter are regulated and controlled by the local utility.
Btu (British thermal unit) - The amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit. See Heat
Bulk Electric System (BES) - This is an official definition from the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) which essentially includes all parts of the electrical network that generate or transmit electricity at voltages 100 kV and higher. See NERC
Biomass - Materials that are biological in origin, including organic material (both living and dead) from above and below ground, for example, trees, crops, grasses, tree litter, roots, and animals and animal waste.
Biosphere - The part of the Earth's system comprising all ecosystems and living organisms, in the atmosphere, on land (terrestrial biosphere) or in the oceans (marine biosphere), including derived dead organic matter, such as litter, soil organic matter and oceanic detritus. See Climate System
Black Carbon Aerosol - Black carbon (BC) is the most strongly light-absorbing component of particulate matter (PM) and is formed by the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels, biofuels, and biomass. It is emitted directly into the atmosphere in the form of fine particles less than 2.5 microns in diameter (PM2.5).
Blackout - A condition under which voltage and current levels are insufficient to operate most electrical devices.
Brownout - A condition under which voltage on a distribution network is intentionally reduced, below 95% of nominal voltage, in order to avoid a shortage of generating capacity and resulting blackouts.
BTM (Behind-the-Meter) - The location of the connection for an energy resource on the customer-side of the electric meter. BTM usually refers to electrical generation or storage controlled by the home or property owner. Resources or activities that take place in-front-of-the-meter are regulated and controlled by the local utility.
Btu (British thermal unit) - The amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit. See Heat
Bulk Electric System (BES) - This is an official definition from the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) which essentially includes all parts of the electrical network that generate or transmit electricity at voltages 100 kV and higher. See NERC
C
Capacity Factor (electrical) - The ratio (percentage) of an actual electrical energy output over a given period to the maximum possible electrical energy output over the same period. This typical period is one (1) year or 8,760 hours. High capacity factors indicate that a generator or type of generator was operated near continuously at maximum output. For example, nuclear power plants often have capacity factors above 90% while other generating plants may not achieve capacity factors higher than 25%.
Cap and Trade - A trading process whereby one entity can exchange with another entity its unused greenhouse gas emissions allowance up to the supplying entity's allowance limit (or cap). It is common that this trading process is monetized in much the same way as stocks and commodities.
Carbon Cycle - The exchange between or sequestration in (See Carbon Sequestration) reservoirs of all carbon on Earth. The cycle is usually thought of as consisting of four main reservoirs of carbon interconnected by pathways of exchange. The reservoirs are the 1) atmosphere, 2) terrestrial biosphere (usually includes freshwater systems), 3) oceans and 4) sediments (including fossil fuels). The annual movements of carbon, the so-called carbon exchanges between reservoirs, occur because of various chemical, physical, geological, and biological processes. The ocean contains the largest pool of carbon near the surface of the Earth, but most of that pool is not involved with rapid exchange with the atmosphere.
Carbon Dioxide (CO2) - A naturally occurring gas that is also a byproduct of burning fossil fuels and biomass, the decomposition of organic material, land-use changes and industrial processes. It is the principal human-caused greenhouse gas that affects the Earth's radiative balance (See Radiative Forcing). It is also the reference gas against which other greenhouse gases are measured and therefore has a Global Warming Potential of one (1). See Climate Change and Global Warming.
Carbon Dioxide Equivalent - A metric measure used to compare the adverse climate effects of various greenhouse gases based upon their global warming potential (GWP) relative to carbon dioxide (See Carbon Dioxide). Carbon dioxide equivalents are commonly expressed as "million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalents or "MMtCO2eq". See greenhouse gas, global warming potential, metric ton.
Carbon Footprint - The total amount of greenhouse gases that are directly and indirectly emitted into the atmosphere each year by an entity such as a person, family, building, organization or company. Direct emissions are greenhouse gas emissions produced due to an entity's actions such as burning fuel for heating a building or operating a car. Indirect emissions are greenhouse gases that result from the production of goods or services that an entity uses or consumes such as emissions from electric generating plants, from factories making products and from the decomposition of trash in a landfill.
Carbon Leakage - The shifting of greenhouse gas emissions from one country to another as a result of businesses and industries relocating to those countries with the most lax and lowest cost emissions regulations.
Carbon Neutral - The net release of no (zero) CO2 either by eliminating all CO2 or equivalent emissions or by utilizing carbon offsets.
Carbon Offset - The compensation for greenhouse gas emissions in one location by participating in or funding activities that remove CO2 from the atmosphere in another location.
Carbon Sequestration - Terrestrial, or biologic, carbon sequestration is the process by which trees and plants absorb carbon dioxide (CO2), release the oxygen (O2), and store the carbon (C). Geologic sequestration is the injection of carbon dioxide deep underground where it can remain permanently in rock formations. There are numerous sequestration opportunities including biologic sequestration methods other than trees and plants (e.g. seaweed farming and deep soil storage), physical methods (e.g. ocean and biomass storage) and chemical methods such as mineral carbonation and use in industrial processes.
Carbon Capture and Sequestration - Carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) is a collection of various technologies that can reduce atmospheric carbon dioxide by either 1) capturing it at the source or 2) removing it directly from the atmosphere. Once captured (or removed) the carbon dioxide is transported to a location where it can be sequestered in geologic rock formations that contain tiny openings or pores that trap and hold the carbon dioxide.
Climate - Climate in a narrow sense is usually defined as the "average weather," or more rigorously, as the statistical description in terms of the mean and variability of relevant weather quantities over a period ranging from months to thousands of years. The classical period is three decades, as defined by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). These quantities are most often surface variables such as temperature, precipitation, and wind. Climate in a wider sense is the state, including a statistical description, of the climate system. See weather.
Climate Change - Climate change refers to any significant change in the measures of climate lasting for several decades or longer.
Carbon Dioxide Equivalent (CO2e) - The amount of CO2 (usually expressed in metric tons) required to produce the same atmospheric warming (radiative forcing) effect that would be caused by a different greenhouse gas. This equivalence allows the cumulative effect of numerous GHG to be evaluated.
Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA) - Passed on June 20, 2029, this legislation establishes a path for New York State to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. A detailed explanation of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act is here...
Climate Mobilization Act (CMA) - Also known as Local Law 97 of 2019, Bill 1253-C and New York City's Green New Deal, this legislation passed by the City Council on April 18, 2019 sets greenhouse gas emissions limits and fines for more than 20,000 buildings in New York City over 25,000 square feet. A detailed explanation of the Climate Mobilization Act is here...
Climate Model - A quantitative way of representing the interactions of the atmosphere, oceans, land surface, and ice. Models can range from relatively simple to quite comprehensive.
Climate System (or Earth System) - The five physical components that are responsible for the climate and its variations:
- Atmosphere (air)
- Hydrosphere (water)
- Cryosphere (ice and permafrost)
- Lithosphere (Earth's upper rocky layer)
- Biosphere (living things)
Co-generation - See Combined Heat & Power
Combined Heat & Power (CHP) - Also known as "co-generation", CHP is the concurrent production of electricity or mechanical power and useful thermal energy for heating, cooling and/or process use from a single source of energy such as natural gas. CHP can significantly increase the efficiency of fuel utilization and reduce GHG emissions compared to purchasing electricity and utilizing electricity, natural gas or oil for heating, hot water and/or adsorption cooling. The increased efficiency ranging from 25% to 45% is the result of utilizing the waste heat from electricity production as well as virtually eliminating all electrical transmission losses which alone can range from 3% to 8%. Primary generators (electricity & heat) for CHP systems typically include gas turbines, microturbines, fuel cells and internal combustion engines. See Greenhouse Gas
Concentrating Solar Energy - A thermal system for producing hot water, steam and/or electricity utilizing an array of mirrors whose focus is concentrated on an energy absorbing surface such as piping or a pressure vessel often mounted on a tower.
D
Deforestation - The conversion of forested lands to non-forest uses which reduces CO2 capture by the trees and plants removed.
Decarbonization - The elimination of some or all fossil fuel use
Desertification - Land degradation meaning a reduction or loss in the biological or economic productivity and complexity of rain-fed lands. Desertification can occur for numerous reasons including, human activities and habitation patterns, soil erosion, deterioration of the physical, chemical and biological or economic properties of soil and long-term loss of natural vegetation.
Dispatch (electrical) - The management (starting, loading & stopping) of various electrical generating or storage assets in order to balance the electric supply and demand. Electrical system operators typically dispatch generating assets based upon their cost of generating electricity.
Dispatchable (electrical) - Capable of being dispatched. To be dispatchable a generating asset must be available to produce electricity 24/7/365 (except for maintenance) and include coal, natural gas, oil and nuclear power plants. Solar and wind generation are non-dispatchable since their electrical generation is dependent upon variable sun and wind conditions.
Distributed Energy Resources (DER) - Typically small-scale electricity or electricity & heat generating sources located close to the point of electrical (and heat) consumption. DER generally utilize fuel more efficiently than large central generating plants, produce lower emissions and can operate in parallel with the electrical grid or operate without it (standalone). DER can provide lower energy costs, lower CO2 emissions, better power quality and increased electrical resilience. See Power Quality and Resilience
Decarbonization - The elimination of some or all fossil fuel use
Desertification - Land degradation meaning a reduction or loss in the biological or economic productivity and complexity of rain-fed lands. Desertification can occur for numerous reasons including, human activities and habitation patterns, soil erosion, deterioration of the physical, chemical and biological or economic properties of soil and long-term loss of natural vegetation.
Dispatch (electrical) - The management (starting, loading & stopping) of various electrical generating or storage assets in order to balance the electric supply and demand. Electrical system operators typically dispatch generating assets based upon their cost of generating electricity.
Dispatchable (electrical) - Capable of being dispatched. To be dispatchable a generating asset must be available to produce electricity 24/7/365 (except for maintenance) and include coal, natural gas, oil and nuclear power plants. Solar and wind generation are non-dispatchable since their electrical generation is dependent upon variable sun and wind conditions.
Distributed Energy Resources (DER) - Typically small-scale electricity or electricity & heat generating sources located close to the point of electrical (and heat) consumption. DER generally utilize fuel more efficiently than large central generating plants, produce lower emissions and can operate in parallel with the electrical grid or operate without it (standalone). DER can provide lower energy costs, lower CO2 emissions, better power quality and increased electrical resilience. See Power Quality and Resilience
E
Ecosystem - Any natural unit or entity including living and non-living parts that interact to produce a stable system through cyclic exchange of materials.
Electrical Grid - The interconnected network of multiple transmission systems on a regional or national level. See Transmission & Distribution
Electrical Resiliency - See Resilience
Emissions - The release of a substance (usually a gas when referring to the subject of climate change) into the atmosphere.
Emissions Factor - A unique value for scaling emissions associated with the "per unit" consumption or production activities such as CO2 emissions per kilowatt-hour of electricity consumed.
Energy - The ability to do work (power expended over time). Energy can be potential (stored) or kinetic (working) and comes in forms such as:
Energy Efficiency - Producing the same result using less energy
Energy Information Administration (EIA) - The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) is the statistical and analytical agency within the U.S. Department of Energy that collects, analyzes, and disseminates independent and impartial information concerning energy.
ENERGY STAR - A voluntary program managed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that promotes and aids in the efficient use of energy for residential, commercial and industrial applications.
Environmental Justice -The fair treatment all people without regard to race, color, national origin or income with respect to the development, financing, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies.
Equivalent Emissions - Greenhouse gases are characterized by their strength or potential to trap radiation and cause global warming as well as their effective lifetimes in the atmosphere. These characteristics are synthesized into what is called the Global Warming Potential (GWP) for each gas. The most abundant greenhouse gas, carbon dioxide (CO2), is given a GWP of one (1). Other greenhouse gases are given GWP values that represent their equivalence to CO2 in order to compare different mixes of greenhouse gases.
Electrical Grid - The interconnected network of multiple transmission systems on a regional or national level. See Transmission & Distribution
Electrical Resiliency - See Resilience
Emissions - The release of a substance (usually a gas when referring to the subject of climate change) into the atmosphere.
Emissions Factor - A unique value for scaling emissions associated with the "per unit" consumption or production activities such as CO2 emissions per kilowatt-hour of electricity consumed.
Energy - The ability to do work (power expended over time). Energy can be potential (stored) or kinetic (working) and comes in forms such as:
- Heat (thermal) - geothermal energy
- Light (radiant) - solar energy
- Motion (kinetic) - wind & hydro energy
- Electrical
- Chemical - biomass
- Nuclear energy
- Gravitational
Energy Efficiency - Producing the same result using less energy
Energy Information Administration (EIA) - The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) is the statistical and analytical agency within the U.S. Department of Energy that collects, analyzes, and disseminates independent and impartial information concerning energy.
ENERGY STAR - A voluntary program managed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that promotes and aids in the efficient use of energy for residential, commercial and industrial applications.
Environmental Justice -The fair treatment all people without regard to race, color, national origin or income with respect to the development, financing, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies.
Equivalent Emissions - Greenhouse gases are characterized by their strength or potential to trap radiation and cause global warming as well as their effective lifetimes in the atmosphere. These characteristics are synthesized into what is called the Global Warming Potential (GWP) for each gas. The most abundant greenhouse gas, carbon dioxide (CO2), is given a GWP of one (1). Other greenhouse gases are given GWP values that represent their equivalence to CO2 in order to compare different mixes of greenhouse gases.
F
Fluorocarbons - Carbon-fluorine compounds that can be ozone-depleting and often contain other elements such as hydrogen, chlorine, or bromine.
Forcing Mechanism - Any mechanism that alters the Earth's balance of absorbing incoming solar radiation and emitting outgoing infrared radiation into the blackness of the Universe. Such mechanisms can include greenhouse gases that prevent radiation from leaving the atmosphere, volcanic emissions that prevent absorption of solar energy and changes in the Sun's energy output.
Fossil Fuel - A general term for organic materials formed from decayed plants and animals that have been converted to crude oil, coal, natural gas, or heavy oils by exposure to heat and pressure in the Earth's crust over hundreds of millions of years.
Forcing Mechanism - Any mechanism that alters the Earth's balance of absorbing incoming solar radiation and emitting outgoing infrared radiation into the blackness of the Universe. Such mechanisms can include greenhouse gases that prevent radiation from leaving the atmosphere, volcanic emissions that prevent absorption of solar energy and changes in the Sun's energy output.
Fossil Fuel - A general term for organic materials formed from decayed plants and animals that have been converted to crude oil, coal, natural gas, or heavy oils by exposure to heat and pressure in the Earth's crust over hundreds of millions of years.
G
Generation (electrical) - The production of electricity.
Generating Capacity (electrical) - The amount of electrical power capable of being produced by a generator, facility, power plant, region or state typically expressed in kilowatts (kW), megawatts (MW) or gigawatts GW). See Power, Kilowatts
Gigawatt (GW) – See kilowatt
Global Average Temperature - An estimate of Earth's mean surface air temperature averaged over the entire planet.
Global Warming - An ongoing global average increase in temperature near the Earths surface.
Global Warming Potential - A measure of the ability of a greenhouse gas, relative to CO2, to inhibit the release of energy from the Earth and thus cause warming.
Greenhouse Effect - The trapping of heat in the atmosphere (troposphere) near the Earth's surface caused by certain gases. Heat flowing toward space from the Earth's surface is absorbed by water vapor, carbon dioxide, ozone, and several other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere and then re-radiated back toward the Earth's surface. High concentrations of these greenhouse gases are thought to raise the average temperature of the lower atmosphere.
Greenhouse Gas (GHG) - Any gas that absorbs infrared radiation in the atmosphere. Greenhouse gases include, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, ozone, chlorofluorocarbons, hydrochlorofluorocarbons, hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons, sulfur hexafluoride.
Grid - See Electrical Grid
Grid Operator - The majority of electrical grid in the continental U.S. is managed by entities called Independent System Operators (ISOs) and Regional Transmission Organizations (RTOs). ISOs and RTOs are not utilities however they are responsible for the management of the instantaneous generation and transmission of electricity, as well as long-term planning, in order to satisfy the demands of electrical consumers.
Generating Capacity (electrical) - The amount of electrical power capable of being produced by a generator, facility, power plant, region or state typically expressed in kilowatts (kW), megawatts (MW) or gigawatts GW). See Power, Kilowatts
Gigawatt (GW) – See kilowatt
Global Average Temperature - An estimate of Earth's mean surface air temperature averaged over the entire planet.
Global Warming - An ongoing global average increase in temperature near the Earths surface.
Global Warming Potential - A measure of the ability of a greenhouse gas, relative to CO2, to inhibit the release of energy from the Earth and thus cause warming.
Greenhouse Effect - The trapping of heat in the atmosphere (troposphere) near the Earth's surface caused by certain gases. Heat flowing toward space from the Earth's surface is absorbed by water vapor, carbon dioxide, ozone, and several other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere and then re-radiated back toward the Earth's surface. High concentrations of these greenhouse gases are thought to raise the average temperature of the lower atmosphere.
Greenhouse Gas (GHG) - Any gas that absorbs infrared radiation in the atmosphere. Greenhouse gases include, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, ozone, chlorofluorocarbons, hydrochlorofluorocarbons, hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons, sulfur hexafluoride.
Grid - See Electrical Grid
Grid Operator - The majority of electrical grid in the continental U.S. is managed by entities called Independent System Operators (ISOs) and Regional Transmission Organizations (RTOs). ISOs and RTOs are not utilities however they are responsible for the management of the instantaneous generation and transmission of electricity, as well as long-term planning, in order to satisfy the demands of electrical consumers.
H
Heat - A form of energy associated with atomic or molecular motion of a material and capable of being transmitted through solids and fluids by conduction (direct contact, e.g. ice in water), by convection (fluid motion, e.g. hot air) and by radiation (electromagnetic transfer, e.g. radiant heating).
Heat Island - An urban area characterized by temperatures higher than those of the surrounding area. Buildings, roads and other infrastructure absorb more solar energy, which can create such higher temperatures.
Hydrocarbons - Substances containing only hydrogen and carbon such as fossil fuels.
Heat Island - An urban area characterized by temperatures higher than those of the surrounding area. Buildings, roads and other infrastructure absorb more solar energy, which can create such higher temperatures.
Hydrocarbons - Substances containing only hydrogen and carbon such as fossil fuels.
I
Indirect Emissions - Indirect emissions include those from the use of electricity and the emission created from the generation of that electricity. These emissions are called "indirect" because the actual emissions occur at the power plant which generates the electricity, not at the facility using the electricity. Other indirect emissions include those from the extraction and production of purchased materials and fuels, transport-related activities, waste disposal, etc.
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) - The IPCC was established in 1988 by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and is now an intergovernmental body of the United Nations, dedicated to providing an objective, scientific view of climate change, its natural, political and economic impacts and risks, and possible response options.
Installed Capacity - The amount of generating capacity capable of being operated during a given period.
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) - The IPCC was established in 1988 by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and is now an intergovernmental body of the United Nations, dedicated to providing an objective, scientific view of climate change, its natural, political and economic impacts and risks, and possible response options.
Installed Capacity - The amount of generating capacity capable of being operated during a given period.
J
K
Kilowatt (kW) - A measure of power equal to 1,000 watts or the output of ten (10) 100-watt light bulbs. A megawatt (MW) is 1,000,000 watts or 1,000 kW and a gigawatt (GW) is one billion watts (1,000,000,000 watts) or 1,000 MW.
Kilowatt-hour (kWh) - A measure of energy equal to one kilowatt of power produced for one hour.
Kilowatt-hour (kWh) - A measure of energy equal to one kilowatt of power produced for one hour.
L
Landfill - Land waste disposal site in which waste is generally spread in thin layers, compacted, and covered with a fresh layer of soil each day.
Local Law 97 of 2019 - See Climate Mobilization Act
Local Law 97 of 2019 - See Climate Mobilization Act
M
Megawatt - See kilowatt
Methane (CH4) - A hydrocarbon that is a greenhouse gas with a global warming potential most recently estimated at 25 times that of carbon dioxide (CO2). 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.
Metric Ton - An international measurement for mass often used to quantify amounts of greenhouse gas emissions. A metric ton is equal to 2205 lbs. or 1.1 short tons (the U.S. Customary ton of 2,000 pounds)
Mitigation - The process or result of making something less severe, dangerous or damaging such as plans and actions to reduce greenhouse gas sources and emissions.
Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) - Residential solid waste and many non-hazardous commercial, institutional, and industrial wastes that are typically disposed of in municipal landfills.
Methane (CH4) - A hydrocarbon that is a greenhouse gas with a global warming potential most recently estimated at 25 times that of carbon dioxide (CO2). 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.
Metric Ton - An international measurement for mass often used to quantify amounts of greenhouse gas emissions. A metric ton is equal to 2205 lbs. or 1.1 short tons (the U.S. Customary ton of 2,000 pounds)
Mitigation - The process or result of making something less severe, dangerous or damaging such as plans and actions to reduce greenhouse gas sources and emissions.
Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) - Residential solid waste and many non-hazardous commercial, institutional, and industrial wastes that are typically disposed of in municipal landfills.
N
Natural Gas - A naturally occurring fossil fuel gases consisting of 50 to 90 percent methane (CH4) and small amounts of heavier gaseous hydrocarbon compounds such as propane (C3H8) and butane (C4H10). See Renewable Natural Gas
NERC (North American Electric Reliability Corporation) - A not-for-profit international regulatory authority whose mission is to assure the effective and efficient reduction of risks to the reliability and security of the electrical grid. It develops and enforces reliability standards, assesses seasonal and long‐term reliability and monitors the bulk power system across the continental United States, Canada, and the northern portion of Baja California, Mexico.
Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) - Gases consisting of one molecule of nitrogen and varying numbers of oxygen molecules. Nitrogen oxides are produced in the emissions of vehicle exhausts and from power stations. In the atmosphere, nitrogen oxides are considered pollutants since they can contribute to formation of photochemical ozone (smog).
New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) - A New York public benefit corporation promoting energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy sources
New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) - The ISO grid operator for New York State. See Grid Operator
NERC (North American Electric Reliability Corporation) - A not-for-profit international regulatory authority whose mission is to assure the effective and efficient reduction of risks to the reliability and security of the electrical grid. It develops and enforces reliability standards, assesses seasonal and long‐term reliability and monitors the bulk power system across the continental United States, Canada, and the northern portion of Baja California, Mexico.
Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) - Gases consisting of one molecule of nitrogen and varying numbers of oxygen molecules. Nitrogen oxides are produced in the emissions of vehicle exhausts and from power stations. In the atmosphere, nitrogen oxides are considered pollutants since they can contribute to formation of photochemical ozone (smog).
New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) - A New York public benefit corporation promoting energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy sources
New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) - The ISO grid operator for New York State. See Grid Operator
O
Ocean Acidification - Increased concentrations of carbon dioxide in sea water can cause a measurable increase in acidity (i.e., a reduction in ocean pH). This may lead to reduced calcification rates of calcifying organisms such as corals, mollusks, algae and crustaceans.
Ozone Layer - A layer of the stratosphere, from approximately 9 to 22 miles (15 to 35 km) above Earth, of higher ozone (O3) concentration that absorbs most of the Sun's ultraviolet radiation. The ozone layer contains less than 10 ppm (See PPM) of ozone, while the average ozone concentration in Earth's atmosphere is about 0.3 ppm.
Ozone Layer - A layer of the stratosphere, from approximately 9 to 22 miles (15 to 35 km) above Earth, of higher ozone (O3) concentration that absorbs most of the Sun's ultraviolet radiation. The ozone layer contains less than 10 ppm (See PPM) of ozone, while the average ozone concentration in Earth's atmosphere is about 0.3 ppm.
P
Paris Agreement - An agreement within the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) dealing with greenhouse-gas-emissions mitigation, adaptation, and finance, signed in 2016 near Paris, France. The long-term goal of the agreement was to keep the global average temperature increase to well below 2 degrees Centigrade above pre-industrial levels. See UNFCCC, Global Average Temperature
Particulate matter (PM) - Very small pieces of solid or liquid matter such as soot, dust, fumes, mists or aerosols.
Parts Per Billion (ppb) - Number of parts of a chemical found in one billion parts of a gas, liquid, or solid mixture.
Parts Per Million by Volume (ppmv) - Number of parts of a chemical found in one million parts of a gas, liquid, or solid mixture.
Photosynthesis - The process by which plants take CO2 from the air (or bicarbonate in water) to build carbohydrates and releasing O2 in the process. There are several pathways of photosynthesis with different responses to atmospheric CO2 concentrations. See carbon sequestration
Power - Is a source or means of supplying energy or the time rate at which work is done or energy emitted or transferred. Power delivered or expended for a period is energy (power x time = energy). A light bulb needs 100 watts (of power) to produce a certain amount of light. If that same light bulb is on for 10 hours, then one kilowatt-hour (kWh) of energy (100 watts x 10 hours = 1,000 watt-hours = 1 kilowatt-hour) is consumed. See Energy
Power Quality - Good power quality is the absence of electrical events that can shut down or damage electrical equipment such as blackouts, brownouts, voltage surges and sags, phase loss, harmonics and chronic high or low voltage. Electric utilities have little ability and are generally not required to correct recurring power quality problems.
PV (photovoltaic) - The photovoltaic effect is the production of electricity by certain semiconducting materials in the presence of solar radiation (light). PV materials are formed into cells and cells grouped into panels. Typical residential and commercial solar PV panels contain 60 and 72 cells, respectively. Electricity production of a solar PV system depends upon the number of panels installed and the amount and intensity of solar radiation striking the panels. The term "solar PV" is frequently used to differentiate renewable photovoltaic energy from solar thermal energy and concentrating solar energy.
Particulate matter (PM) - Very small pieces of solid or liquid matter such as soot, dust, fumes, mists or aerosols.
Parts Per Billion (ppb) - Number of parts of a chemical found in one billion parts of a gas, liquid, or solid mixture.
Parts Per Million by Volume (ppmv) - Number of parts of a chemical found in one million parts of a gas, liquid, or solid mixture.
Photosynthesis - The process by which plants take CO2 from the air (or bicarbonate in water) to build carbohydrates and releasing O2 in the process. There are several pathways of photosynthesis with different responses to atmospheric CO2 concentrations. See carbon sequestration
Power - Is a source or means of supplying energy or the time rate at which work is done or energy emitted or transferred. Power delivered or expended for a period is energy (power x time = energy). A light bulb needs 100 watts (of power) to produce a certain amount of light. If that same light bulb is on for 10 hours, then one kilowatt-hour (kWh) of energy (100 watts x 10 hours = 1,000 watt-hours = 1 kilowatt-hour) is consumed. See Energy
Power Quality - Good power quality is the absence of electrical events that can shut down or damage electrical equipment such as blackouts, brownouts, voltage surges and sags, phase loss, harmonics and chronic high or low voltage. Electric utilities have little ability and are generally not required to correct recurring power quality problems.
PV (photovoltaic) - The photovoltaic effect is the production of electricity by certain semiconducting materials in the presence of solar radiation (light). PV materials are formed into cells and cells grouped into panels. Typical residential and commercial solar PV panels contain 60 and 72 cells, respectively. Electricity production of a solar PV system depends upon the number of panels installed and the amount and intensity of solar radiation striking the panels. The term "solar PV" is frequently used to differentiate renewable photovoltaic energy from solar thermal energy and concentrating solar energy.
Q
R
Radiation - Energy transfer in the form of electromagnetic waves or particles that release energy when absorbed by an object such as ultraviolet, infrared and solar radiation.
Radiative Forcing - A relative measure of a factor's influence (e.g. greenhouse gas, volcanic eruption, etc.) on the net change in the Earth's energy balance, heating or cooling.
Reforestation - Establishment of forests on lands previously containing forests but cleared for some other use.
Relative Sea Level Rise - The increase in ocean water levels at a specific location, considering both global sea level rise and local factors, such as local subsidence (ground sinking) and uplift (ground rising).
Renewable Energy - Energy resources that are naturally replenishing such as biomass, renewable natural gas, hydro, geothermal, solar, wind, ocean thermal, wave action, and tidal action.
Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) - Also known as sustainable natural gas or biomethane, is a biogas which has been upgraded in quality to be similar to fossil natural gas having a methane concentration of 90% or greater. RNG can be used directly or injected into the existing (fossil) natural gas distribution system. See biogas
Resilience (electrical) - The ability to maintain or recover long-term electrical service when natural or man-made disasters substantially impact the local electrical supply and/or distribution system.
Radiative Forcing - A relative measure of a factor's influence (e.g. greenhouse gas, volcanic eruption, etc.) on the net change in the Earth's energy balance, heating or cooling.
Reforestation - Establishment of forests on lands previously containing forests but cleared for some other use.
Relative Sea Level Rise - The increase in ocean water levels at a specific location, considering both global sea level rise and local factors, such as local subsidence (ground sinking) and uplift (ground rising).
Renewable Energy - Energy resources that are naturally replenishing such as biomass, renewable natural gas, hydro, geothermal, solar, wind, ocean thermal, wave action, and tidal action.
Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) - Also known as sustainable natural gas or biomethane, is a biogas which has been upgraded in quality to be similar to fossil natural gas having a methane concentration of 90% or greater. RNG can be used directly or injected into the existing (fossil) natural gas distribution system. See biogas
Resilience (electrical) - The ability to maintain or recover long-term electrical service when natural or man-made disasters substantially impact the local electrical supply and/or distribution system.
S
Sink - Any process, activity or mechanism which removes a greenhouse gas, an aerosol or a precursor of a greenhouse gas or aerosol from the atmosphere.
Solar Energy - Either electric or thermal energy derived from solar radiation.
Solar Radiation - Radiation emitted by the Sun which exists in a distinctive range of wavelengths (spectrum) determined by the temperature of the Sun.
Solar Energy - Either electric or thermal energy derived from solar radiation.
Solar Radiation - Radiation emitted by the Sun which exists in a distinctive range of wavelengths (spectrum) determined by the temperature of the Sun.
T
Temperature - See Global Average Temperature
Therm - A unit of heat equal to 100,000 British thermal units (Btus). See Heat
Thermal Energy - One of many types of energy and one which utilizes the vibration of molecules that make up material and manifests itself in the form or heat or the absence of heat (cold).
Transmission & Distribution (T&D) System - Electrical networks that each play an important role in the delivery of electricity from the point of generation to the facility where it will be consumed. A transmission system consists of electrical conductors and transformers operating at voltages above 69 kilovolts (kV) to deliver current from a generating facility to an area. A distribution system also consists of conductors and transformers but operate at voltage typically between 4 kV and 46 kV to supply electricity throughout an area. The distribution system will also step down voltages to 1,000 volts or less for supply of electricity to consumers.
Therm - A unit of heat equal to 100,000 British thermal units (Btus). See Heat
Thermal Energy - One of many types of energy and one which utilizes the vibration of molecules that make up material and manifests itself in the form or heat or the absence of heat (cold).
Transmission & Distribution (T&D) System - Electrical networks that each play an important role in the delivery of electricity from the point of generation to the facility where it will be consumed. A transmission system consists of electrical conductors and transformers operating at voltages above 69 kilovolts (kV) to deliver current from a generating facility to an area. A distribution system also consists of conductors and transformers but operate at voltage typically between 4 kV and 46 kV to supply electricity throughout an area. The distribution system will also step down voltages to 1,000 volts or less for supply of electricity to consumers.
U
UNFCCC (The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) - One of a series of international agreements on global environmental issues adopted at the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro.
Utility-Scale - Assets or projects owned by an electric utility or electricity-generating assets or projects owned by a non-utility that sells the generated electricity to a utility or broker for delivery to the bulk electric system (grid). See Bulk Electric System, Grid
Utility-Scale - Assets or projects owned by an electric utility or electricity-generating assets or projects owned by a non-utility that sells the generated electricity to a utility or broker for delivery to the bulk electric system (grid). See Bulk Electric System, Grid
V
W
Wastewater - Water that has been used and contains dissolved or suspended waste materials.
Water Vapor - The most abundant greenhouse gas, it is the water present in the atmosphere in gaseous form. Water vapor is an important part of the natural greenhouse effect. It also affects the temperature of the planet because clouds form when excess water vapor in the atmosphere condenses to form ice and water droplets and precipitation. See Greenhouse Gas
Weather - Atmospheric condition at any given time or place. It is measured in terms of such things as wind, temperature, humidity, atmospheric pressure, cloudiness, and precipitation. In most places, weather can change from hour-to-hour, day-to-day, and season-to-season. A simple way of remembering the difference is that climate is what you expect (e.g. cold winters) and 'weather' is what you get (e.g. a blizzard). See Climate
Water Vapor - The most abundant greenhouse gas, it is the water present in the atmosphere in gaseous form. Water vapor is an important part of the natural greenhouse effect. It also affects the temperature of the planet because clouds form when excess water vapor in the atmosphere condenses to form ice and water droplets and precipitation. See Greenhouse Gas
Weather - Atmospheric condition at any given time or place. It is measured in terms of such things as wind, temperature, humidity, atmospheric pressure, cloudiness, and precipitation. In most places, weather can change from hour-to-hour, day-to-day, and season-to-season. A simple way of remembering the difference is that climate is what you expect (e.g. cold winters) and 'weather' is what you get (e.g. a blizzard). See Climate