Being carbon neutral means that any carbon emissions are offset. So, a business that pledges carbon neutrality isn’t necessarily reducing its emissions but rather balancing them out – typically by planting more trees or investing in tech that captures and stores carbon.

(GHG’s!!) Carbon Dioxide isn’t the only gas that heats the planet – other major ones include methane, nitrous oxide and ozone. Because of our rising population and our energy-guzzling lifestyles, these emissions are unsustainable too. For instance, livestock farming is the biggest source of methane emissions in the world and contributes to over 14.5% of global greenhouse gases – so opting to eat less meat or go vegetarian or vegan can be dramatically better for the environment.

A biodegradable material is one which breaks down organically over time.

Biodegradable materials differ widely – some may break down naturally in a short space of time in natural conditions (such as a garden compost bin), but others take much longer to degrade or may need industrial conditions (such as extreme heat) to complete the process.

Just as nature is a ‘circular’ system with no waste, a circular economy is one that maximises resource efficiency, keeps materials in use for as long as possible and makes sure they are recycled or recovered at end-of-life.

This is in contrast to the linear ‘take, make, use, throwaway’ approach that currently dominates economic thinking.

Often also referred to as a ‘closed loop’ system.

When an organisation uses marketing spin to give a false impression that it is an ‘environmentally friendly’ company.

Risks of greenwashing are high because of the use of jargon, like some of the terms on this list, without proof of any real action or an understanding of what they entail.

Always ensure climate commitments are backed up with evidence of a credible strategy.

A natural carbon-based fuel that comes in the form of a solid (coal), liquid (oil) or gas state, derived from the remains of living organisms that were placed under huge pressure beneath the Earth’s surface over millions of years.

Although naturally formed, fossil fuels are limited in supply. They release carbon when burned, contributing to global warming.

When carbon dioxide (CO2) is released into the Earth’s atmosphere. This is mainly through burning fossil fuels and wood.

Renewable, zero-emission energy that does not pollute the Earth’s atmosphere.

With the UK committed to reducing its carbon emissions, renewable energy has never been more important. Our renewable energy lawyers understand the financial, policy and regulatory challenges facing our clients and are experienced in driving renewable energy projects to completion.

Renewable organic material that comes from plants and animals.

Compensating for the release of emissions by making a cut or saving of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. This could involve the planting of trees or another carbon removal activity.

Critical climate thresholds that, once passed, can lead to irreversible changes to our planetary systems. Global warming could potentially push several systems past these thresholds.