Sustainability glossary

Adaptation

The process of modifying practices, systems, or infrastructure to cope with the current and future impacts of climate change, such as rising sea levels or more extreme weather. The aim is to reduce vulnerability and increase resilience. 

Carbon footprint 

Represents the total greenhouse gas emissions caused directly and indirectly by an entity (such as your business), emphasising the environmental impact of activities from production to disposal. 

Carbon neutral

Achieving net zero carbon emissions by either balancing emitted carbon with carbon removal or eliminating carbon emissions entirely. 

Circular economy model

An economic model aimed at minimising waste and making the most of resources. This contrasts with the traditional 'take-make-dispose' model of production and consumption. 

Emissions

Refers to the release of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide and methane, into the atmosphere that must be reduced to near-zero. 

Emission trading schemes

Market-based approach to controlling pollution by providing economic incentives for reducing emissions of pollutants. 

Low carbon transport

Transportation methods that emit low levels of greenhouse gases, such as electric vehicles, bicycles, or walking; all of which contribute to a reduced carbon footprint in tourism

Mitigation

The process of actively reducing or eliminating greenhouse gas emissions to achieve net zero targets and promote environmental sustainability. This involves adopting renewable energy sources, enhancing energy efficiency, and developing sustainable land use practices to prevent further climate change.

Net zero 

A state where the greenhouse gases emitted are balanced by the amount removed from the atmosphere, a critical target for mitigating climate change. 

Offsetting

A method of compensating for carbon emissions by balancing emissions that cannot be directly reduced. This could be by funding projects that remove or reduce greenhouse gases elsewhere, such as through reforestation or renewable energy initiatives. 

Regenerative tourism

A tourism model that aims to actively restore and improve the health of ecosystems, communities, and cultural heritage, going beyond sustainability to create a net positive impact. 

Responsible tourism

A tourism approach that minimises negative social, economic, and environmental impacts while fostering benefits for local communities and preserving cultural and natural heritage through acts of consideration and best practice. 

Renewable energy

Energy from sources that are naturally replenishing but flow-limited; these resources are virtually inexhaustible in duration but limited in the amount of energy available per unit of time. 

Sustainable tourism 

Tourism that thinks about how it affects the economy, society, communities and environment both now and in the future. It aims to use resources wisely so that it can meet today's needs and keep the local culture, nature, and ecosystems healthy for the future. 

Biodiversity

Variety of life on Earth, providing ecosystem services like pollination and climate regulation.

Carbon sink

Natural or artificial reservoirs that absorb more carbon than they release. Natural carbon sinks include forests, soil and oceans. Artificial ones involve technologies such as carbon capture and storage (CSS).

Carbon capture and storage (CSS)

A technological process whereby CO₂ emissions from industrial processes are captured and stored underground.

Climate equity

Fair distribution of the burdens and benefits of climate action across different communities and nations.

Deforestation

The permanent removal of forests to make land available for other uses, affecting biodiversity and increasing greenhouse gas emissions.

Ecological footprint

The impact of a person or group on the environment, expressed as the amount of land required to sustain their use of resources.

Gold standard

A globally recognised certification for carbon offset projects, ensuring that projects reduce emissions and contribute to sustainable development, including environmental and social benefits. It emphasises community engagement and long-term environmental impact.

Greenwashing

Deceptive marketing used to portray an organisation's products, aims, or policies as environmentally friendly when they are not.

Indigenous knowledge

The knowledge, practices, and beliefs that have developed over time and been passed down from generation to generation. It's about how living things, including humans, interact with each other and their surroundings.

Paris Agreement

An international treaty committed to reducing carbon emissions and limiting global warming to below 2°C.

Regenerative agriculture

Farming practices that restore soil health, enhance water retention, and improve biodiversity.

Reforestation

The process of planting trees in areas where the forest has been depleted, aiming to restore the area's ecological functions like biodiversity and carbon capture.

Rewilding

A conservation approach that focuses on restoring natural ecosystems, often by reintroducing native species and reducing human interference to promote ecological balance.

Urban heat island

Urban areas that experience higher temperatures than outlying areas, due to human activities.

Verified carbon standard (VCS)

A leading certification for carbon offset projects, managed by Verra, that ensures the emission reductions are real, measurable, and permanent. It supports a wide range of projects, including renewable energy and forest conservation.