Jargon buster

Carbon: often used as shorthand for carbon dioxide (CO2).

Carbon dioxide: A naturally-occurring gas, which is also produced when fossil fuels are burned. It is the main greenhouse gas, and is responsible for climate change.

Carbon footprint: the amount of CO2 produced by individuals and companies. Activities such as travel, heating and shopping all form part of your carbon footprint.

Carbon neutral: when a person or company – through energy efficiency, carbon offsetting and other techniques – contributes no net CO2.

Carbon offsetting: improving your impact on the environment by contributing to support projects which reduce CO2 production.

Climate change: a change in global weather patterns, including temperature and storms. Climate change is partly influenced by greenhouse gases.

CO2: the chemical name for carbon dioxide.

Fossil fuels: fuels such as coal, oil and gas, which are formed from the decomposed remains of plants and animals.

Greenhouse gases: these trap heat radiated from the earth, and contribute to global warming.

Renewable energy: sources of energy (such as wind and solar power) which don’t rely on a limited supply of fuel.