CARBON Flashcards
Acidification
The gradual reduction of pH of the oceans, due to dissolving carbon dioxide from the
atmosphere.
Afforestation
Planting trees and vegetation in the aim of increasing forest cover
Biofuel
Burning crops and vegetation for electricity and heat
Carbon Capture & Storage (CCS)
The capture of carbon dioxide emissions directly from the
factory, pumped into disused mines rather than being released into the atmosphere.
Carbon Fluxes
The movement of carbon between stores.
Carbon Neutral
A process that has no net addition of carbon dioxide to the environment.
Carbon Stores
Places where carbon accumulates for a period of time such as rocks and plant matter.
Choke Points
Points in the logistics of energy and fuel that are prone to restriction.
Combustion
The process of burning a substance, in the presence of oxygen, to release energy.
Decomposition
The break down of matter, often by a decomposer which releases carbon dioxide through their own respiration.
Energy Mix
The composition of a country’s energy sources.
Energy Security
The ownership and full control of a country’s energy source, production and transportation.
Energy Pathway
The movement of energy from its extraction or source, through pipes, freight logistics or cabling.
Energy Players
Key companies and individuals who own, distribute and sell energy and energy sources.
Enhanced Anthropogenic Climate Variability
The build-up of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere caused by human activity, reducing the amount of solar radiation reflected into space.
Enhanced Greenhouse Effect
The build-up of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, reducing the amount of solar radiation reflected into space.
Inorganic Carbon
Carbon stored in carbonated rocks.
Non-Renewable
A source of energy that can only be used once to generate electricity or takes thousands of years to replace e.g. Fossil Fuels
Nuclear Fusion
The process of joining atomic nuclei together, to produce energy.
OPEC
Oil and Petroleum exporting countries. An organisation that supports and coordinates fossil fuel exporting countries.
Organic Carbon
Carbon stored in plant material and living organisms.
Outgassing
The release of dissolved carbon dioxide (e.g. at plate boundaries, warming the oceans).
Photosynthesis
The process of converting carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen. All plants and some organisms rely on this process to survive.
Phytoplankton
Small organisms that rely on photosynthesis to survive, so intake carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
Primary Energy
The initial source of energy, as it is naturally found. This could be natural ores, water, crops or radioactive material.
Renewable
Primary energy that can be re-used to produce electricity or has a short lifetime, therefore any used can be replaced quickly e.g. Hydroelectric, biomass, solar.
Respiration
The process of converting glucose and oxygen into carbon dioxide and energy. Some organisms rely on respiration to survive.
Secondary Energy
The product of primary energy, mostly electricity.
Sequestration
The transfer of carbon from the atmosphere to stores elsewhere - living biosphere, inorganic rocks, etc.
Thermohaline Circulation
The movement of volumes of seawater from cold deep water to warm water surface water.
Tipping Point
A critical threshold where any changes to a system after the tipping point are
irreversible.
Urbanisation
A permeable or porous rock which stores water
Decoupling
This is where a country still grows it’s economy without damaging the environment. This is difficult for low income and industrial countries, but becomes significantly easier in the post industrial phase.
