Emissions Scenarios - IPCC

Glossary of Terms 591
Chlorofluorocarbons
Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are GHGs covered under the
1987 Montreal Protocol and used for refrigeration, air
conditioning, packaging, insulation, solvents, or aerosol
propellants. As they are not desti'oyed in the lower
atmosphere, CFCs drift into the upper atmosphere where,
given suitable conditions, they break down ozone. These
gases are being replaced by other compounds, including
hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) and hydrofluorocarbons
(HFCs), which are GHGs covered under the Kyoto Protocol.
Climate Change (UNFCCC definition)
A change of climate which is attributed directly or indirectly
to human activity that alters the composition of the global
atmosphere and that is in addition to natural climate
variability over comparable time periods.
Climate Convention
See "UN Framework Convention on Climate Change".
Climate Models
Large and complex computer programs used to
mathematically simulate global climate. They are based on
mathematical equations derived from our knowledge of the
physics that governs the earth-atmosphere system.
Co-generation
The use of waste heat from electric generation, such as
exhaust from gas turbines, for either industrial puiposes or
district heating.
Commercialization
Sequence of actions necessary to achieve market entry and
general market competitiveness of new innovative
technologies, processes, and products.
Conference of the Parties (COP)
The supreme body of the UN Framework Convention on
Climate Change (UNFCCC), comprises countries that have
ratified or acceded to the Framework Convention on Climate
Change. The first session of the Conference of the Parties
(COP-1) was held in Berlin in 1995, COP-2 in Geneva 1996,
COP-3 in Kyoto 1997, and COP-4 in Buenos Aires. COP-5
will be held in Bonn.
CO2
See "Carbon Dioxide".
Cost-effective
A criterion that specifies that a technology or measure
delivers a good or service at equal or lower cost than current
practice, or the lowest cost ahemative for the achievement of
a given target.
Decarbonization
A decrease in the specific carbon content of primary energy
or of fuels.
Deforestation
The removal of forest stands by cutting and burning to provide
land for agricultural purposes, residential or industrial building
sites, roads, etc., or by harvesting the trees for building
materials or fuel.
Demand-Side Management
Policies and programs designed to reduce consumer demand
for electricity and other energy sources while maintaining (or
even increasing) the services the energy use renders. It helps
to reduce the need for constructing new power facilities.
Dematerialization
A decrease in the material intensity of economic activity in
general, or of individual production processes and end-use
applications.
Economic Potential
The portion of technical potential for GHG emissions
reductions or energy efficiency improvements that could be
achieved cost-effectively in the absence of market barriers.
The achievement of market potential requires additional
poHcies and measures to break down market barriers.
Emissions
The release of GHGs and/or their precursors into the
atmosphere over a specified area and period of time.
Emissions Category
The SRES Scenarios are grouped into four categories of
cumulative CO^ emissions (all sources) between 1990 and
2100: low, medium-low, medium-high, and high emissions.
Each category contains scenarios with a range of different
driving forces yet similar cumulative emissions. See also
"(Scenario) Category."
Emission Standard
A level of emission that under law may not be exceeded.
Energy Intensity
This is the ratio of energy consumption to economic or
physical output. At the national level, energy intensity is the
ratio of total domestic primary energy consumption or final
energy consumption to gross domestic product or physical
output.
FCCC
See 'UN Framework Convention on Climate Change'.
Final Energy
Energy supplied that is available to the consumer to be
converted into useful energy (e.g. electricity at the wall outlet).
Fossil Fuels
Carbon-based fuels, including coal, oil, and natural gas and
their derived fuels such as gasoline, synthesis gas from coal,
etc.