Diplomacy & Politics Glossary

Climate finance mobilizes funds to support mitigation and adaptation projects addressing climate change in developing countries.

The difference between the funds needed to address climate change impacts and the actual financial resources provided by countries and organizations. It challenges global climate mitigation and adaptation efforts.

The concept that climate change impacts and responsibilities should be addressed fairly, especially for vulnerable populations.

The 2009 UN conference aimed at establishing a global agreement on climate change mitigation, yielding limited consensus.

The protection of ecosystems and natural resources to sustain human well-being and prevent environmental conflicts.

Negotiations and agreements between states to address global environmental challenges and promote sustainable development.

Efforts to use natural resource management and environmental cooperation to support sustainable peace in conflict-affected areas.

Also known as UNEP, a UN agency coordinating environmental activities and assisting developing countries in environmental policy.

A person compelled to leave their country due to sudden or gradual environmental changes adversely affecting their living conditions.

Environmental security addresses threats to national and international stability caused by environmental degradation and resource scarcity.

United Nations body assessing scientific information related to climate change to inform policymaking.

A UN body that assesses scientific information related to climate change to inform policymakers worldwide.

Scientific assessments published periodically by the IPCC summarizing global climate change data and projections.

Comprehensive scientific assessments produced by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change evaluating climate change evidence and impacts.

An international treaty that committed its parties to reduce greenhouse gas emissions based on agreed targets.

Market-based tools like emissions trading and joint implementation designed to help countries meet greenhouse gas reduction targets.

Climate change impacts that cannot be avoided through mitigation or adaptation, often requiring international support.

Treaty involving multiple countries to address global environmental issues with shared commitments.

Radioactive particles released into the atmosphere following a nuclear explosion, causing environmental and health hazards.

A global treaty within the UNFCCC framework aiming to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius.

A 2015 international treaty aiming to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Detailed guidelines adopted to implement the Paris Agreement on climate change, clarifying transparency and accountability measures.

A concept illustrating how individuals acting in their own self-interest can deplete shared resources, harming the collective good.

The United Nations Environment Programme coordinating global environmental activities and assisting developing countries.

A UN agency responsible for coordinating environmental activities and assisting developing countries in environmental policy.

Negotiation and cooperation processes over shared water resources to prevent conflict and promote sustainable use.

The capacity of a population to safeguard sustainable access to adequate quantities of acceptable quality water.