GEF

239 Glossary CARBON DIOXIDE (CO 2 )  Carbon dioxide, or CO 2 , is a gas that is the most common form of atmo- spheric carbon, used by plants in photosynthesis, and emitted during the combustion of carbon based fuels such as petroleum. CARBON FOOTPRINTS  The CO 2 generated and the climate change impact of activities, individuals, organizations, or countries. CARBON OFFSETS  A reduction in carbon emissions in one place made to compensate, or offset, carbon emissions taking place somewhere else. CARBON SINK  A forest, ocean, or other natural environment that absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. CARBON TAX  A tax charged to companies that generate greenhouse gas emissions by burning fossil fuel. CARRYING CAPACITY  The ability of a particular habitat to support human or animal populations without environmental degradation. CELLULOSIC ETHANOL  Alcohol fuel that is made from cellulose of non-crop plants. CHLOROFLUOROCARBONS (CFCs)  Manmade chemicals extensively used as refrigerants, propel- lants, and for other industrial uses. CFCs have been shown to harm the ozone layer. CIRCULAR ECONOMY  An approach to the pro- duction and use of products and services in which resources are used for as long as possible and then their components and materials are recovered and reused or recycled. CITES  Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, an international treaty to limit trade in endangered and threatened species. CLEAN AIR ACT  U.S. legislation that gives the federal government broad powers to restrict air pollutants from industrial sources and vehicles. CLEAN COAL  A marketing campaign by the coal industry, claiming that new technologies reduce the harmful impact of coal energy generation on the environment. CLIMATE CHANGE  A long-term alteration in the Earth’s weather patterns and temperature, currently caused by human emissions of greenhouse gases. CONSUMER  A person who purchases goods and services. CORAL REEF  Highly biodiverse colonies of tiny marine animals, fish, and other organisms. CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY (CSR)  A form of corporate self-regulation in which busi- nesses strive to meet environmental or social goals beyond their primary mission to earn profits. CRADLE-TO-CRADLE  A form of sustainable design where products are designed to be recycled into new products or safely reincorporated into the biosphere at the end of their useful life. CRADLE-TO-GRAVE  The entire life of a material or product from creation up to the point of disposal. DDT  The chemical compound Dichlorodiphenyl- trichloroethane, developed in the 1940s as the first synthetic pesticide. DEFORESTATION  Cutting down awide area of trees. DEVELOPING COUNTRIES  Countries with little industrial or economic activity, where people live in poverty, and that are trying to improve economic and social conditions.