GEF

241 Glossary ENVIRONMENTAL TOXINS  Chemicals in the environment that cause harm to humans and other organisms. In a sustainability context, it refers to manmade chemicals such as DDT and PCBs. EROSION  The process in which soil or rock is removed by water or wind. ETHANOL  A fuel produced from corn that is used as a supplement to gasoline. ETHICALLY-SOURCED PRODUCTS  Products from companies that protect workers’ rights. EUTROPHICATION  The process in which a body of water becomes excessively enriched with nutrients, resulting in growth of aquatic life and depleting the oxygen availability for other organisms. EXTERNAL COMBUSTION  Burning fuel to achieve work in a steam engine or power plant. EXTERNALITIES  In economics, a cost or benefit that is not reflected in market prices. EXTINCTION  The end of a species on Earth. FAIR TRADE  Trade which helps producers in devel- oping countries achieve better working and trading conditions, maintain sustainability, and receive fair wages. FAIR TRADE PRODUCTS  Products that are independently certified to provide a fair price to producers, usually in developing countries. FARM-TO-TABLE  A phrase that refers to using local food purchased directly from the grower. FINANCIAL CAPITAL  Money used by businesses and entrepreneurs in economic transactions. FOSSIL FUEL  A natural fuel such as coal or gas, formed in the geological past from the remains of living organisms. FREE RIDER PROGRAM  A situation in which individuals or nations benefit from the actions of another party without paying any costs. GENETIC DIVERSITY  Genetic variation within a single species. GENETICALLY MODIFIED ORGANISMS (GMOs)  Organisms that have had their genetic material modified using genetic engineering techniques. GENUINE PROGRESS INDICATOR  An alternative measure of wellbeing that considers social, eco- nomic, and environmental factors. GEOTHERMAL ENERGY  Energy derived from the heat stored within the Earth, typically near the edges of tectonic plates where heat can be captured at easier depths. GLOBALIZATION  The elimination of barriers to communication, trade, and exchange, associated with the development of transnational cultural, economic, and social connections. GOVERNANCE  The act of social decision-making. GREEN BUILDING  Sustainable building design and construction practices, focusing on water and energy conservation, building materials, and occu- pant health. GREEN JOBS  Jobs or employment in renewable energy, energy conservation, sustainable water sys- tems, or other fields that promote sustainability. GREEN PRODUCT  A product presumed to be envi- ronmentally safe or sustainable. GREEN REVOLUTION  A series of technological developments in agriculture, such as high-yield crops, irrigation, and increased pesticide and fertilizer use, which are credited with increasing agri- cultural production in developing countries.