CLIMATE BANK
Carbon Footprint
The total amount of greenhouse gases (including carbon dioxide and methane) that is generated by our actions
Climate Change
A change in global or regional climate patterns, particularly a change apparent from the mid to late 20th century onwards and attributed largely to the increased levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide produced by the use of fossil fuels
Renewable Energy
Energy from a source that is not depleted when used, such as wind or solar power
Sustainability
Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs
Green Technology (Greentech)
New technologies and techniques that aim to mitigate or reverse the effects of human activity on the environment
Carbon Neutral
Achieving net-zero carbon dioxide emissions by balancing emitted carbon with carbon removal or simply eliminating carbon emissions altogether
Ecosystem Services
The benefits humans freely gain from the natural environment and from properly-functioning ecosystems
Biofuel
A fuel derived directly from living matter, such as crops or animal waste, as opposed to fossil fuels derived from long-dead biological material
Decarbonization
Reducing or eliminating the carbon dioxide output of a country's economy, by reducing emissions and implementing sustainable practices
Greenhouse Gases
Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, including carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and fluorinated gases
Circular Economy
An economic system aimed at eliminating waste and the continual use of resources, emphasizing reuse, repair, refurbishment, and recycling
Biodiversity
The variety and variability of life on Earth, crucial for ecosystem resilience and adaptability
Climate Adaptation
Adjustments in human or natural systems in response to actual or expected climate stimuli or their effects, which moderates harm or exploits beneficial opportunities
Climate Mitigation
Actions to limit the magnitude and/or rate of long-term climate change, including strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance carbon sinks
Zero-Emission Vehicles (ZEVs)
Vehicles that emit no exhaust gas from the onboard source of power, such as electric vehicles (EVs) and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
A collection of 17 global goals set by the United Nations General Assembly in 2015 for the year 2030, which are aimed at protecting the planet and ensuring prosperity for all
Carbon Sequestration
The process of capturing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide. It is one method of reducing the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere with the goal of reducing global climate change
Environmental Justice
The fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies
IMPORTANT LINKS
(Funding, Legislation, and more)
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Climate and Equitable Jobs Act
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Statutes & Regulations
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Illinois Climate Bank