(Reuters) – Nearly 200 representatives from around the world meet in Glasgow, Scotland from October 31 through November 12 to discuss and finalize rules for a global climate pact. There have been many acronyms and jargons created over the decades of climate negotiations. Below is some information:

PARIS AGREEMENT

The successor to the Kyoto Protocol is the international climate treaty which expired in 2020.

The Paris Agreement, which was signed in December 2015, aims to reduce the global average temperature rise.

This was done by countries signing the accord, which set out national pledges to lower humanity’s climate impact. They are also meant to be more ambitious in the future.

GREENHOUSE GATES

CO2, which is produced by burning fossil fuels, such as gasoline, diesel or coal, can be emitted to form carbon dioxide. This “greenhouse gas”, responsible for warming Earth’s atmosphere, is called kerosene.

There are other gases, such as methane (which is made by cows or waste dumps) that can be much more powerful than CO2 and last much longer in the atmosphere.

1.5 DEGREES

Legally, the Paris agreement bound all signatories to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and keep temperature rises “well below” 2.0° Celsius (3.6 Fahrenheit).

Scientists believe that the pledges by the nations would allow for some relief from the worst effects of climate change.

It is alarming to note that the global temperature has risen by only 1C in the past decade since the Industrial Revolution began. Even though all of the promises made have been kept, there is still a chance for an average temperature rise of 2.7% this century according to a United Nations report.

COP26

The Conference of the Parties is the highest body of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. It is made up of representatives of each country that has signed the Paris Agreement.

COP26 (26th Annual Meeting) is currently being held by the British presidency. However, it’s a year late due to the coronavirus epidemic.

CONTRIBUTIONS DETERMINED NATIONALLY

NDCs refer to the commitments made by each country to cut its carbon emissions and to adapt to climate change starting in 2020.

Every five years, countries must update their NDCs and grow them. New pledges have been submitted by all signatories to Glasgow.

These numbers are far from sufficient, so the main purpose of the conference was to help increase their number through negotiation.

‘JUST TRANSITION’

This term is used to refer to an economic shift towards a low carbon economy. It minimizes the disruption caused by the transition away from fossil fuels while offering the greatest benefits to workers, communities, and consumers.

CLIMATE FINANCE

In 2009, richer nations agreed to jointly contribute $100 billion each year to poorer countries by 2020. This was to assist them in adapting their economies to rising seas or severe storms and droughts.

The goal was extended to 2025 in 2015. However, they have not yet met the deadline.

For context, an official from the U.S. Energy Department estimated that $1 trillion is needed annually by the United States to reach its climate goals.

CBDR

Kyoto agreed to the principle of “common, but different responsibilities”.

According to the report, developed countries that have produced higher levels of carbon dioxide in the past while building their economies should lead the fight against climate change.

It is one of the most contentious issues in climate talks.

Paris Agreement was intended to bring together major developing countries such as Brazil and China into the international effort to reduce emissions. It also added the phrase “in light different national circumstances”. They are not required to pledge to lower their emissions immediately, but it doesn’t require.

“LOSS AND DAMAGE”

While richer nations have already agreed to finance them to combat the effects of climate change on their environment, the poorer countries are still pressing for a common basis for assessing liability and calculating compensation.