Science and Development Network
News, views and information about science, technology and the developing world
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Definitions
Below is a directory of terms used in the debate about reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD). Most of the terms have been reproduced from the UN University Institute of Advanced Studies (UNU-IAS), the Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR), and the Meridian Institute.
Climate change is the greatest challenge facing the world today. Long-term development planning must now include measures to deal with it.
E
Ecosystem services
See 'Environmental services'
Emission Trading
The Kyoto Protocol allows Parties listed in Annex B to participate in trading of their assigned amounts for the purposes of fulfilling their emissions commitments. Parties buying parts of assigned amounts can add these to their assigned amounts under the Protocol, while Parties selling must deduct them. Such trading must be supplemental to domestic actions. The COP is to define the rules and modalities for trading.
Environmental services
Natural processes carried out by ecosystems that support all life on Earth. Environmental services include water supply, cycling of soil nutrients, pollination, natural means of pest control and carbon sequestration. Conservationists and some economists argue that these services have a monetary value, which ought to be included in a country's national accounts.
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