Glossary

ACTIVITIES IMPLEMENTED JOINTLY (AIJ): The pilot phase of Joint Implementation, established at the first Conference of the Parties, ending in 1999.

ANNEX I COUNTRIES: The 39 industrialized countries that agreed to binding limitations on greenhouse gas emissions. The Annex I group includes developed economies such as those in the European community, Canada, and New Zealand as well as countries in transition to a market economy such as the Russian Federation, the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Poland.

CLEAN DEVELOPMENT MECHANISM (ARTICLE 12): The CDM mechanism will allow certified emission reductions from project activities that assist non-Annex I countries in achieving sustainable development, and Annex I countries in complying with greenhouse gas reduction limitations. Participation is voluntary by each party.

GREENHOUSE GASES: Those gases that comprise the atmosphere, both natural and anthropogenic, that absorb and re-emit infrared radiation.

JOINT IMPLEMENTATION: Activities undertaken voluntarily and cooperatively between at least two parties in two or more countries that reduce, avoid, or sequester greenhouse gas emissions.

NON-ANNEX I COUNTRIES: The group of developing countries that do not have binding commitments on greenhouse gas emissions.

PROJECT-BASED CREDIT TRADING (ARTICLE 6): Annex I Parties may trade "emission reduction units" resulting from projects that diminish greenhouse gas emissions or enhance removals.

SINK: Any process, activity, or mechanism that removes a greenhouse gas, an aerosol, or a precursor of a greenhouse gas from the atmosphere.

SOURCE: Any process or activity that releases a greenhouse gas, an aerosol, or a precursor of a greenhouse gas into the atmosphere.