Glossary | Climate Lexicon W

Waste Heat

The operation of equipment and machinery, power generation, and industrial processes produces heat. Too often this waste heat volatilizes unused in the environment. In a district heating, this waste heat is used to heat buildings. This heat recovery contributes significantly to the reduction of emissions.

Well to Tank Factor / WTT

The Well-to-Tank (WTT) Factor refers to the total greenhouse gas emissions associated with the extraction, processing, transport, and storage of a fuel from its source (well or mine) to the point of use (gas tank or fuel storage tank). The WTT factor takes into account all of the emissions generated during the entire fuel life cycle, from the production of raw materials to the delivery of the finished product to the consumer. This includes emissions from the extraction and processing of crude oil, the refining of petroleum products, and the transportation of fuel to retail outlets. The WTT factor is used to assess the carbon footprint of different types of fuels and to compare the emissions associated with different fuel sources and production methods.

World Climate Report

The World Climate Report is a very detailed assessment report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change IPCC and is written every 5 to 7 years. The report is divided into subvolume 1 (basis of climate change and future development of the climate system), subvolume 2 analyzes the effects of human-induced global warming and subvolume 3 deals with the issues and measures and technologies that slow down climate change.
The report is produced by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), an international organization that studies climate change. The report contains information on greenhouse gas emissions, climate change, environmental and social impacts, and possible adaptation and mitigation measures. The report serves as an important source of information for governments, scientists and the public and as a basis for policy decisions related to climate change.

Weather and Climate

Weather and climate are often considered synonyms. The term weather describes the state of the atmosphere (rain, sunshine, cold, heat and wind), mostly in relation to one place and over a short period of time, or up to several days. The term climate refers to a longer period of time, e.g. up to 30 years.

WFUNA (World Federation of United Nations Associations)

The World Association of the United Nations (WFUNA) Network consists of over one hundred thousand people linked by United Nations agencies in more than 100 countries. This network enables its members to communicate across borders on urgent global issues and challenges. Issues such as the enforcement of international law, human rights, the spread of democracy and equal rights are being discussed here. The focus is on strengthening the United Nations. This network is organized as an association and works closely with other UN organizations.

WRI - World Resources Institute

The World Resources Institute (WRI) is an independent, non-profit global research organization that works to create a sustainable future for all. It was founded in 1982 and is based in Washington, D.C. with offices around the world.

WRI's mission is to move societies to live in ways that protect Earth's environment and its capacity to provide for the needs and aspirations of current and future generations. It conducts research, policy analysis, and technical assistance on a wide range of environmental and development issues, with a focus on climate, energy, food, forests, water, sustainable cities, and the ocean.

WRI works with governments, the private sector, and civil society to develop and implement policies and practices that promote sustainable development and address global challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and poverty. The organization also provides technical expertise and data-driven analysis to support decision-making and track progress towards sustainable development.

WRI is considered as one of the most reputable and influential organizations in the field of sustainable development, and its work is widely respected and cited by governments, international organizations, and the private sector.