G

GCOS

Global Climate Observing System.

GDP

Gross Domestic Product. The value of all goods and services produced (or consumed) within a nationÕs borders.

Gender

Refers to the attitudes, feelings, and behaviors that a given culture associates with a personÕs biological sex.

GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION SYSTEMS (GIS) (ISDR)

Analysis that combine relational databases with spatial interpretation and outputs often in form of maps. A more elaborate definition is that of computer programmes for capturing, storing, checking, integrating, analysing and displaying data about the earth that is spatially referenced. Geographical information systems are increasingly being utilised for hazard and vulnerability mapping and analysis, as well as for the application of disaster risk management measures.

Geology and Hazards

Study of the structure of the earth and the processes acting on it.

GHG Reduction Potential

Possible reductions in emissions of greenhouse gases (quantified in terms of absolute reductions or in percentages of baseline emissions) that can be achieved through the use of technologies and measures.

Global Climate Observing System

An international collaboration for comprehensive monitoring of the EarthÕs climate system. Its purpose is to ensure the accessibility to, and a secure repository of, information needed to address climate-related issues.

Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System

A cooperation framework under the United Nations. It serves to consolidate and improve the dissemination of disaster-related information in order to improve the coordination of international relief efforts.

Global Disaster Identification Number

A project initiated and maintained by the Asian Disaster Reduction Centre (ADRC). A GLIDE number is a database solution to improving the organisation, accessibility and quality of disaster information.

Global Environment Facility

An independent financial organisation that unites 183 countries in partnership with international institutions, civil society organisations, and the private sector to address global environmental issues. It provides grants to member states for projects that benefit the global environment and promote sustainable livelihoods in local communities.

Global Environment Facility (GEF)

The GEF is an independent financial organization that provides grants to developing countries for projects that benefit the global environment and promote sustainable livelihoods in local communities. The Parties to the Convention assigned operation of the financial mechanism to the GEF on an on-going basis, subject to review every four years. The financial mechanism is accountable to the COP.

Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery Ð World Bank

A global partnership, managed by the World Bank that assists high risk, low-capacity developing countries enhance their capacity in disaster prevention and climate change adaptation. It provides technical and financial assistance to help mainstream disaster and climate risk management policies into country-level strategies.

Global Ocean Observing System

An international collaboration for comprehensive monitoring of the EarthÕs oceans. It also generates oceanographic services and creates a networking platform for research, operational, and user communities.

Global Risk Identification Programme

A programme hosted by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) that supports efforts in sustainable development through disaster risk management. It facilitates an integrated approach to supporting improved coordination of resources and quality control mechanisms for disaster risk reduction.

Global warming potential (GWP)

An index representing the combined effect of the differing times greenhouse gases remain in the atmosphere and their relative effectiveness in absorbing outgoing infrared radiation.

GOOS

Global Ocean Observing System.

Governance

The processes and systems by which an organization or society operates.

Greenhouse gas

A gas that absorbs radiation at specific wavelengths within the spectrum of radiation (infrared radiation) emitted by the EarthÕs surface and by clouds. The gas in turn emits infrared radiation from a level where the temperature is colder than the surface. The net effect is a local trapping of part of the absorbed energy and a tendency to warm the planetary surface. Water vapour (H2O), carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrous oxide (N2O), methane (CH4) and ozone (O3) are the primary greenhouse gases in the EarthÕs atmosphere.

Greenhouse gases (GHGs)

The atmospheric gases responsible for causing global warming and climate change. The major GHGs are carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N20). Less prevalent --but very powerful -- greenhouse gases are hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs) and sulphur hexafluoride (SF6).

Gross Domestic Product

The monetary value of all the finished goods and services produced within a countryÕs borders in a specific time period, usually calculated on an annual basis. It includes all private and public consumption, government outlays, investments, and exports less imports that occur within a defined territory.

Group of 77

An intergovernmental organisation of developing countries in the United Nations. This coalition is designed to promote and articulate its membersÕ collective interests and enhance a joint negotiating capacity in the United Nations.

Group of 77 (G-77) and China

A large negotiating alliance of developing countries that focuses on numerous international topics, including climate change. The G-77 was founded in 1967 under the auspices of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). It seeks to harmonize the negotiating positions of its 131 member states.

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