Here's a quick overview of some phrases and concepts that are vital to the Albuquerque Green Initiative. Use it to keep up-to-date on news and initiatives, or just to impress your friends and co-workers.

• Green: any action, item or principle based on the goal of preserving the natural environment, and curbing the negative impact of human involvement.
• Sustainability: sustainable Albuquerque is a place where the well-being of current and future citizens is supported by a vibrant economy and a self-renewing, healthy environment a true reflection of sustainability.
• Greenhouse gas: a gas, such as carbon dioxide or methane, which contributes to potential climate change.
• Global warming: an increase in the near surface temperature of the Earth. The term is most often used to refer to the warming predicted to occur as a result of increased emissions of greenhouse gases. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) recently concluded that increased concentrations of greenhouse gases are causing an increase in the Earth’s surface temperature.
  
• Alternative methods of transportation: the practice of incorporating principles of sustainability, such as respect of the environment and prudent use of natural resources, into public and private transportation decisions. Examples of Alternative Methods of Transportation include hybrid automobiles and bio diesel-fueled buses.