Glossary
The carbon market is filled with complex terms and scientific language that can make it difficult to understand how meaningful climate action actually happens. To help bridge that gap, this glossary provides clear, concise definitions of the key concepts used throughout Dynamic Carbon Credits and the broader carbon industry.
At Dynamic Carbon Credits, we believe transparency begins with understanding. Whether you’re a business leader exploring carbon offsets, a farmer interested in regenerative practices, or simply someone who wants to learn how natural systems can remove carbon from the atmosphere, this glossary will serve as your reference point. Each term is designed to help you navigate the rapidly evolving world of carbon removal, biochar production, and nature-based climate solutions with confidence.
A
Additionality
A key principle in carbon markets ensuring that the carbon reductions or removals from a project are additional to what would have occurred without the project’s implementation.
Agricultural Carbon Sequestration
The process of capturing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide in soil through sustainable farming practices such as cover cropping, reduced tillage, and biochar application.
B
Biochar
A stable form of carbon-rich charcoal produced by heating organic material (biomass) in a low-oxygen environment. When applied to soil, biochar stores carbon for centuries while improving soil health and fertility.
Biomass
Organic material derived from plants and animals that can be used as fuel or feedstock in carbon removal and energy production.
Blue Carbon
Carbon captured by coastal ecosystems—such as mangroves, salt marshes, and seagrass meadows—that store significant amounts of CO2.
C
Carbon Credits
Tradable certificates representing one metric ton of carbon dioxide (or equivalent greenhouse gas) removed from or prevented from entering the atmosphere.
Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR)
Any process that actively removes CO2 from the atmosphere and stores it in a stable form for long durations.
Carbon Farming
Agricultural practices designed to increase the amount of carbon stored in soil and vegetation, enhancing productivity and generating verifiable carbon credits.
Carbon Footprint
The total amount of greenhouse gases emitted directly and indirectly by an individual, organization, or activity, expressed in carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2e).
Carbon Offset
A measurable reduction in greenhouse gas emissions that is used to compensate for emissions occurring elsewhere.
Carbon Registry
A platform that tracks the issuance, ownership, and retirement of carbon credits to ensure transparency and prevent double counting.
Carbon Sink
A natural or artificial system that absorbs more carbon than it releases, such as forests, oceans, and soils.
CCUS (Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage)
A mechanical process that captures CO2 from industrial sources and either stores it underground or repurposes it for commercial use.
Climate-Positive Agriculture
Farming methods that remove more carbon from the atmosphere than they emit, helping reverse climate change.
D
Direct Air Capture via Plants (DAC-P)
Dynamic Carbon Credits’ nature-based alternative to industrial carbon capture—using specially cultivated plants to absorb CO2 efficiently and convert it into long-term stable carbon through biochar production.
Decarbonization
The reduction of carbon emissions through changes in production, energy use, and lifestyle, often guided by corporate net-zero targets.
E
Emission Factor
A coefficient that quantifies the emissions released per unit of activity or material used.
Environmental Integrity
The credibility and transparency of carbon projects in ensuring that claimed emission reductions or removals are genuine, measurable, and permanent.
F
Farm-Based Carbon Removal
The process of using farmland and natural plant growth to capture atmospheric carbon, measured and verified to create carbon offset credits.
L
Lifecycle Carbon Analysis (LCA)
A comprehensive assessment of total greenhouse gas emissions associated with a product or process, from raw material extraction through disposal.
N
Nature-Based Solutions (NBS)
Strategies that leverage natural processes—like reforestation, regenerative farming, and biochar—to address climate challenges sustainably and cost-effectively.
Net-Zero Emissions
The balance between the amount of greenhouse gases emitted and the amount removed from the atmosphere.
P
Permanence
The assurance that removed or stored carbon will remain out of the atmosphere for a long period, typically 100 years or more.
Pyrolysis
The thermal decomposition of biomass in a low-oxygen environment to produce biochar, bio-oil, and syngas.
R
Regenerative Agriculture
A holistic approach to farming that restores soil health, increases biodiversity, and enhances carbon storage capacity.
Removal Ton
A verified unit representing the removal of one metric ton of CO2 from the atmosphere.
S
Sequestration
The long-term capture and storage of carbon dioxide to reduce its concentration in the atmosphere.
Soil Organic Carbon (SOC)
The amount of carbon stored within soil organic matter—an important indicator of soil fertility and health.
Sustainability Reporting
Corporate disclosure of environmental performance, including greenhouse gas emissions, carbon offsets, and sustainability initiatives.
V
Verification
The independent assessment of a carbon removal or reduction project’s claims, ensuring accuracy and compliance with recognized standards.
Voluntary Carbon Market (VCM)
A global marketplace where companies and individuals can purchase carbon credits to voluntarily offset their emissions beyond regulatory requirements.
