Biodiversity:  Refers to variability and diversity within and between living organisms and ecosystems.  Biodiversity loss can affect human health, the economy/livelihoods, food production, and more.  See EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030.

Climate Law: Proposed legislation to legally commit to the goals outlined by the European Green Deal, including achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by the year 2050 and at least a 55% reduction by 2030.  See amended proposed Regulation (March 2020).

Climate neutrality: Net-zero carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.

Farm to Fork: This phrase is used widely to refer to efforts to buy more food products from small-scale and local farms/fisheries/wineries/etc. It has also been adopted by the EU to describe their strategy as part of the Green Deal to improve sustainability in food production and support for food producers.

Horizon Europe: The EU's current research and innovation program focusing on development across multiple areas; addressing climate change is a key priority.

Just Transition Mechanism/Fund: Funding and additional investments to assist regions and industries which will face the greatest challenges with a transition to a greener economy.  See the Just Transition Platform.

Paris Agreement: International climate change treaty (2015) committing signees to curb global warming by limiting greenhouse gas emissions.

Zero Pollution Action Plan: EU plan to reduce pollution in water, air, and soil to levels no longer harmful to human health by the year 2050.

Key People

Ursula von der Leyen: European President Commission leading the European Green Deal initiative as part of a wider-ranging strategic plan for 2020-2024.

Frans Timmermans: Former European Commission Executive Vice-President for the European Green Deal (2019 - 2023).

Maroš Šefčovič: European Commission Executive Vice-President for the European Green Deal as of 22 August 2023.