ClimateJuly 13, 2026

permanence

/ˈpɜːrmənəns/

Definition

The state or quality of lasting indefinitely; in the context of environmental policy, the requirement that sequestered carbon remain stored and stable over a long-term period.

Etymology

Derived from the Latin 'permanens,' the present participle of 'permanere,' meaning 'to endure' or 'remain to the end.' It entered Middle English through Old French, maintaining the core sense of continuing to exist over time.

In the news

The article uses the term to highlight the core challenge of carbon offset projects, where forest-based carbon storage must be maintained against risks like wildfires to ensure environmental integrity. Addressing 'non-permanence' refers to the potential for that stored carbon to be released back into the atmosphere.

An Empirical Approach to Quantifying Forest Carbon Risks

Read the full article ↗

Kleinman Center for Energy Policy

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