Weekly green glossary: Cancun, Qatar, Nauru, hydrofluorocarbon and Xiaoqing

(Cancun / COP 16 http://www.cc2010.mx/en/)

Buzz words for the week ending December 3.

Angeles Duran ­- In what appears to be a gigantic legislative oversight, Spanish woman Angeles Duran claims to have bought the source of life on earth - the sun. The enterprising lady plans to begin charging for use of her "property," although international organizations are doubtful of the legitimacy of her claims. ( Atlantic Wire)

Cancun - Hopes are fading at the world climate negotiations in Cancun as Japan refuses to renew the Kyoto treaty. ( Independent)

Celsius (0.52) - Despite the harsh winter weather conditions currently sweeping Northern Europe, scientists have revealed that 2010 was the hottest year on record - 0.52 Celsius warmer than the 30-year average of 14 Celsius. ( Telegraph)  

China North Vehicle Yongji Electric Motor - A company has developed China's first "fuel cell light" energy efficient train, which runs on hydrogen. ( People's Daily)

Hydrofluorocarbon - Scores of global brands pledged to reduce their greenhouse emissions, end their role in deforestation and phase out the greenhouse gas hydrofluorocaron from 2015. ( Energy Saving Trust)

Nauru - Marcus Stephen, President of the world's smallest island nation, the tiny low-lying Pacific island of Nauru, outlined fears over his country's safety in face of rising sea levels and appealed to delegates at Cancun to take action on climate change. ( Guardian)

Tehran - Authorities in the Iranian capital of Tehran declared a two day public holiday in an attempt to reduce "dangerous levels" of air pollution - most public buildings were closed and travel restricted. ( Reuters)

Trawling - To the dismay of the United Nations General Assembly, European nations decided to continue deep sea trawling, which can lead to over fishing and the destruction of the ocean floor's delicate ecosystem. ( NY Times Green blog)

Qatar - News that Qatar had won the bid to host the 2022 football World Cup caused mixed reactions around the globe, but the Arab Emirate intends to use solar power to cool its stadiums. ( Inhabitat / Domestic Fuel )

Xiaoqing ­- Chinese vice minister of environmental protection Wu Xiaoqing outlined China's plans to spend 3 trillion yuan or $450 billion dollars on environmental protection between 2011 and 2015. ( China Daily)