Arabic Sustainability Dictionary

Narrative requirement

A disclosure requirement answered in words rather than numbers, such as a description of governance structure, policy commitments or climate risks.

Nationally determined contribution (NDC)

A climate action plan that each party to the Paris Agreement submits and updates every five years, setting out its emission targets and adaptation measures.

Natural capital

The stock of renewable and non-renewable natural resources, such as plants, animals, air, water and soils, that yield benefits to people.

Nature positive

A global goal to halt and reverse nature loss by 2030 from a 2020 baseline, so that nature is measurably recovering by 2050.

Nature-based solutions (NbS)

Actions to protect, sustainably manage or restore ecosystems that address societal challenges, such as climate change, while benefiting biodiversity and people.

Nature-related risks

Risks to an organisation arising from its dependencies and impacts on nature, including physical, transition and systemic risks.

Negative screening

Excluding companies, sectors or countries from a portfolio based on ESG criteria, such as involvement in controversial weapons or thermal coal.

Net zero

A state in which an organisation's or country's residual greenhouse gas emissions are balanced by an equivalent amount of permanent removals, after deep emission cuts.

Network for Greening the Financial System (NGFS)

A network of central banks and supervisors that develops climate risk management practices and climate scenarios for the financial sector.

Nitrogen oxides (NOx)

Gases, mainly nitric oxide and nitrogen dioxide, formed during high-temperature combustion, which contribute to smog and acid rain.

Nomination and remuneration committee

A board committee that oversees board and executive appointments and remuneration policy.

Non-bank financial company

A financial institution that offers services such as leasing, insurance, microfinance or brokerage without holding a banking licence.

Non-financial reporting

An earlier term for corporate disclosure of environmental, social and governance information outside the financial statements, now largely replaced by sustainability reporting.

Non-hazardous waste

Waste that is not classified as hazardous under applicable law, such as most paper, packaging and food waste.

Non-revenue water (NRW)

Water produced by a utility that is lost through leaks, theft or metering errors before it reaches paying customers.