Glossary
Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
A major greenhouse gas released naturally through respiration and volcanic activity, but significantly increased by human activities like fossil fuel combustion and deforestation.
Example:
The burning of coal in power plants releases large amounts of Carbon Dioxide into the atmosphere, contributing to climate change.
Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
Synthetic compounds formerly used in refrigerants and aerosols, known for their high global warming potential and their role in stratospheric ozone depletion.
Example:
Although largely phased out, older air conditioning units might still contain Chlorofluorocarbons that can leak into the atmosphere.
Climate
The long-term average of weather patterns in a region, typically measured over 30 years or more, including temperature and precipitation.
Example:
The desert has a consistently hot and dry climate, even though a rare thunderstorm might occur on a specific day.
Disease Vectors
Organisms, typically insects like mosquitoes or ticks, that transmit infectious diseases from one host to another.
Example:
Warmer temperatures are expanding the geographic range of mosquito-borne Disease Vectors, leading to new outbreaks of malaria in previously unaffected areas.
Extreme Weather Events
Weather phenomena of unusual severity, duration, or frequency, such as intense heatwaves, prolonged droughts, severe floods, and powerful hurricanes, often exacerbated by climate change.
Example:
The increasing frequency of devastating wildfires and intense hurricanes are examples of how climate change is contributing to more severe Extreme Weather Events.
Greenhouse Effect
A natural process where certain gases in Earth's atmosphere trap heat, warming the planet to a temperature suitable for life.
Example:
Without the natural Greenhouse Effect, Earth would be too cold to support most forms of life, resembling a frozen wasteland.
Greenhouse Gases (GHGs)
Atmospheric gases that absorb and emit infrared radiation, trapping heat in the Earth's atmosphere and contributing to the greenhouse effect.
Example:
Increased concentrations of Greenhouse Gases like CO2 and methane are intensifying the planet's warming trend.
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)
A leading international body for assessing climate change, providing regular scientific assessments on its causes, impacts, and future risks, and options for response.
Example:
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change synthesizes research from thousands of scientists to inform global policy on climate action.
Loss of Biodiversity
The decline in the variety of life on Earth, including the number of species, genetic variation within species, and the diversity of ecosystems, often accelerated by climate change and habitat destruction.
Example:
As polar ice melts, polar bears face a severe Loss of Biodiversity threat due to the shrinking of their hunting grounds and habitat.
Methane (CH4)
A potent greenhouse gas produced from anaerobic decomposition, such as in wetlands, landfills, and livestock digestion, with a higher warming potential than CO2 over a shorter period.
Example:
Cattle ranching is a significant source of Methane emissions due to the digestive processes of livestock.
Nitrous Oxide (N2O)
A powerful greenhouse gas primarily released from agricultural activities, particularly the use of synthetic fertilizers, as well as industrial processes and fossil fuel combustion.
Example:
Excessive application of nitrogen-based fertilizers in farming can lead to increased emissions of Nitrous Oxide.
Ocean Acidification
The ongoing decrease in the pH of the Earth's oceans, caused by the absorption of excess atmospheric carbon dioxide, which forms carbonic acid.
Example:
Ocean Acidification makes it harder for marine organisms like corals and shellfish to build and maintain their calcium carbonate shells and skeletons.
Rising Sea Levels
The increase in the average global sea level, primarily caused by the thermal expansion of warming ocean water and the melting of glaciers and ice sheets.
Example:
Coastal cities are increasingly vulnerable to flooding and erosion due to accelerating Rising Sea Levels.
Water Vapor (H2O)
The most abundant greenhouse gas, which acts as a feedback gas; its concentration increases in the atmosphere as temperatures rise, further enhancing warming.
Example:
As global temperatures climb, more Water Vapor evaporates from oceans, intensifying the greenhouse effect.
Weather
The short-term atmospheric conditions at a specific place and time, encompassing elements like temperature, precipitation, humidity, and wind.
Example:
Today's weather forecast predicts sunny skies and a high of 75°F, a stark contrast to yesterday's rain.