Geography - Global climate (Unit 2)

Adaptation

Measures to reduce the vulnerability of human and natural systems to climate change.

Anthropogenic

Human-related processes and/or impacts.

Global warming

The increase in temperatures around the world due to human activities.

Greenhouse effect

The process where certain gases trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere.

Mitigation

Attempts to reduce the causes of climate change.

Vulnerability

The degree to which a human or natural system is susceptible to suffer from impacts of climate change.

Largest emitters of CO2 (billion tonnes)

1. China

2. USA

3. India

4. Russia

Examples of implications of climate change

• Sea-level rise

• Storm activity increase

• Agricultural pattern change

• Wildlife species extinction

Climate

The average weather conditions in a region over an extended period.

Climate change

Long-term significant changes in temperature, precipitation, wind patterns, and other aspects of the climate system.

Greenhouse gases

Atmospheric gases (ex: carbon dioxide CO2) that contribute to the greenhouse effect by trapping heat in the atmosphere.

Carbon footprint

The total amount of greenhouse gases emitted directly or indirectly by human activities, measured in units of CO2.

“The carbon footprint of the United States is one of the largest globally due to its extensive use of fossil fuels in industry, transportation, and energy production.”

Sea Level Rise

The increase in the average level of the world's oceans due to the expansion the melting of glaciers.

Deforestation

The clearing or removal of forests on a large scale, contributing to increased CO2 levels and loss of biodiversity.

ex: Brazil, Indonesia, Madagascar

Renewable energy

Energy generated from natural resources like sunlight, wind, rain…

Kyoto Protocol

An international treaty aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions to mitigate global climate change.

Paris Agreement

An international treaty under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) that aims on restricting the increase in the average global temperature to significantly less than 2 degrees Celsius compared to the levels before the industrial era.

Climate Refugee

Individuals forced to leave their homes due to the effects of climate change, such as sea-level rise, extreme weather events, or environmental degradation.

Sustainable Development

The concept of meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs, considering social, economic, and environmental factors.