POLS 370 – Climate Change Unit 2: Building Your Climate Vocabulary

This set of flashcards contains essential vocabulary and definitions related to climate change concepts, aimed at fostering clear communication and understanding in the context of climate education.

Climate Change

Long-term alteration in Earth’s climate, especially a rise in temperature and shifts in weather patterns.

Global Warming

Increase in Earth’s average surface temperature due to greenhouse gas buildup.

Greenhouse Gases (GHGs)

Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, including CO2, CH4, N2O, and H2O vapor.

Carbon Footprint

Total amount of GHGs released by an individual, company, or activity.

Net Zero

Balancing emitted and removed GHGs from the atmosphere.

Mitigation

Efforts to reduce or prevent the emission of GHGs.

Adaptation

Adjusting to actual or expected climate impacts.

Climate Resilience

Ability of communities and ecosystems to recover from climate impacts.

Sustainable Development

Meeting current needs without compromising future generations.

Climate Justice

Recognizing unequal climate burdens and promoting fairness.

Carbon Neutrality

Achieving net-zero carbon dioxide emissions.

Renewable Energy

Energy from naturally replenishing sources such as solar and wind.

Carbon Sink

Natural system absorbing more carbon than it emits.

Deforestation

Removal of trees, reducing carbon sinks.

Climate Finance

Funding for climate mitigation and adaptation efforts.

Ecosystem Services

Benefits people obtain from nature, like pollination and water purification.