Climate Change and Human-Environment Interactions

Vocabulary flashcards based on the lecture notes about climate change and human-environment interactions.

Carbon sink

A natural reservoir that absorbs more carbon dioxide than it releases.

Climate change

Long-term alteration of temperature and typical weather patterns in a place.

Drought

A prolonged period of abnormally low rainfall, leading to a water shortage.

Greenhouse effect

The process by which heat is trapped in the atmosphere by greenhouse gases.

Greenhouse gas

Gases in Earth's atmosphere that trap heat, such as carbon dioxide and methane.

Fossil fuel

Natural fuel formed from the remains of living organisms, used for energy.

Renewable energy

Energy from sources that are naturally replenishing, such as solar, wind, and hydropower.

Soil salinity

The amount of salt in the soil, which can affect agricultural productivity.

Water scarcity

A situation where water availability is less than the demand for water.

Urban heat island effect

An urban area that is significantly warmer than its rural surroundings due to human activities.

Desalination

The process of removing salt from seawater to produce fresh water.

Extreme weather events

Severe or unusual weather conditions, such as hurricanes, heatwaves, and heavy rainfall.

Green spaces

Areas of vegetation in urban environments that help reduce heat and improve air quality.

Drought-resistant crops

Plants bred or genetically modified to withstand drought conditions.

Climate action

Efforts to mitigate or adapt to climate change and its impacts.

Climate challenges

Issues related to the consequences of climate change affecting ecosystems, regions, and communities.