Global Warming and Climate Change

Climate Change

Long-term shifts in the Earth's weather patterns affecting temperature, humidity, wind, cloud cover, and precipitation.

Global Warming

An increase in the Earth's average surface temperatures caused primarily by human activities, especially the burning of fossil fuels.

IPCC

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, which assesses scientific information related to climate change and impacts.

Greenhouse Effect

A phenomenon where certain gases trap heat from the sun in the Earth's atmosphere, preventing it from escaping into space.

Anthropogenic

Referring to effects or processes that originate from human activity.

Naturogenic

Referring to natural causes of climate change that occur without human influence.

Greenhouse Gases

Gases such as carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide that trap heat in the atmosphere.

Megadrought

An extended period of drought that has lasting impacts on the environment and water availability.

Kyoto Protocol

An international treaty that commits its parties to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, based on the premise that global warming exists.

Paris Agreement

An agreement within the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change that aims to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above preindustrial levels.

Carbon Dioxide

A greenhouse gas that is a major product of fossil fuel combustion and a key contributor to global warming.

Methane

A potent greenhouse gas that is more effective than carbon dioxide at trapping heat, emitted during fossil fuel production and livestock farming.

Environmental Activism

Efforts aimed at advocating for environmental protection and addressing climate change, often led by activists and organizations.