Extreme Heat and Drought

A collection of 100 vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to extreme heat and drought, as discussed in the lecture.

Extreme Heat

A significant increase in temperature that can lead to health risks and environmental challenges.

Drought

A prolonged dry climatic event resulting in significantly lower water availability.

Temperature Anomaly

The difference between the measured temperature and a long-term average.

Heat Index

The apparent temperature, which combines air temperature and relative humidity to indicate how hot it feels.

Relative Humidity

The amount of moisture in the air expressed as a percentage of the maximum amount of moisture the air can hold at a given temperature.

Snowpack

Accumulated snow that melts to provide water during warmer months.

Desertification

The process by which fertile land becomes desert, typically as a result of drought, deforestation, or inappropriate agriculture.

Ecosystem Services

Benefits that humans derive from ecosystems, including clean air, water, and fertile soil.

Compensability Limit

The threshold at which effects of heat can be managed or compensated.

WMO

World Meteorological Organization, which monitors global climate conditions.

Climate Change

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

Heat Waves

Prolonged periods of excessively hot weather, which may be accompanied by high humidity.

Urban Planning

The process of designing and regulating land use in urban environments to optimize living conditions.

Resilience Toolkit

A set of strategies to help communities adapt to climate impacts like extreme heat.

Drought Monitor

A map that shows current drought conditions and classifications in a specific region.

Drought Classification

Categorizing drought severity based on various metrics such as precipitation and soil moisture.

Extreme Weather Events

Severe, unusual weather events such as hurricanes, droughts, and heat waves.

Equity in Health Responses

Ensuring fair access to health resources, particularly in extreme heat circumstances.

Heat Protection Recommendations

Guidelines provided to minimize health risks during periods of extreme heat.

Meteorological Organization

An organization focused on studying weather and climate conditions.

Groundwater Storage

Water stored underground in soil and rock formations, which is a key resource during droughts.

Evapotranspiration

The process by which water is transferred from land to the atmosphere by evaporation and by plant transpiration.

Mitigation Strategies

Actions taken to reduce the adverse effects of climate change.

Vulnerability

The susceptibility of a community to suffer harm from climate impacts.

Precipitation Recycling

The process through which precipitation is recycled back into the atmosphere, affecting local climates.

Food Systems Impact

Effects on food supply and agriculture due to extreme weather conditions.

Long-term Drought

A drought lasting more than six months, deeply affecting ecology and hydrology.

Heat-related Disorders

Health problems that can arise from prolonged exposure to high temperatures.

Impact Assessment

Evaluation of the potential effects of climate change on various sectors.

Climate Adaptation

Adjustments in practices, processes, or structures to reduce damage from climate change.

Infrastructure Resilience

The ability of infrastructure systems to withstand and recover from climate impacts.

Hydrology

The study of the movement, distribution, and quality of water on Earth.

Community Involvement

Engagement and participation of local communities in addressing climate issues.

Climate Policymakers

Individuals or groups responsible for making laws and policies related to climate change.

Environmental Justice

The fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people in environmental laws, regulations, and policies.

Agricultural Impacts

Effects on crop production and farming practices due to climate conditions.

Water Harvesting

The collection and storage of rainwater for use during dry periods.

Soil Moisture

The amount of water contained in the soil, crucial for plant health.

Drought Severity Index

A quantifiable measure used to assess the intensity of drought.

Health Impacts of Extreme Heat

Negative health outcomes resulting from high temperatures and humidity.

Temperature Thresholds

Defined levels of temperature beyond which specific health impacts may occur.

Climate Data Analysis

Evaluating and interpreting climate data to understand trends and impacts.

High Heat Risk Areas

Regions particularly susceptible to the impacts of extreme heat.

Ecosystem Feedbacks

Natural responses that further exacerbate environmental issues like desertification.

Public Awareness Campaigns

Initiatives aimed at educating the public on climate issues and actions.

Climate Resilience

The capacity of individuals and societies to adapt to climate change.

Environmental Monitoring

Tracking and assessing environmental conditions over time.

Reforestation

Planting trees in deforested areas as part of ecological restoration.

Sustainable Land Management

Using land resources in a way that meets current needs without compromising future generations.

Balancing Ecosystems

Maintaining the interactions between different organisms and their environment.

Heat Adaptation Measures

Strategies implemented to manage extreme heat effects on humans and nature.

Public Health Recommendations

Guidelines provided by health organizations to protect communities from climate effects.

Global Temperature Rise

An increase in Earth's average surface temperature due to climate change.

Resilience Building

The process of strengthening the ability of communities to cope with climate impacts.

Health Equity

The principle of fair distribution of health resources to all individuals.

Natural Hazard Relationship

Understanding how warming climates influence the frequency and intensity of natural hazards.

Disaster Recovery Planning

Preparing strategies to recover from climate-related disasters.

Risk Assessment Tools

Systems used to predict and evaluate risk levels associated with climate events.

Adaptive Capacity

The ability of a system or community to adjust to changes.

Microclimates

Small areas with different climate conditions compared to the surrounding region.

Carbon Emissions

Carbon dioxide and other emissions released into the atmosphere, contributing to climate change.

Vulnerability Indicators

Measurements used to assess how at-risk a community is to climate impacts.

Urban Heat Island

An urban area that experiences significantly warmer temperatures than its rural surroundings.

Land-Atmosphere Interactions

The exchange process between land characteristics and atmospheric conditions.

Erosion Control

Practices aimed at preventing soil and land degradation.

Drought Predictions

Forecasts regarding future drought conditions based on climate models.

Temperatures in F

Temperature measured in degrees Fahrenheit, commonly used in the U.S.

Climate Literacy

Understanding climate change's impact and the necessary responses.

Emergency Preparedness

Planning for potential climate emergencies to minimize damage and health risks.

Resource Management

The efficient and effective deployment of an organization’s resources when they are needed.

Ecosystem Service Valuation

The process of assigning economic value to the benefits provided by ecosystems.

Climate Health Nexus

The interrelationship between climate change and public health outcomes.

Sustainable Practices

Methods of utilizing resources in a way that maintains their availability for future generations.

Adaptive Strategies

Flexible approaches to addressing and mitigating climate impacts.

Climate Awareness

Consciousness of climate issues and actions to address them.

Informational Campaigns

Efforts to disseminate knowledge about climate change and its effects.

Heat Vulnerability Index

A composite measure assessing the susceptibility of communities to extreme heat.