politics

Adaptation

The adjustment or preparation of natural or human systems to a new or changing environment that moderates harm.

Anthropogenic

Refers to something being made by people or resulting from human activity.

Atmosphere

The gaseous envelope that surrounds Earth.

Carbon dioxide (CO₂)

A naturally occurring gas released as a by-product of burning fossil fuels, land use, and other industrial processes; principal greenhouse gas affecting Earth's atmosphere.

Climate

The average weather over a period ranging from months to thousands of years.

Emissions

The release of substances, usually gases, into the atmosphere in the context of climate change.

Fossil fuel

Organic materials formed from decayed plants and animals converted into coal, oil or gas by heat and pressure in Earth's crust over time.

Global warming

The ongoing global average increase in temperature near Earth's surface.

Greenhouse gases

Gases that absorb infrared radiation in the atmosphere; examples include carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide.

Mitigation

Human interventions to reduce the human impact on the climate system, including strategies to reduce greenhouse gas sources and emissions.

Weather

The atmospheric condition at any given time or place, measured in terms of factors such as wind, temperature, humidity, and precipitation.