Climate Change Vocabulary

Table of Contents

20 Climate Change Vocabulary Words with Meanings and Examples

1. Climate Change: A long-term change in Earth’s climate, including changes in temperature, precipitation, and sea levels.

  • Example: Climate change is caused by human activities such as burning fossil fuels.
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2. Global Warming: The gradual increase in Earth’s average temperature.

  • Example: Global warming is a major contributor to climate change.

3. Greenhouse Gases: Gases that trap heat in the Earth’s atmosphere.

  • Example: Carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide are examples of greenhouse gases.

4. Carbon Footprint: The total amount of greenhouse gases produced by an individual, organization, or country.

  • Example: Reducing your carbon footprint is important for combating climate change.

5. Renewable Energy: Energy derived from sources that are replenished naturally, such as sunlight, wind, and water.

  • Example: Solar, wind, and hydro power are examples of renewable energy sources.

6. Fossil Fuels: Nonrenewable energy sources derived from the remains of ancient organisms.

  • Example: Coal, oil, and natural gas are examples of fossil fuels.

7. Deforestation: The clearing of forests to make way for other land uses.

  • Example: Deforestation is a major cause of habitat loss for many species.

8. Desertification: The process by which fertile land becomes desert.

  • Example: Overgrazing and climate change are contributing to desertification in many parts of the world.

9. Ocean Acidification: The decrease in pH of the ocean due to the absorption of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

  • Example: Ocean acidification is harming marine ecosystems.

10. Sea Level Rise: The increase in the average level of the world’s oceans.

  • Example: Sea level rise is caused by the melting of glaciers and ice caps.

11. Extreme Weather Events: Severe weather events such as hurricanes, floods, and droughts.

  • Example: Climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events.
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12. Mitigation: The process of reducing the impact of climate change.

  • Example: Mitigation strategies include reducing greenhouse gas emissions and developing renewable energy sources.

13. Adaptation: The process of adjusting to the impacts of climate change.

  • Example: Adaptation strategies include building sea walls and developing drought-resistant crops.

14. Paris Agreement: An international agreement aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

  • Example: The Paris Agreement was adopted by nearly 200 countries in 2015.

15. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC): A scientific body that assesses the science related to climate change.

  • Example: The IPCC publishes regular reports on the latest findings about climate change.

16. Sustainable Development: Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

  • Example: Sustainable development is essential for protecting the environment and ensuring a prosperous future.

17. Carbon Footprint: The total amount of greenhouse gases produced by an individual, organization, or country.

  • Example: Reducing your carbon footprint is important for combating climate change.

18. Renewable Energy: Energy derived from sources that are replenished naturally, such as sunlight, wind, and water.

  • Example: Solar, wind, and hydro power are examples of renewable energy sources.

19. Fossil Fuels: Nonrenewable energy sources derived from the remains of ancient organisms.

  • Example: Coal, oil, and natural gas are examples of fossil fuels.

20. Greenhouse Gases: Gases that trap heat in the Earth’s atmosphere.

  • Example: Carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide are examples of greenhouse gases.

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