Climate Change Vocabulary
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.
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.
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.
