Climate Project Glossary
CLIMATE PROJECT GLOSSARYUnit 1Lesson 1.1TermDefinitionExample SentenceSourceatmosphereThe mixture of gases surrounding a planet.Burning fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas for energy releases large amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.Infographic: Small Parts, Big Impactsclimate changeThe change in Earth’s climate—both on the global and regional scales—that is the result of human activity, primarily the burning of fossil fuels.It’s important to learn the skill of claim testing early and to use it when evaluating evidence about climate change.Introduction to Climate Change Claim Testersfossil fuelsNatural carbon-rich fuels that are formed over long periods of time and release greenhouse gases when burned.Since 1750, the burning of fossil fuels has added more and more carbon dioxide to the atmosphere, rapidly warming the planet and causing climate change.Infographic: Small Parts, Big Impactsgreenhouse effectThe process by which gases like carbon dioxide, methane, and water vapor trap heat within the Earth’s atmosphere.In 1856, scientist Eunice Newton Foote made the first observation of what we now call the greenhouse effect, which drives climate change.Infographic: Small Parts, Big Impactsgreenhouse gasesGases that trap heat in Earth’s atmosphere.Greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide, trap heat from the Sun inside Earth’s atmosphere.Infographic: Small Parts, Big Impactsparts per million (ppm)A measurement of a substance’s concentration that answers the question, For every million parts of one substance, how many parts of another are present?In June 2023, the concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2) in Earth’s atmosphere reached 424 parts per million (ppm).Infographic: Small Parts, Big Impactstemperature anomalyA way of measuring the increase or decrease in temperature in relation to a baseline average.This chart shows both temperature anomaly and carbon dioxide atmospheric concentration over the last 800,000 years.Data Exploration How Do We Know Climate Change is Real?Lesson 1.2TermDefinitionExample SentenceSourcefossil fuelsNatural carbon-rich fuels that are formed over long periods of time and release greenhouse gases when burned.Since 1750, the burning of fossil fuels has added more and more carbon dioxide to the atmosphere, rapidly warming the planet and causing climate change.Understanding Climate Change Disagreement
2GlossaryTermDefinitionExample SentenceSourcegreenwashing When a company exaggerates or falsely claims to be more sustainable than it actually is.Greenwashing is sometimes hard to identify because companies work hard to disguise it.Understanding Climate Change DisagreementIntergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)An international organization that assesses the science of climate change.The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) says that “Scientific evidence for the warming of the climate system is unequivocal.”Understanding Climate Change DisagreementmisinformationFalse or inaccurate information.Misinformation can play a role in the economics of climate change.Infographic: Small Parts, Big ImpactspartisanFeeling or acting in favor of a particular cause or political party.Over the last few decades, political divides have caused climate change to become a partisan issue.Understanding Climate Change DisagreementdisinformationDeliberately misleading or biased information.The spread of disinformation on social media can limit consensus surrounding climate change.Understanding Climate Change DisagreementLesson 1.3TermDefinitionExample SentenceSourceclimate doomerSomeone who, when it comes to climate change, believes either that fear will inspire action or that there’s no point in acting because it’s already too late to solve climate change.Climate doomers might think otherwise, but there’s a lot we can do to mitigate climate change.The Need for Climate Optimistsclimate optimistSomeone who, when it comes to climate change, believes that hope is a better motivator than fear and that we must focus on more than the bad news of climate change.Others—the climate optimists—believe we can make a difference if we act quickly and get our priorities in order.The Need for Climate Optimistsimpatient optimistSomeone who, when it comes to climate change, is aware of both the challenges and potential solutions and uses their awareness to act, knowing that if we do nothing, things will get worse.We need impatient optimists who understand the urgency of climate action but believe that we can overcome big challenges.The Need for Climate OptimistsoptimisticFeeling or showing confidence and hope for the future.Of course, it’s hard to stay optimistic when it seems like there’s a new story about a different climate disaster every day. The Need for Climate OptimistsperspectiveAn individual’s or group’s point of view on or attitude toward something.Our perspective is crucial when it comes to tackling climate change.A Different View
3GlossaryLesson 1.4TermDefinitionExample SentenceSourceanthropogenicCaused by human activity.Anthropogenic carbon dioxide emissions must quickly decline if we want to avoid the worst impacts of climate change.Climate Targets contemporaryOf the present time, current.Countries responsible for the most contemporary emissions, like China and the United States, have an important role to play in global efforts to solve climate change.Infographic: Who Caused Climate Change?emissionsThe gases produced or released into Earth’s atmosphere as a result of human activity, often used in reference to the emission of greenhouse gases.The countries with the highest CO2 emissions per person are wealthy countries—like Canada and Australia—or oil-producers like Qatar and Saudi Arabia.Infographic: Climate Change GoalsemitTo produce or release something; used in reference to greenhouse gas emissions.Today, China emits the most CO2 of all countries.Infographic: Climate Change Goalsnet zeroThe goal of reducing greenhouse gas emission as much as possible and then capturing or removing emissions that are unavoidable.Specifically, the IPCC report called for global greenhouse gas emissions to reach “net zero” by 2050. Climate Targets per capitaRelating or applied to each person.Despite having smaller populations, some countries have high per capita emissions, reflecting greater individual consumption and energy use.Infographic: Who Caused Climate Change?targetA clear, desired objective or result that efforts are directed toward.So, a target such as the Paris Agreement, which was signed into international law, represented a victory for those nations whose calls for serious action had been previously unanswered. Understanding 1.5 C Unit 2Lesson 2.1TermDefinitionExample SentenceSourceclimate modelA simulation of Earth’s climate system used to re-create past climatic conditions and predict future conditions based on different factors including human action.Climate models, which have been tested and refined over and over again, don’t always have the most cheerful news for us.How Will Climate Change Continue to Affect Us
4GlossaryTermDefinitionExample SentenceSourcedirect impactsMeasurable changes in Earth’s natural systems directly caused by warming temperatures.Another set of direct impacts is the increased likelihood—and often severity—of some naturally occurring events, such as floods, storms, and wildfires. The Impacts of Climate Change indirect impactsChanges to the everyday systems we rely upon for our food, housing, and security as a result of climate change interacting with our human systems.Other types of indirect impacts of climate change include increased heat- and cold-related illnesses, respiratory problems, and challenges to mental health.The Impacts of Climate Change methaneA colorless greenhouse gas with about 28 times the warming power of CO2. Occurs in nature through decomposition; also occurs as a result of human activities such as fertilizer production.As polar ice disappears, it’s releasing huge amounts of the greenhouse gas methane, which has been underground for millennia.How Will Climate Change Continue to Affect UsmitigationHow we reduce the emissions of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere to slow and limit climate change.To reduce direct impacts, humans must focus on climate-change mitigation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions as quickly as possible. The Impacts of Climate Change scaleThe relative magnitude or size of something, often in reference to the level at which an issue emerges or is addressed.It's important to understand the impacts of climate change at different scales.Climate Impact BrainstormLesson 2.2TermDefinitionExample SentenceSourcebiomesA large geographical area characterized by specific climatic conditions, plant communities, and animal species.The Amazon rainforest is a vast and diverse biome, home to countless species of plants and animals found nowhere else on Earth.Infographic: Does Half a Degree Really Matter?climate modelA simulation of Earth's climate system used to re-create past climatic conditions and predict future conditions based on a number factors including human action.These new climate models can make more-accurate projections about the frequency of severe weather, flooding, droughts, and rising sea levels.Understanding the Impacts of Climate Changedirect impactsMeasurable changes in Earth’s natural systems caused directly by warming temperatures.Why do you think it’s important that we measure and understand the direct impacts of climate change?Direct Impacts Reviewnet zeroThe goal of reducing greenhouse gases emissions as much as possible, and then capturing or removing those emissions that are unavoidable.Although the world has agreed that we will get to net zero by 2050, we've seen over the last decade that climate change is happening now.Understanding the Impacts of Climate Change
5GlossaryTermDefinitionExample SentenceSourcerateA measure of how quickly something happens.Let’s dig into the last 150 years of data and see how the rate of sea-level rise has changed. Direct Impacts of Climate Change Data Exploration sea-level riseThe average increase in the water level of the Earth's oceans as a result of climate change.Sea-level rise is a huge problem for humanity because coastal regions are often densely populated. Direct Impacts of Climate Change Data Exploration temperature anomalyA way of measuring the increase or decrease in temperature from a baseline average.The trend is even more apparent when we overlay global temperature anomaly alongside sea-level rise.Direct Impacts of Climate Change Data Exploration Lesson 2.3TermDefinitionExample SentenceSourcebiomesA large geographical area characterized by specific climatic conditions, plant communities, and animal species.The Amazon rainforest is a vast and diverse biome, home to countless species of plants and animals found nowhere else on Earth.Infographic: This Bites!climate justiceThe idea that the challenges we're facing as our climate changes shouldn't affect any one community more than others, even though the physical impacts are different around the world.Climate justice proposes that these communities should have the power to improve their situations—and they should be able to get the support they need to adapt.Are Natural Disasters Actually Naturaldisease vectorsAn organism that transmits a pathogen from one host to another, spreading diseases.Ticks are common disease vectors in the United States.Infographic: This Bites!food securityThe access to and the availability and stability of nutritious food for all people.Low-income people are most likely to be impacted by the disruptions in food security that lead to rising prices. Indirect Impacts indirect impactsChanges to the everyday systems we rely upon for our food, housing, and security that are the result of climate change interacting with our human systems.It is important to understand indirect impacts because climate change effects are wide-reaching and will impact everyone, although not always equally.Indirect Impacts infrastructureThe physical assets and systems that enable our daily lives, including transportation, energy, buildings, and sanitation.Extreme weather events like floods, hurricanes, and wildfires can damage or destroy infrastructure. Indirect Impacts
6GlossaryTermDefinitionExample SentenceSourcemigrationThe process of people leaving their homes temporarily or permanently.Low-income people and communities are more likely to be living in vulnerable areas and inadequate housing and do not often have the resources to rebuild or adapt their homes, which makes them particularly susceptible to housing disruptions and migration.Indirect Impacts redliningThe practice of creating maps of areas with the goal of concentrating marginalized communities into isolated, often undesirable, and under-resourced neighborhoods.Neighborhoods formerly subject to redlining are more likely to be heavily built up with tall buildings and cement surfaces that absorb heat, and to be without much greenery to help them cool down.Are Natural Disasters Actually NaturalsusceptibleLikely to be influenced or harmed by a particular thing.People with preexisting health conditions are more susceptible to diseases, allergens, wildfire smoke, and other hazards that are made more common and unpredictable by climate change.Climate Change Indirect Impacts OrganizervulnerableOpen to attack, harm, or damage.The elderly and children generally have weaker immune systems, making them more vulnerable to extreme temperatures and malnourishment. Climate Change Indirect Impacts OrganizerUnit 3Lesson 3.1TermDefinitionExample SentenceSourceadaptationHow we respond to climate change to reduce its impacts on people, places, and ecosystems.Wetland restoration can also be a form of adaptation, as wetlands reduce the intensity and impact of storms and hurricanes that pass over them.How Can We Take on Climate Change?adaptive capacityTechnical and social skills that help a community respond to a disaster.A community facing sea-level rise could train people to protect their homes from intense flooding or to evacuate safely when needed, all of which would expand adaptive capacity.How Can We Take on Climate Change?futileIncapable of producing a useful result; pointless or ineffective.Some people argue that individual actions to reduce carbon emissions are futile without systemic changes in industry and policy.Podcast: Smog Cloud Silver Lining
7GlossaryTermDefinitionExample SentenceSourcegeoengineeringIntentionally altering Earth’s natural systems to mitigate climate change.Scientists disagree about the role of geoengineering in addressing climate changePodcast: Smog Cloud Silver LininghubrisExcessive pride or self-confidence, often leading to arrogance and a lack of regard for others.Some people believe that geoengineering the climate reflects a dangerous hubris because it assumes that humans can fully understand and control the complex systems of the Earth.Podcast: Smog Cloud Silver LiningmitigationHow we reduce the emissions of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere to slow and limit climate change.Mitigation solutions include everything from renewable energy to electric cars to public transportation to meat alternatives. How Can We Take on Climate Change?nihilismA viewpoint that rejects the inherent meaning or value in life, often leading to a sense of despair or apathy.Sometimes the news around climate change is so bad that people fall into a state of nihilism, believing that nothing they do ultimately matter in the grand scheme of things.Podcast: Smog Cloud Silver LiningresilienceCapacity of a community to keep functioning during a disaster.A community facing sea-level rise could relocate critical infrastructure—like energy generation plants or transportation networks—to higher ground to increase resilience.How Can We Take on Climate Change?solutionA way to solve a problem, used in this course to describe ways to address climate change.Some solutions fit into both categories because they simultaneously reduce emissions and reduce the impact of those emissions.Exploring Climate SolutionsstrategyA policy or plan to achieve a goal.Mitigation strategies are also at the heart of most well-known goals surrounding climate change, such as the international effort to stay below 1.5° Celsius of warming, as set out in the Paris Agreement.How Can We Take on Climate Change?Lesson 3.2TermDefinitionExample SentenceSourceagricultural systems The ways we cultivate crops and raise livestock for food.Worldwide, we will need to adapt our agricultural systems to reflect shifting climatic conditions and ensure we’re able to produce enough food to feed an expanding global population. Adaptation Solutions
8GlossaryTermDefinitionExample SentenceSourcecoastal carbon captureThe process of removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and moving it into the ocean.Project Vesta is helping address climate change by developing a negative emission technology called coastal carbon capture.Adapting to a Changing ClimatedroughtA long period of unusually low rainfall that causes water shortages and decreases the productivity of crops.Imagine all the different impacts of climate change being felt around the world—longer droughts, intense heat waves, more-severe storms, to name just a few. Adaptation Solutionsecological solutions Solutions centered around harnessing natural systems to reduce the impacts of climate change.For areas facing severe tropical storms, ecological solutions might look like restoring wetlands and creating vegetated buffer areas along coastlines. Adaptation SolutionsGDPShort for “Gross Domestic Product,” GDP is the total monetary value of all goods and services produced within a country’s borders over a specific period.The country’s GDP grew by 3% last year, indicating a significant improvement in economic activity and production.Infographic: Resilient Citiesgeothermal heating and coolingSystems that use the natural heat storage ability of the earth and the relatively constant temperature of the ground to heat and cool buildings.The new office building uses geothermal heating and cooling, significantly reducing its carbon footprint and energy costs.Infographic: Resilient Citiesgray waterGently used water from sources such as sinks, showers, and washing machines that can be reused for irrigation or other non-potable purposes.The household installed a gray water recycling system to reuse water from the shower and laundry for watering their garden, reducing their overall water consumption.Infographic: Resilient Citiesimpact potentialHow big of an effect a solution has on human and natural well-being.Drought-tolerant crops have a large impact potential because many of these vulnerable regions produce much of the world’s food supply, so any threat to their crop productivity threatens food prices and accessibility everywhere. Adaptation SolutionsimplementTo carry out or put something into effect.The main difficulty with implementing this technology will be efficient distribution, ensuring all who need the new strains receive them. Adaptation Solution Researchtechnological solutions Solutions that rely on changes in technology and new innovative tools to reduce the impacts of climate change.Technological solutions include rainwater harvesting and desalination technologies for water sourcing, and the creation of advanced storm-warning systems. Adaptation Solutions
9GlossaryTermDefinitionExample SentenceSourceurban planning and infrastructureThe design, development, and use of land, buildings, cities, and the systems that underpin them.Areas impacted by flooding will need to focus on infrastructure and urban planning solutions, such as creating sea walls and building flood-resistant buildings. Adaptation SolutionsweatherizationThe process of making a building more resistant to the effects of weather, such as cold winter temperatures or hot summer conditions, in order to improve energy efficiency and reduce energy costs.The government’s weatherization program aims to help low-income households reduce their energy bills by improving the insulation and efficiency of their homes.Infographic: Resilient CitiesLesson 3.3TermDefinitionExample SentenceSourceclimate innovationThe research, development, and scaling of new climate solutions.Climate innovation means both new technologies and new ways of doing and thinking about things. Climate Innovation BrainstormdecarbonizeTo reduce or eliminate greenhouse gas emissions from something, including processes, products, and systems.We’ll need grants and loans to support low-income countries as they work to adapt to climate change and decarbonize their economies. The Solutions We Have and the Innovations We Need electricityA form of energy used to power lighting, appliances, and other systems and processes.The price of electricity from wind declined by 70% over the same period.The Solutions We Have and the Innovations We Need innovatorA person who creates a new process, product, or idea, often building upon previous knowledge and in collaboration with others.The many solutions needed to get to net-zero emissions require climate innovators like scientists, engineers, politicians, designers, educators, and more!The Need for Climate Innovatorsrenewable energyEnergy from resources that naturally replenish on a human timescale, such as wind and solar energy.The costs of renewable energy technologies like wind and solar have dropped a lot in recent years. The Solutions We Have and the Innovations We Need solutionA way of solving a problem, used in this course to describe ways to address climate change.Costs have also dropped for important solutions such as battery storage and electric vehicles.The Solutions We Have and the Innovations We Need Lesson 3.4TermDefinitionExample SentenceSourcegreen premiumThe additional cost for a clean technology over one that emits greenhouse gases.Comparing green premiums of different solutions can be useful in determining which to pursue. Working the Levers of Climate Action
10GlossaryTermDefinitionExample SentenceSourcegreenwashing When a company exaggerates or falsely claims to be more sustainable than it actually is.Greenwashing is sometimes hard to identify because companies work hard to disguise it.Working the Levers of Climate Actionlever of powerTypes of actions people and organizations can take to promote climate solutions.By working in strategic ways at each lever of power, we can amplify the impact of our actions.Working the Levers of Climate ActionpolicyA law, rule, process, practice, or action of a government or other organization, often used as a basis for decision-making.An important example of this is the way that government policy can promote the research and development of climate solutions. Climate Action Brainstormzero carbonProduced or used without releasing carbon—or any other greenhouse gas—emissions into the atmosphere.Private businesses can also help drive the demand for low- or zero-carbon products or services in the marketplace. Climate Action BrainstormLesson 3.5TermDefinitionExample SentenceSourcecarbon taxA tax on emissions associated with burning fossil fuels that makes visible the “hidden” cost of carbon emissions. Carbon taxes also help create incentives to come up with carbon-free alternatives to save money. Understanding the Green Premiumgreen premiumThe additional cost for a clean technology over one that emits greenhouse gases.The green premium is a helpful tool for evaluating climate solutions and helping us decide where to focus our efforts. Understanding the Green Premiumnet zeroProduced or used without a net positive release of carbon—or any other greenhouse gas—emissions, such that any emissions produced are taken away or canceled out at another step in the process.The cost difference between a net-zero alternative and a traditional carbon-emitting option is called the green premium.Exploring the Green PremiumsubsidyMoney provided by the government to help make a product or service more affordable.Governments might also play another role in supporting green choices by providing subsidies. Understanding the Green Premiumzero carbonProduced or used without releasing carbon—or any other greenhouse gas—emissions into the atmosphere.This additional expense for low- or zero-carbon alternatives is called the green premium. Understanding the Green Premium
11GlossaryUnit 4Lesson 4.1TermDefinitionExample SentenceSourcecementThe ingredient in concrete, a commonly used building material, that makes everything stick together.Cement is an essential building material in our modern world, but producing it releases a lot of greenhouse gases.Introduction to the Grand ChallengeselectricityA form of energy used to power lighting, appliances, and other systems and processes.Something as simple as ordering a hamburger involves emissions across the Grand Challenges: from the electricity we use to cook, the grocery stores where we buy the meat, the methane cows burp, the gas-powered vehicles used for transportation, to the refrigerated buildings where it’s sold. Grand Challenge OverviewemissionsThe production or release of greenhouse gases into Earth’s atmosphere. Can you imagine a different way to categorize the sources of emissions?Emissions Image SortGrand ChallengesThe five categories of human emissions sources, which are also the five categories of mitigation solutions.The breakdown of the five Grand Challenges looks different in every country. Grand Challenge Image Sortheat pumpAn energy-efficient alternative to fossil fuel heating systems that uses electricity and serves to both heat and cool buildings.If we fail to decarbonize the electric grid, all the heat pumps in the world won’t solve this problem.Grand Challenge OverviewmethaneA colorless gas that occurs in nature through decomposition and as a result of human activities like fertilizer production with about 28 times the warming power of CO2 as a greenhouse gasMethane released in agriculture is also a big emitter. Grand Challenge OverviewLesson 4.2TermDefinitionExample SentenceSourcecarbon capture technology (CCS)A process used to capture carbon dioxide emissions from sources like power plants and industrial facilities.Many consider carbon capture technology a crucial tool in the fight against climate change, as it can help reduce the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere by industrial processes.Infographic: Vacuum the Sky: Direct Air Capture
12GlossaryTermDefinitionExample SentenceSourcedecarbonizationThe reduction or elimination of greenhouse gas emissions from something, to include processes, products, and systems.Does the research support, extend, or challenge what you previously knew about implementing decarbonization solutions?Grand Challenge Solutions Researchdirect Air Capture (DAC)A technology that removes carbon dioxide directly from the ambient air.Direct Air Capture technology has the potential to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions by capturing carbon dioxide directly from the air and storing it underground.Infographic: Vacuum the Sky: Direct Air Captureelectricity capacityThe amount of electricity that could hypothetically be produced in a given area by a given system. In a hypothetical world with unlimited space, we might have the electricity capacity to power the world off of solar and wind sources.Can We Make Electricity Without Fossil Fuels?electricity generationThe amount of electricity that is actually produced and can be used in a given area by a given system.Our electricity generation varies if the Sun stops shining or the wind stops blowing. Can We Make Electricity Without Fossil Fuels?emission sourceThe origin or cause of greenhouse gases being produced or released into Earth’s atmosphere. In other words, just as emission sources don’t always fit nicely within one category, neither do the solutions.Grand Challenge Solutionshydroelectric powerEnergy generated by the movement of water through the use of turbines and gravity.Hydroelectric power is a renewable energy source that, unlike solar and wind, is not variable.Can We Make Electricity Without Fossil Fuels?nuclear energyEnergy generated from nuclear reactions, which involve the splitting or fusing of atoms.Despite its bad reputation, nuclear energy is statistically one of the safest ways that humans generate electricity.Grand Challenge Solutionsrenewable energy Energy from resources that naturally replenish on a human timescale, such as wind and solar energy.Solutions that produce electricity through renewable energy, such as wind and solar, can make a big difference. Grand Challenge Solutions
13GlossaryLesson 4.3TermDefinitionExample SentenceSourceemissionsThe production or release of greenhouse gases into Earth’s atmosphere.What will make the biggest impact in terms of reducing greenhouse gas emissions?Reduction Planlevers of powerTypes of actions people and organizations can take to promote climate solutions.Multiple levers of powers (personal, government, business) can help advance a solution.Reduction PlansolutionA way of solving a problem, used in this course to describe ways to address climate change.You can identify a single solution that can be effectively deployed at each lever of power, or you can identify a different solution at each lever.Reduction PlanLesson 4.4TermDefinitionExample SentenceSourceclimate actionAn effort taken to reduce the extent and impact of climate change. They may have the force of law by themselves, but they guide and coordinate climate action. Action Levels Sortclimate action planA plan to address climate change mitigation and adaptation in a community that can include a greenhouse-gas inventory, goals and steps, timelines, and responsible parties for each goal.Often, state and local governments lay out their climate goals in documents called climate action plans.Action Levels Sortclimate goalA clear, measurable commitment by a government or other organization to limit the effects of climate change.Climate goals may have the force of law by themselves, but they can also guide and coordinate climate action. Decarbonization GoalslevelThe location or rank of something on a scale, often used to compare one thing to another. We need climate goals and action at all levels, but these levels need to coordinate with, inform, and learn from each other for us to get to net zero.Action Levels SortParis AgreementThe first legally binding international agreement on climate change, adopted in 2015, with the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5° C above preindustrial levels.International agreements like the Paris Agreement are important for helping countries move toward action. Decarbonization GoalsstandardSomething established as a model or expected rule of measure by an authority such as a government.They have the power to make policies related to vehicle manufacturing and sales, electricity transmission standards, and pollution amounts. Action Levels Sort
14GlossaryLesson 4.5TermDefinitionExample SentenceSourcecareerAn occupation or job that you hold for a long time and in which you mature and progress.No matter what career you choose, you’ll find that the ability to deal with or address climate change will be a key skill!Climate Change Career Brainstormenergy systemsThe methods of producing, distributing, and consuming energy.To reduce emissions, we need to transform our energy systems to make it easier to produce, transport, and access renewable energy. Envisioning a Climate FutureexpertSomeone with complete, accurate, and deep knowledge or skill in a specific area, either through education, professional experience, personal experience, or other means.International organizations can pull together experts from across the globe and provide frameworks for governments. Climate Expert Explorationhuman systemsThe complex and interrelated networks used to support daily life, development, and progress.Integrating renewable energy requires many changes to human systems, from physical infrastructure to economic policy and consumer behavior. Envisioning a Climate FuturesolutionA way of solving a problem, used in this course to describe ways to address climate change.We also may see a shift toward more interdisciplinary work, where people from different fields collaborate across the globe to find solutions. Climate Expert ExplorationUnit 5Lesson 5.1TermDefinitionExample SentenceSourcecareerAn occupation or job that you hold for a long time and in which you mature and progress.What does a person in this career actually do (tasks, work activities)?Career Interests ExplorationemissionsThe production or release of greenhouse gases into Earth’s atmosphere. This career reduces greenhouse gas emissions by designing buildings with low-carbon materials.Climate Career Exploration Extension - Career Fairinformational interviewAn informal conversation with someone working in a career in which you’re interested that offers real-world insights into a profession.Conducting informational interviews is a valuable strategy when students are considering potential career paths.Climate Career Exploration Extension - Interview
15GlossaryLesson 5.2TermDefinitionExample SentenceSourceadaptationHow we respond to climate change to reduce its impacts on people, places, and ecosystems.Climate change adaptation strategies include drought-resistant seeds, battery storage, and coastal protections.Climate Change Solution ResearchimplementTo carry out or put something into effect.How long will it take for this solution to be implemented?Climate Change Solution ResearchmitigationHow we reduce the emissions of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere to slow and limit climate change.Climate change mitigation strategies include reforestation, low-carbon cement and steel, and the reduction of food waste.Climate Change Solution ResearchsolutionA way of solving a problem, used in this course to describe ways to address climate change.Who will benefit the most from this solution given the time and costs associated with it?Climate Change Solution ResearchstrategyA policy or plan to achieve a goal.We need strategies for making sure this solution is equitable in terms of adoption and implementation.Climate Change Solution ResearchLesson 5.3TermDefinitionExample SentenceSourceadvocateTo give support to a cause, person, or idea. The professor was a well known advocate of government support for scientific research.Climate Policy Playbook Analysis and AdvocacycapitalThe money needed to hire staff, rent spaces, buy materials, and bring in expertise for a project.It must also supply the capital to help turn the ideas of today into the technologies of tomorrow.Why Does Policy Matter?coalitionsA group of individuals, organizations, or nations that come together to pursue a common goalYouth coalitions have worked to implement policy aimed at combating climate change on a global scale.Climate Policy Playbook Analysis and AdvocacyinvestmentThe money, energy, or time devoted to an idea, product, process, or project.Government investment is a powerful way to bring an emerging technology to scale.Why Does Policy Matter?Lesson 5.4TermDefinitionExample SentenceSourcecivic-engagement campaignA prolonged effort either by a individual or a group of people to identity and address issues and increase quality of life in a community, either through political or nonpolitical processes.It is important to participate in civic-engagement campaigns that will benefit your community. Investigating Civic Engagement
16GlossaryTermDefinitionExample SentenceSourcecommunitya network of people that live close together or share common interests.Communities include our schools, our towns, and our extended networks of friends and family around the globe. Classroom Ideas ListemissionsThe production or release of greenhouse gases into Earth’s atmosphere .How can I take informed action to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions or lessen the impact of climate change in my community? Classroom Ideas ListimplementationThe process of carrying out or putting something into effect.The implementation of climate solutions can often be challenging.Investigating Civic Engagement