Climate Dictionary

Long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns. While such shifts can occur naturally, human activities — which have intensified since the 19th century — have become the main driver of these changes

The gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, increasing the Earth’s temperature, such as methane, carbon dioxide, and nitrous oxide.

The amount of greenhouse gas emissions released into the atmosphere by a person, organization, product, or specific activity

It refers to actions that help reduce the damages resulting from the current or expected impacts of climate change

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions to the closest possible level to zero, while reabsorbing any remaining emissions from the atmosphere, through the oceans and forests, for example

Production and consumption patterns that reduce waste and mitigate pollution, and promote the sustainable use of natural resources

All forms of life on Earth—plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms—function as essential components of the ecosystem

Local, national or transnational financing—drawn from public, private and alternative sources of financing—that seeks to support mitigation and adaptation actions that will address climate change.