Biofuel Fuel used in transport or for heating homes that is made from plant material instead of fossil fuel (oil). Topic: Climate Change
Carbon Neutral A product or development (such as a housing estate) that does not add any extra carbon dioxide emissions to the atmosphere over its lifetime. Topic: Climate Change
Climate Taking weather readings over long periods of time, then working out averages, patterns and trends. Topic: Climate Change
Desertification When the climate of a dry region becomes even drier. Vegetation dies or is eaten by grazing animals and the soil becomes vulnerable to soil erosion. Topic: Climate Change
Enhanced Greenhouse Effect A strengthening of the greenhouse effect caused by the release by humans of large concentrations of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Topic: Climate Change
Glacials Cold periods in Earth’s history when glaciers have advanced and ice sheets have increased in size. Topic: Climate Change
Global Warming The slight rise in average temperature of the Earth’s atmosphere that is a sign of climate change. Topic: Climate Change
Greenhouse Gases Gases such as carbon dioxide and methane that are able to trap heat in the atmosphere. Topic: Climate Change
Interglacials Warmer periods in Earth’s history when glaciers have retreated and ice sheets have decreased in size. Topic: Climate Change
Kyoto Protocol An agreement made by world leaders in Kyoto, Japan, to begin to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. Topic: Climate Change
Photosynthesis The processes that occurs in plants that use the sun’s energy to convert carbon dioxide to glucose. Topic: Climate Change
Solution The process which dissolves minerals from rocks into water. Topic: Climate Change
Sustainable Community A community which is designed to have minimal impacts on the environment. Such communities may make use of energy efficiency, renewable technologies and also make use of local employment and services to reduce the impacts of commuting. Topic: Climate Change
Urban Heat Island When a city has temperatures that are warmer than in the surrounding rural areas. Topic: Climate Change
Urban Micro-Climate The small-scale, local climate of a large city which is influenced by its buildings and traffic. Topic: Climate Change
Water Stress When people do not have access to clean water. Topic: Climate Change