Earth Systems and Climate Change

Front

Climate

Back

Long-term weather patterns in an area

Front

Weather

Back

Day-to-day atmospheric conditions

Front

Global Warming

Back

Increase in Earth’s average temperature

Front

Greenhouse Effect

Back

Natural process that warms Earth’s surface.

Front

Positive Feedback Loop

Back

A process in which the result of an action increases that action, creating a cycle that amplifies the effects of a small change.

Front

Negative Feedback Loop

Back

A system that uses its output to regulate its own activity.

Front

Mitigation

Back

Reducing the causes of climate change

Front

Adaptation

Back

The ability to adjust to changes.

Front

Resilience

Back

The ability to recover from change

Front

Sustainability

Back

Meeting present needs without compromising the future.