Climate Change Vocabulary

What is a carbon footprint?

• The amount of carbon an organization or person produces in a given time

• The total amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere

• The carbon content in fossil fuels

• The carbon emissions from vehicles only

Which of the following best describes global warming?

• The increase in Earth's average surface temperature due to rising levels of greenhouse gases

• The long-term changes in weather patterns

• The melting of polar ice caps

• The increase in sea levels

What is environmental justice?

• Ensuring that all people have equal access to environmental benefits and protections

• The study of environmental laws

• The process of recycling waste materials

• The conservation of endangered species

What is food security?

• The availability of food in supermarkets

• The ability of all people to access sufficient nutrients at all times

• The storage of food for future use

• The production of genetically modified crops

Which greenhouse gas absorbs 84 times more heat than carbon dioxide?

• Nitrous oxide

• Methane

• Ozone

• Water vapor

What does mitigation refer to in the context of climate change?

• Increasing fossil fuel usage

• Reducing greenhouse gas emissions

• Building more factories

• Cutting down trees

What is a tipping point in climate science?

• A point where climate change is reversible

• A threshold where significant environmental changes become irreversible

• The moment when a storm begins

• The time when seasons change

What is traditional knowledge?

• Modern scientific methods for environmental conservation

• Indigenous systems of observing and preserving the environment

• The use of technology in agriculture

• The study of ancient civilizations

What is the UNFCCC?

• A global organization for wildlife conservation

• An environmental treaty to address climate change

• A scientific research institute

• A non-profit organization for recycling

What is the difference between weather and climate?

• Weather is long-term; climate is short-term

• Weather refers to short-term atmospheric conditions; climate indicates long-term trends

• Weather is predictable; climate is not

• Weather is only about temperature; climate includes precipitation