Addressing Climate Change in the Caribbean: A Toolkit ... - CANARI

Glossary
Adaptation
In the context of climate change, adaptation is the adjustment in natural or human systems in
response to actual or expected climatic occurrences or their effects, which reduces harm or takes
advantages of beneficial opportunities. For people, it means being ready for climate change by
building capacity and putting measures in place to cope with and recover from the impacts of
climate change. It also means preparing ourselves to live with any climate-induced change to our
surroundings.
Atmosphere
The air or layers of gases that surround the Earth. The dry atmosphere consists almost entirely of
nitrogen and oxygen, together with small amounts of other gases, including greenhouse gases such
as carbon dioxide and ozone. In addition, the atmosphere contains water vapor, clouds and
aerosols. The atmosphere protects the Earth from the sun’s harmful rays.
Bleach
See Coral bleaching.
Carbon sink
Any process, activity or mechanism that removes carbon-containing compounds like greenhouse
gases, and aerosols from the atmosphere. Trees, plants and oceans can act as carbon sinks but
may not always remove carbon from the atmosphere as fast as it is produced.
Climate
The average, or typical, weather conditions of a given area observed over a long period of time
(usually 30 years or more).
Climate change
Any statistically significant, long-term modification (change) in the climate of a zone or region.
Climate change may be caused by natural processes or by persistent changes in the atmosphere or
in land use caused by human activity. When the term is used to describe what is happening to the
Earth today, it refers to the increase in the Earth’s temperature and changes in rain, snow or other
moisture from the atmosphere, caused by greater levels of CO2 and other gases in the atmosphere.
The term ‘climate change’ is often used interchangeably with ‘global warming’. The term ‘climate
change’ is often used interchangeably with ‘global warming’. However, 'climate change' is a better
term because it covers many other changes, besides rising temperatures.
Condensation
The process through which water vapour in the air turns into liquid. Water drops on the outside of a
cold glass of water are condensed water formed by the cooling of the water vapour in the air on the
outside of the glass. Condensation is the opposite process of evaporation.
Climate Change Community Toolkit/Christian Aid (Caribbean)
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