Glossary

Human linked greenhouse gases include carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), and fluorinated gases. Once GHGs are emitted into the sky they trap incoming energy from sunlight. The energy captured then warms the atmosphere. Current levels of GHGs are rapidly heating the atmosphere which is altering the global climate at an accelerated rate.   

Predominant greenhouse gases (CO2, CH4, and N2O) have unique characteristics on trapping sunlight energy and the length of time each gas remains in the atmosphere. To relate the effect of each gas, the carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) is used to sum up the  gases' carbon footprint into a single number. A tonne (1,000kg or 2,204 lb.) is the standard mass for GHGs. Example 58 tCO2e of greenhouses emitted per year.

A change in the 30-year averaged weather conditions (temperature, precipitation) because of increased levels of atmospheric greenhouse gases from fossil fuel combustion, agriculture, industrial processes, and deforestation.  

A climate action response that actively seeks to lower or eliminate GHGs being emitted into the atmosphere. Mitigating GHGs today can prevent the worst effects of climate change by 2080.

A climate action response that prepares communities to adjust to current and projected weather events from the modification of the climate from global GHG emissions. Adapting can reduce the vulnerabilities within the community by lessening the negative impact on infrastructure and human health.