Climate Terminology

Relevant Terms

Weather – The condition of the atmosphere (like hot, cold, rainy, or windy) in a specific place over a short time, like a day or a week.
Climate – The usual or average weather in a place over a long period, like 30 years or more.
Climate Change – A long-term shift in the Earth’s climate, especially changes in temperature and rainfall patterns.
Global Warming – The increase in Earth’s average temperature due to more greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
Precipitation – Any form of water that falls from clouds, such as rain, snow, or hail.
Humidity – The amount of water vapor in the air. High humidity makes it feel hotter than it really is.
Temperature – How hot or cold the air is.
Heat Index – What the temperature feels like when you combine the actual temperature with the humidity.
Wind – The movement of air from high-pressure areas to low-pressure areas. It can be gentle or strong.
Monsoon – A seasonal wind pattern that brings heavy rains during one part of the year and dry air during another.
Bagyo (Typhoon) – A very strong storm with powerful winds and heavy rain. Typhoons in the Philippines often cause floods and landslides.
Habagat (Southwest Monsoon) – Winds that bring rain, especially from June to September, leading to wet and rainy seasons.
Amihan (Northeast Monsoon) – Winds that bring cool and dry air, especially from November to February, making it cooler in northern Philippines.
Storm Surge – A sudden rise in sea level caused by strong winds from a storm, which can lead to flooding in coastal areas.
Flood – When water overflows onto land that’s usually dry, often caused by heavy rain, typhoons, or rising rivers.
Landslide – The sudden movement of rocks or soil down a hill or mountain, often triggered by heavy rain or earthquakes.
Sea Level Rise – The increase in the average level of the world’s oceans, often caused by melting ice and global warming.
Drought – A long period with little or no rain, leading to dry soil and water shortages.
Heatwave – A period of very high temperatures lasting several days or weeks, which can be dangerous for health.
Greenhouse Effect – The warming of Earth’s surface caused by gases in the atmosphere trapping heat from the sun.
Carbon Footprint – The amount of carbon dioxide (CO₂) released into the atmosphere because of human activities, like driving cars or using electricity.
Renewable Energy – Energy that comes from natural sources that can’t run out, like sunlight (solar), wind, and water (hydropower).
Sustainable Agriculture – Farming practices that protect the environment and use fewer resources, like water, to produce food.
Reforestation – Planting trees to restore forests and absorb more CO₂ from the atmosphere.
Climate Resilience – The ability of a community or area to adapt and recover from climate-related challenges like typhoons, floods, or droughts.
Mitigation – Efforts to reduce or prevent the release of greenhouse gases to slow down climate change.
Adaptation – Actions taken to adjust to the effects of climate change, like building flood defenses or planting drought-resistant crops.
El Niño – A weather pattern where the Pacific Ocean becomes warmer than usual, often leading to less rain and drought in the Philippines.
La Niña – The opposite of El Niño, where the Pacific Ocean is cooler than usual, often leading to more rain and floods in the Philippines.
Greenhouse Gases – Gases like carbon dioxide (CO₂) and methane (CH₄) that trap heat in the atmosphere and cause global warming.
Biodiversity – The variety of all living things, like plants, animals, and microorganisms, which are important for the health of ecosystems.
Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) – A gas that is released when we burn fossil fuels like coal, oil, or gas. It’s the main gas responsible for global warming.
Methane (CH₄) – A powerful greenhouse gas released by livestock (like cows) and when organic matter breaks down.
Ocean Acidification – The increase in the acidity of ocean water due to more CO₂ being absorbed, which harms marine life.