Aerosols
Tiny solid or liquid particles suspended in the atmosphere that can reflect or absorb solar radiation.
Albedo
The fraction of incoming solar radiation that is reflected by a surface. Light surfaces have high albedo; dark surfaces have low albedo.
Shortwave radiation
High-energy radiation from the Sun
Longwave radiation
Low-energy infrared radiation emitted by the Earth back towards the atmosphere and space.
Energy budget
The balance between incoming solar radiation and outgoing longwave radiation from the Earth.
Insolation
Incoming solar radiation received by the Earth.
Greenhouse gases (GHGs)
Gases such as CO₂
Enhanced greenhouse effect
The strengthening of the natural greenhouse effect due to increased greenhouse gases from human activities.
Convection
Transfer of heat by the movement of gases or liquids (warm air rises
Feedback loop
A process where a change in a system causes effects that either amplify (positive feedback) or reduce (negative feedback) the original change.
Global dimming
A decrease in the amount of solar radiation reaching Earth’s surface due to particles (aerosols) in the atmosphere.
Carbon pool
A storage place for carbon (atmosphere
Carbon flux
Movement of carbon between carbon pools.
Carbon source
Releases more carbon than it absorbs.
Carbon sink
Absorbs more carbon than it releases.
Biosphere
The part of Earth where life exists.
Hydrosphere
All water on Earth including oceans
Vulnerability
The degree to which a population is susceptible to harm from climate hazards.
Disparity
Unequal exposure or unequal ability to cope with climate impacts.
Risk
The probability of a hazard occurring multiplied by its impact.
