Definitions

Climate Change
Describes the process in which there is a big shift (global) in weather patterns. Through everyday activities such as the burning of fossil fuels (e.g., oil, coal, natural gas), industrialized agricultural practices, and the clearing of forests, humans have released large amounts of heat trapping greenhouse gases into the atmosphere in a short period of time. This creates a thermal blanket in our atmosphere causing global warming. (UW Climate Impacts Group).

Greenhouse Gases (GHG)
A variety of gases that, once released into the atmosphere, trap the sun's heat causing a global greenhouse effect, which is like a heat-trapping blanket. Most GHGs come from the burning of fossil fuels and chemicals used for refrigeration and cooling. Examples of GHGs are carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide and fluorinated gases.

Climate Resilient Community
One that takes proactive steps to ensure all people are prepared for, recover from and thrive after difficult situations or events associated with our changing climate. Community members that face historic and current inequities often are the most vulnerable and need to be included in creating climate resilient communities.

Carbon Sequestration
Carbon Sequestration is the process of capturing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and storing it long-term in plants, soils and the ocean. Unfortunately, the ocean absorbs a large portion of the carbon dioxide emissions, resulting in ocean water becoming more acidic. While we can’t stop the ocean from absorbing carbon dioxide, we can plant more trees, conserve existing forests and  kelp beds, and improve soil management to help ease the burden on our oceans.

Land Use Changes
A process by which an area of land is converted from one use to another. This includes the alteration of natural and previously undisturbed lands for human purposes such as the development of homes and businesses and the raising of crops and livestock.