A glossary of terms, resources, and events related to the Climate+ Challenge
at Kwantlen Polytechnic University
Note: this page is currently being created and updated.
[new term]
Anthropocene The current epoch where humans have had a significant impact on planetary climate and ecosystems. This new era is characterized by accelerated carbon emissions, global heating, and species extinction.
Anthropogenenic Human-made activities or events. An example of an anthropogenic effect are greenhouse gas emissions made by humans.
Carbon Cycle The movement or exchange of carbon between different parts of the Earth. The main reservoirs of carbon include the atmosphere, the oceans, plants and animals, and sediments (which includes fossil fuels). Some of the biological processes that convert carbon into different forms include photosynthesis, cellular respiration, and ingestion. The burning of fossil fuels releases carbon, in the form of carbon dioxide, into the atmosphere.
Carbon Dioxide A natural gas in the atmosphere. Carbon dioxide is produced as a by-product of photosynthesis, and also fossil fuel combustion and extractive industrial processes. This greenhouse gas contributes to global heating and the greenhouse effect.
Carbon Neutral The state of having net zero carbon dioxide emissions. For instance, a company that releases the same amount of CO2 that they remove from the atmosphere is carbon neutral.
Carbon Negative The state of of having a net removal of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. For instance, a company that releases less CO2 than they remove from the atmosphere is carbon negative.
Climate Long-term weather averages and variations based on precipitation, temperature, wind and other variables. The World Metereological Society determines average climate across 30-year periods.
Climate Crisis A significant and catastrophic change in temperature, wind, precipitation and other climatic factors over an extended period of time. In 2019, The Guardian changed its language to use the terms Climate Crisis and Global Heating.
Climate Justice
Coal Partially decomposed plant matter, formed in areas with little to no access to air. Most coal developed during the Carboniferous period more than 300 millions years ago.
Divestment Moving investments and other finances out of the fossil fuel industry. Unity College was the first US college to divest in 2012. SFU has committed to full divestment from fossil fuels by 2025, and UBC by 2030.
Eco-anxiety The fear of current environmental disasters and their consequences. Also called climate anxiety. [link to Thriving Aid]
Fossil Fuels Combustible organic materials formed over hundreds of millions of years by plants and animals decaying and subsequently being converted, by heat and pressure, to coal, crude oil, natural gases and other oils. The extraction and burning of fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide.
Generation Dread Book by Britt Wray on finding purpose during the climate emergency. Nominated for a Governor’s General Award. Generation Dread was the focus of a book club for the Climate+ Challenge. You can sign up for the Gen Dread e-newsletter here.
Greenhouse Effect Increased temperatures caused by greenhouse gases re-radiated the heat from the Earth’s surface back down, thus trapping this heat. [Futurama’s take on Global Warming]
Greenhouse Gases Any gas that contributes to the greenhouse effect by absorbing infrared radiation. Some examples of greenhouse gases include carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), ozone (O3), and water vapor.
Greenwashing When a practice or product is less environmentally friendly than advertised. For example, a company that spends more time and money to appear ‘green’ than engaging in ecological-sound practices.
Intersectional Leah Thomas defines intersectional environmentalism as “an inclusive version of environmentalism that advocates for both the protection of people and the planet.” Different forms of oppression are linked. An intersectional approach recognizes each individuals experience as unique, and how various forms of discrimination—race, gender disability—are interconnected.
Libguide on the Climate Emergency A guide to the climate crisis and possible solutions, often with a focus local to British Columbia. [Link to this LibGuide]
Methane A hydrocarbon (CH4) produced through anaerobic (lacking oxygen) decomposition of landfill waste, decomposing animal wastes, animal digestion, and fossil fuel combustion.
Mitigation Human interventions to lessen our impact on the global climate, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions and nature-based solutions (e.g., tree planting and restoring wetlands).
Ocean Acidification The lowering of ocean pH due to higher carbon dioxide concentrations in sea water. Carbon dioxide dissociates in water, resulting in carbonic acid and then the release of hydrogen ions. This is of particular concern due to the extensive length of time to reverse ocean acidification and the detrimental effect on numerous organisms such as algae, crustaceans, and mollusks which require calcification.
Ozone The colourless gas O3 found in the stratosphere and troposphere. Ozone shields the Earth from the sun’s ultraviolet radiation; conversely, high levels of ozone can be harmful to biological life.
Ozone Layer A layer of O3 (ozone) from 15km to approximately 50km above the Earth’s surface, with the highest concentration roughly 25km above the Earth. Chlorofluorocarbons and other human-made compounds deplete the ozone layer.
Renewable Energy Energy derived from hydro, solar, wind, waste, biomass and other sources that replenish naturally.
Stratosphere Layer above the troposphere that extends roughly 19 to 48km above the Earth. Typical cruising altitudes of commercial airliners travel through the lower stratosphere.
Tar Sand A mixture of mostly sand, fine clay, water and bitumen (a thick, molasses-like oil). Heating tar sand can derive bitumen, which can be processed into synthetic fuel.
Troposphere The lowest atmospheric layer that extends from the Earth’s surface to about 10km. Ozone forms in the troposphere, and weather and clouds occur.
Water Vapour Water in gaseous form in the atmosphere. Water vapour is the most common greenhouse gas, and influences planetary temperature due to its excess resulting in cloud formation.
[new term]