A Polar Glossary

Unlock the language of Arctic climate science with our comprehensive glossary, defining essential terms to deepen your understanding of global climate risks.

A

Atmospheric Rivers

An atmospheric river is a narrow band of moisture in the atmosphere that can transport large amounts of water vapour over long distances.

Atlantification

A process that is reshaping the physical and chemical conditions of the Arctic Ocean, as a result of global warming. It is the transformation of the Arctic Ocean from colder, fresher, and ice-capped to warmer, saltier, and increasingly ice-free.

Arctic Boreal Region

The Arctic Boreal region is a vast area of forests and tundra that covers much of Canada, Alaska, and Siberia.

Anthropogenic carbon emissions

Anthropogenic carbon emissions are those, e.g. carbon dioxide (CO2) that are released into the atmosphere as a result of human activities, such as burning fossil fuels (coal, oil, and gas), deforestation, and industrial processes.

Africa Adaptation Acceleration Program (AAAP)

The AAAP is an initiative led by the African Development Bank, the Global Center on Adaptation, and the African Union Commission. It is aimed at accelerating climate change adaptation across Africa by mobilizing resources and promoting partnerships.

Abatement Technologies

Abatement technologies refer to methods and technologies used to reduce or eliminate harmful emissions from industrial processes, power generation, transportation, and other activities that contribute to environmental pollution.

B

Boreal Forests

Boreal forests, also known as taiga, are vast forests found in cold regions of the northern hemisphere, including Canada, Alaska, Scandinavia, and Russia.

C

Cyclone

A cyclone is a weather phenomenon characterized by a system of low pressure at the centre of a rotating storm.

Circular Material Flows

(also known as a Circular Economy): Circular material flows refer to a concept of designing production and consumption systems in a way that minimizes waste and maximizes resource efficiency.

Carbon Pricing

Carbon pricing is a market-based tool that puts a price on carbon emissions.

Carbon Dioxide Sink

A carbon dioxide sink is a natural or human-made process that absorbs and stores carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere.

Carbon Capture

Carbon capture refers to the process of capturing carbon dioxide (CO2) from industrial processes or power generation activities, before it is released into the atmosphere.

Carbon Budget

A carbon budget is an estimate of the maximum amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) that can be emitted into the atmosphere while still keeping global temperatures from rising above a certain threshold.

D

Drought

Drought is a prolonged period of abnormally dry weather, which can lead to a shortage of water resources for human, animal, and plant populations. It can last for days or many years. 

Demand-Side Adaptations

Demand-side adaptations refer to actions or strategies aimed at reducing the demand for goods or services that contribute to climate change. 

E

Extreme Weather Events

Extreme weather events are severe, unusual or unseasonal weather phenomena that occur outside of the range of normal weather patterns. 

F

G

Greenhouse Gases

Greenhouse gases are gases in the Earth’s atmosphere that trap heat from the sun, warming the planet’s surface.

Green Transition

The green transition means a shift towards economically sustainable growth, away from an economy that is reliant on fossil fuels and overconsumption of natural resources. A sustainable economy relies on low-carbon solutions that promote the circular economy and biodiversity. 

Geospatial Solutions

Geospatial solutions refer to technologies and techniques that allow for the collection, analysis, and visualization of spatial data. 

H

Hydrological Cycle

The hydrological cycle, also known as the water cycle, is the process by which water continuously moves through the Earth’s atmosphere, surface, and subsurface. 

I

IPCC

The Intergovernmental Pannel on Climate Change (IPCC) is an international organisation established by the United Nations to provide scientific information and advice on climate change. 

J

Just Transition

A Just Transition means greening the economy in a way that is as fair and inclusive as possible to everyone concerned, creating decent work opportunities and leaving no one behind. 

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M

N

Net Zero

Net zero is a term used to describe a state where the amount of greenhouse gases that are emitted into the atmosphere is equal to the amount that is removed. 

Nature-Based Climate Solutions

Nature-based climate solutions refer to actions that use natural processes to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and/or remove carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere. 

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P

Positive Feedback Loop

A positive feedback loop is a process in which a change in one area leads to more changes that amplify the original change. This creates a cycle of increasingly larger changes that continue until something intervenes to stop the cycle. 

Polar Vortex

The polar vortex is a low-pressure system of cold air that circulates around the North or South Pole.

Permafrost

Permafrost is a layer of permanently frozen soil or sediment that is found in Arctic and sub-Arctic regions of the world. It consists of soil, gravel, and sand that has been frozen for at least two consecutive years and can extend from a few meters to over a kilometre deep. 

Peat

Peat is a type of soil that forms over thousands of years from the accumulation of organic matter, such as dead plant material, in wetland areas. 

Q

R

Regional Transboundary Collaboration

Regional transboundary collaboration refers to cooperation and coordination between neighbouring regions or countries on issues that affect both areas. 

S

Supply-Side Options

In the context of climate change, supply-side options can refer to measures that reduce greenhouse gas emissions by increasing the availability of low-carbon or renewable energy sources or by improving the efficiency of production processes. 

Solar Radiation

Solar radiation refers to the energy that comes from the sun in the form of electromagnetic waves.  

T

Tropospheric Jet Stream

The tropospheric jet stream is a fast-flowing, narrow band of air in the Earth’s atmosphere that moves from west to east. It is located in the troposphere, the layer of the atmosphere closest to the Earth’s surface, at an altitude of about 10 kilometers or 6 miles. 

The Risk Multiplier Effect

Risk multiplier refers to a factor that can amplify or exacerbate the impact of a risk or hazard. 

Technology Transfer

Technology transfer refers to the process of sharing or transferring knowledge, skills, and technology from one organization, country, or individual to another for the purpose of promoting economic and social development. 

Task Force for Climate-Related Financial Disclosures

The Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) is a group established by the Financial Stability Board, an international organization that monitors and makes recommendations about the global financial system. 

U

UK Met Office

The UK Met Office is the national weather service for the United Kingdom. It provides weather forecasts and warnings to the public, as well as to various industries and organizations such as aviation, shipping, and emergency services. 

V

W

World Meteorological Organisation (WMO)

The World Meteorological Organization is an international organization established by the United Nations to promote cooperation among countries in the areas of meteorology, hydrology, and related sciences. 

WBCSD

The World Business Council for Sustainable Development is a global organization that brings together companies and industry associations committed to advancing sustainable development through economic growth, environmental protection, and social progress. 

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