Definitions - a

A shift in climate (e.g., temperature or precipitation) that occurs faster than the rate of change in the mechanism causing the change.

Any portion of the electromagnetic spectrum (including visible light) that is trapped by free atoms or molecules in the path of the radiation,so  reducing their transmission. In the climate context, this is important for the greenhouse effect since water vapor, carbon dioxide and methane absorb certain wavelengths of infrared radiation.

Molecules of acid formed from reactions high in the atmosphere involving nitrogen, sulfur oxides, and water vapor that settle out of the atmosphere without any additional water.

Acid Free is used to describe paper which is free from traces of acid; e.g. made under neutral sizing conditions. This helps improve its longevity.

Rainwater that has an acidity content greater than the postulated natural pH of about 5.6. It is formed when sulfur dioxides and nitrogen oxides, as gases or fine particles in the atmosphere, combine with water vapor and precipitate as sulfuric acid or nitric acid in rain, snow, or fog. The dry forms are acidic gases or particulates.

This is the most commonly used adsorption medium, produced by heating carbonaceous substances or cellulose bases in the absence of air. It has a very porous structure and is commonly used to remove organic matter and dissolved gases from water. Its appearance is similar to coal or peat. Available in granular, powder or block form; in powder form it has the highest adsorption capacity.

A biological wastewater treatment process in which a mixture of waste water and activated sludge is agitated and aerated. The activated sludge is then separated from the treated wastewater by sedimentation and disposed of or returned to the process as needed.

Active Ventilation is forced air ventilation, this is where a fan is used to move air into a space or room to provide ventilation.

The ability of a system (like an ecosystem) to adapt to climate change or other environmental disturbances. This may mean moderating potential damages, taking advantage of opportunities or coping with the consequences.

In discussions on global warming adaptive capacity often refers to a country. In this case it is currently much lower in developing countries, consequential to poverty.

The horizontal movement of heat energy. A warm breeze through a relatively cool orchard, for instance.

A water treatment pond that speeds up biological decomposition of organic waste by stimulating the growth and activity of bacteria, which are responsible for the degradation.

Tiny organisms living in the atmosphere. Certain small seeds, bacteria, and spores are examples.

Particulate matter, solid or liquid, larger than a molecule but small enough to remain suspended in the atmosphere.

A term coined by Australian writer Clive Hamilton to describe a society where the pursuit of material wealth has led to a lower quality of life with more unhappiness, depression and mental illness due to lack of community and the pressure to get rich.

A shift in climate (e.g., temperature or precipitation) that occurs faster than the rate of change in the mechanism causing the change.

A business that markets farm products and equipment, including warehousing, seed monopolization, and fertilizer. The corporatization of farming, resulting in a handful of very large non-local companies owning and managing--and in some cases ruining--millions of high-yield acres

A shift in climate (e.g., temperature or precipitation) that occurs faster than the rate of change in the mechanism causing the change.

A shift in climate (e.g., temperature or precipitation) that occurs faster than the rate of change in the mechanism causing the change.

A cell producing an electric current direct from a chemical reaction.

A cell producing an electric current direct from a chemical reaction.

A cell producing an electric current direct from a chemical reaction.

A cell producing an electric current direct from a chemical reaction.

A cell producing an electric current direct from a chemical reaction.

A cell producing an electric current direct from a chemical reaction.

A cell producing an electric current direct from a chemical reaction.

A cell producing an electric current direct from a chemical reaction.

A cell producing an electric current direct from a chemical reaction.

A cell producing an electric current direct from a chemical reaction.

A cell producing an electric current direct from a chemical reaction.

A cell producing an electric current direct from a chemical reaction.

A cell producing an electric current direct from a chemical reaction.

A cell producing an electric current direct from a chemical reaction.

A cell producing an electric current direct from a chemical reaction.

A cell producing an electric current direct from a chemical reaction.

A cell producing an electric current direct from a chemical reaction.

A cell producing an electric current direct from a chemical reaction.

A cell producing an electric current direct from a chemical reaction.

A cell producing an electric current direct from a chemical reaction.

A cell producing an electric current direct from a chemical reaction.

A cell producing an electric current direct from a chemical reaction.

A cell producing an electric current direct from a chemical reaction.

A cell producing an electric current direct from a chemical reaction.

A cell producing an electric current direct from a chemical reaction.

A cell producing an electric current direct from a chemical reaction.

A cell producing an electric current direct from a chemical reaction.

A cell producing an electric current direct from a chemical reaction.

A cell producing an electric current direct from a chemical reaction.

A cell producing an electric current direct from a chemical reaction.

A cell producing an electric current direct from a chemical reaction.

A cell producing an electric current direct from a chemical reaction.

A cell producing an electric current direct from a chemical reaction.

A cell producing an electric current direct from a chemical reaction.

A cell producing an electric current direct from a chemical reaction.

A cell producing an electric current direct from a chemical reaction.

A cell producing an electric current direct from a chemical reaction.

A cell producing an electric current direct from a chemical reaction.

A cell producing an electric current direct from a chemical reaction.

A cell producing an electric current direct from a chemical reaction.

A cell producing an electric current direct from a chemical reaction.

A cell producing an electric current direct from a chemical reaction.

A cell producing an electric current direct from a chemical reaction.

A cell producing an electric current direct from a chemical reaction.

A cell producing an electric current direct from a chemical reaction.

A cell producing an electric current direct from a chemical reaction.