Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Computer systems designed to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as pattern recognition, decision-making, and prediction.
Machine Learning
Type of AI where computers learn from data and improve their performance over time without being explicitly programmed for every scenario.
Neural Network
AI system modeled after the human brain, consisting of interconnected nodes (neurons) that process information in layers. Particularly effective for recognizing complex patterns.
Deep Learning
Advanced machine learning using neural networks with many layers. Capable of learning increasingly abstract patterns from raw data.
Convolutional Neural Network (CNN)
Specialized neural network architecture particularly effective at analyzing visual information, commonly used for satellite image analysis.
Algorithm
Set of step-by-step instructions that a computer follows to solve a problem or complete a task. AI uses sophisticated algorithms to find patterns in data.
Training Data
Examples used to teach an AI system. The quality and quantity of training data significantly affects AI performance.
Model
In AI, the mathematical representation of patterns learned from training data. Used to make predictions on new, unseen data.
Big Data
Extremely large datasets that are too complex for humans to analyze manually. AI excels at finding patterns in big data.
Supervised Learning
Machine learning approach where AI learns from labeled examples (input data paired with correct outputs).
Pattern Recognition
AI's ability to identify regularities, trends, or recurring features in data that may be invisible to human observers.
Generative AI
Type of AI that can create new content (images, text, predictions) based on patterns learned from training data.
Climate
Long-term patterns of weather in a region, typically measured over 30+ years. Different from weather, which describes short-term atmospheric conditions.
Climate Change
Long-term alteration in Earth's climate patterns, particularly the warming trend observed since the mid-20th century, largely caused by human activities.
Global Warming
Long-term heating of Earth's surface observed since pre-industrial times, primarily due to human emissions of greenhouse gases.
Greenhouse Gas (GHG)
Gases that trap heat in Earth's atmosphere (carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, etc.). Essential for life but causing warming when concentrations increase.
Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
Primary greenhouse gas emitted by human activities. Measured in parts per million (ppm). Pre-industrial levels: 280 ppm; Current levels: 420+ ppm.
Carbon Sink
Natural system that absorbs more carbon than it releases. Forests, oceans, and soil are major carbon sinks.
Carbon Footprint
Total greenhouse gas emissions caused by an individual, organization, event, or product, usually expressed as CO2 equivalent.
Fossil Fuels
Energy sources formed from ancient organic matter (coal, oil, natural gas). Burning fossil fuels releases stored carbon, driving climate change.
Renewable Energy
Energy from sources that naturally replenish (solar, wind, hydroelectric, geothermal). Does not produce greenhouse gas emissions during operation.
Sea Level Rise
Increase in global ocean surface height due to thermal expansion (warming water expands) and melting ice sheets/glaciers.
Ocean Acidification
Decrease in ocean pH caused by absorption of excess atmospheric CO2. Threatens marine ecosystems, especially coral reefs and shellfish.
Climate Model
Computer simulation of Earth's climate system used to understand past changes and predict future conditions under different scenarios.
Weather Prediction
Forecasting atmospheric conditions (temperature, precipitation, wind) hours to weeks in advance. Different from climate modeling which projects long-term trends.
Extreme Weather Event
Severe weather occurrence at the extreme end of historical distribution (hurricanes, heat waves, droughts, floods). Becoming more frequent due to climate change.
Satellite Imagery
Pictures of Earth taken from space by satellites. Provides global view of weather patterns, vegetation, ice coverage, and other climate indicators.
Remote Sensing
Technology for obtaining information about Earth's surface without physical contact, primarily using satellites and aircraft.
Temperature Anomaly
Difference between measured temperature and long-term average (baseline). Used to track warming trends. Expressed as degrees above or below normal.
Ice Core Data
Cylinders of ice drilled from glaciers/ice sheets containing air bubbles preserving atmospheric composition from thousands of years ago. Critical for understanding past climates.
Tree Ring Data (Dendrochronology)
Annual growth rings in trees record climate conditions. Wider rings = better growing conditions. Used to reconstruct past climate.
Carbon Concentration
Amount of carbon dioxide in atmosphere, typically measured in parts per million (ppm). Keeling Curve shows steady increase since 1958.
Data Visualization
Graphical representation of data to make patterns and trends easily understandable. Includes charts, graphs, maps, and interactive dashboards.
Time Series
Data points collected over time, allowing analysis of trends and patterns. Essential for climate science which studies changes over decades.
Correlation
Statistical relationship between two variables that change together. Important: correlation does not prove causation.
Dataset
Organized collection of data, typically in tabular form. Climate datasets contain millions of measurements from sensors worldwide.
Wildfire Detection
Using technology (satellites, cameras, AI) to identify fires quickly after ignition, enabling faster emergency response.
Air Quality Index (AQI)
Standardized indicator of air pollution levels. Ranges from 0-500, with higher numbers indicating greater health risks.
PM2.5
Fine particulate matter smaller than 2.5 micrometers in diameter. Most dangerous air pollutant as it penetrates deep into lungs.
Deforestation
Permanent removal of forests, releasing stored carbon and reducing CO2 absorption capacity. Major contributor to climate change.
Reforestation
Planting trees in areas where forests previously existed. Helps sequester carbon and restore ecosystems.
Carbon Offset
Reduction in greenhouse gas emissions used to compensate for emissions elsewhere. Requires verification that carbon reduction is real and additional.
Illegal Fishing (IUU)
Fishing that violates laws or occurs in prohibited areas. Threatens marine ecosystems and food security. IUU = Illegal, Unreported, Unregulated.
Marine Protected Area (MPA)
Ocean region where human activities (especially fishing) are restricted to conserve ecosystems and species.
Overfishing
Catching fish faster than populations can reproduce, leading to depleted stocks and ecosystem damage.
Smart Grid
Electrical grid using digital technology and AI to monitor and manage electricity flow efficiently, integrating renewable energy sources.
Energy Storage
Technologies (batteries, pumped hydro, compressed air) that store energy for later use. Essential for managing variable renewable energy.
Capacity Factor
Percentage of time an energy source operates at maximum output. Coal plants: 60-75%; Wind: 35%; Solar: 25%.
Baseload Power
Minimum amount of electricity that must be supplied 24/7 to meet constant demand.
Peaker Plant
Power plant operated only during periods of high electricity demand. Typically expensive fossil fuel plants.
Grid Stability
Maintaining steady voltage and frequency in electrical system. Challenges increase with variable renewable energy without AI prediction.
Renewable Intermittency
Variability in solar and wind power output due to weather conditions. AI prediction helps manage this challenge.
Carbon Credit
Certificate representing one metric ton of CO2 prevented from entering atmosphere or removed. Can be traded in carbon markets.
Nowcasting
Very short-term weather forecasting (0-6 hours ahead). Critical for immediate decisions like emergency response or flight safety.
LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging)
Remote sensing method using laser pulses to measure distances and create detailed 3D maps. Used to measure forest structure and tree height.
AIS (Automatic Identification System)
GPS-based tracking system required on commercial vessels. Broadcasts location, speed, and direction. Used to monitor fishing activity.
Thermal Imaging
Technology that detects infrared radiation (heat signatures) invisible to human eye. Used in wildfire detection and building energy audits.
SCADA (Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition)
Industrial control system used to monitor and control infrastructure like power grids, water treatment, and renewable energy facilities.
Ensemble Forecasting
Using multiple prediction models together to produce more reliable forecasts than any single model. Accounts for uncertainty.
Probabilistic Forecast
Prediction showing range of possible outcomes with associated probabilities, rather than single "best guess." More honest about uncertainty.
Resolution
Level of detail in data or images. Higher resolution = more detailed. Satellite imagery resolution measured in meters per pixel.
False Positive
When AI incorrectly identifies something as present when it isn't (e.g., detecting fire when there is none).
False Negative
When AI fails to detect something that is actually present. Often more dangerous than false positive (missing real fire).
Climate Justice
Recognition that climate change impacts are not equally distributed. Poor countries and marginalized communities suffer most despite contributing least to the problem.
Intergenerational Equity
Principle that current generation should not degrade environment for future generations. Central to climate ethics.
Technology Access Gap
Unequal distribution of advanced technologies between wealthy and poor countries/communities. AI climate tools may worsen inequity if not shared.
Environmental Justice
Fair treatment of all people regarding environmental regulations and policies. Addresses disproportionate pollution burden on minority and low-income communities.
Greenwashing
Misleading claims by companies about environmental benefits of products or practices. AI can help verify or expose greenwashing.
Sustainable Development
Economic progress that meets present needs without compromising future generations' ability to meet their needs.
Precautionary Principle
When action risks serious harm, lack of full scientific certainty should not delay protective measures. Guides climate policy.
Trend
General direction in which data is moving over time (increasing, decreasing, or stable).
Anomaly
Data point that deviates significantly from expected pattern. Can indicate error or genuine unusual event.
Baseline
Reference point for comparison. Climate baselines often use 1850-1900 average as pre-industrial reference.
Confidence Interval
Range within which true value likely falls, with specified probability (e.g., 95% confidence). Expresses uncertainty in measurements.
Validation
Process of checking AI model performance against independent data not used in training. Ensures model accuracy.
Bias
Systematic error in data or model. Can arise from unrepresentative training data or flawed measurement methods.
NOAA - National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (US climate and weather agency)
NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration (operates Earth observation satellites)
IPCC - Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (international body assessing climate science)
GHG - Greenhouse Gases
CO2 - Carbon Dioxide
ppm - Parts Per Million (concentration measurement)
GIS - Geographic Information System (software for mapping and spatial analysis)
EEZ - Exclusive Economic Zone (200-mile ocean area where country has fishing rights)
REDD+ - Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation
AI - Artificial Intelligence
ML - Machine Learning
CNN - Convolutional Neural Network
GAN - Generative Adversarial Network
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Lesson 6: AI in Climate Science and Prediction