Your Guide to Climate Change
+ what it means for Inverclyde
Climate change is being discussed more than ever, but the language used in those conversations isn't always easy to navigate.
Whether it's in the news, on social media, or in policy discussions, terms like adaptation, net zero, and climate resilience are often used without much explanation. While these concepts are important, they can sometimes make climate conversations feel more complicated than they need to be.
This guide breaks down some of the most common climate terms, as simple as it gets, to try and help make climate action more accessible.
Climate Change - the Basics
The United Nations defines climate change as long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns. Sometimes these shifts can be natural, caused by changes in the sun’s activity or by large volcanic eruptions. But since the 1800s, human activities have been the main driver of climate change, through things like burning fossil fuels, which releases greenhouse gases.
Greenhouse gases are invisible gases that trap heat in the atmosphere. Just like the glass walls of a greenhouse keep plants warm in the winter, greenhouse gases (at normal levels) keep the Earth at a comfortable temperature for living things.
The current problem is that we have too many greenhouse gases in the air and the planet is heating up too much. This can lead to more frequent extreme weather, rising sea levels, changing ecosystems, and impacts on food production and infrastructure. Although climate change is a global issue, its effects are increasingly being felt at a local level too.
Climate Jargon Decoded
Net Zero
Net zero means reducing greenhouse gas emissions as much as possible and balancing any emissions that remain by removing an equivalent amount from the atmosphere. The goal is to stop adding more greenhouse gases to the atmosphere overall.
Biodiversity
Biodiversity is all the different plants, animals, insects, fungi, and other living things that share our planet. The more biodiversity we have, the healthier our natural environment tends to be.
Climate Adaptation
Climate adaptation means preparing for the effects of climate change that are already happening or are expected in the future. Examples include improving flood defences, creating shade during heatwaves, or helping communities prepare for extreme weather.
Climate Mitigation
Climate mitigation means taking action to slow down climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Examples include using renewable energy, improving energy efficiency, reducing waste, and protecting forests.
Sequestration
Sequestration is the process of capturing and storing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Nature does this through forests, peatlands, oceans, and soils, which absorb and store carbon over time. Planting trees and restoring peatlands is really important to make sure this continues.
Climate Resilience
Climate resilience is the ability of people, communities, and ecosystems to cope with climate change and withstand its impacts. A resilient community is better prepared for challenges such as flooding, storms, or extreme heat.
Climate Justice
Climate justice recognises that climate change does not affect everyone equally. Some people or communities are more vulnerable to climate change than others, such as those struggling with food insecurity or those with disabilities.
Climate solutions should therefore be fair, equitable, and accessible to everyone.
Carbon Offsetting
Carbon offsetting involves funding projects that reduce or remove greenhouse gases to balance out emissions produced elsewhere.
It’s helpful to note how this differs from sequestration:
Sequestration is the physical process of capturing and storing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, whereas carbon offsetting involves paying to compensate for your own emissions by funding an external project.
Tipping Point
A tipping point is a critical threshold that, when crossed, can lead to large, accelerating, and often irreversible changes in the climate system. For example, if the temperature were to rise above a certain threshold, it would cause irreversible melting of the ice caps which would subject us to several metres of sea level rise.
While these terms are commonly used in climate discussions, the ideas behind them are often much simpler than they first appear. Understanding a few key concepts can help us feel more confident when talking about climate change and exploring ways to take action.
Now that we've covered some of the most common climate terms, let's look at what climate change means closer to home and how it is already affecting communities here in Inverclyde.
What Does Climate Change Mean for Inverclyde?
When we think about climate change, it's easy to picture melting ice caps, droughts, or wildfires in other parts of the world. However, climate change is already affecting communities here in Scotland and will continue to shape life in Inverclyde in the years ahead.
Some of the impacts we may experience include:
Increased flooding and coastal erosion, particularly in areas close to the shoreline
More frequent and severe storms, bringing stronger winds and heavier rainfall
Pressure on transport networks and infrastructure, affecting how people travel and access services
Changes to local wildlife and habitats, placing additional pressure on biodiversity
Rising food and energy costs linked to extreme weather, disrupted supply chains, and challenges for food production
While these challenges are significant, communities across Inverclyde are already taking positive action to respond.
Climate Action Is Already Happening Here
Climate action, much like climate change, is not a distant prospect - it's already taking place across Inverclyde. Local organisations, volunteers, schools, and community groups are helping to create a greener, healthier, and more resilient community.
Community growing projects at places such as Belville, Branchton, and Inverkip are producing fresh food while bringing people together. Environmental groups such as Green Tangerine are organising litter picks, biodiversity projects, and community events. Organisations including The Trust and Inverclyde Community Food Network are helping reduce food waste, improve food security, and build practical skills through cooking and growing initiatives.
Schools are also playing an important role. Projects such as those at Kilmacolm Primary are helping children and young people learn about food growing, biodiversity, and sustainability through hands-on experiences.
These projects demonstrate that climate action is about more than reducing emissions. It's also about strengthening communities, improving wellbeing, protecting nature, and creating opportunities for people to learn, connect, and take action together.
How Can You Get Involved?
You don't need specialist knowledge or experience to get involved in climate action. Small actions, taken by many people, can have a meaningful impact.
Here are a few ways to get started:
Join a local community growing project
Repair, reuse, share, or borrow items where possible
Walk, cycle, or use public transport when practical
Support wildlife by planting pollinator-friendly flowers or creating habitats in your garden
Volunteer with a local environmental or community organisation
Learn more about climate change and share your knowledge
Whether you're looking to volunteer, start a project, learn something new, or connect with others who care about their community, ICAN is here to help point you in the right direction.
Every Action Counts
Climate change is one of the defining challenges of our time, but meaningful action doesn't only happen at national or international levels. It also happens in neighbourhoods, schools, community centres, gardens, and local organisations.
No single person can solve climate change alone, but every action contributes to a larger collective effort. By working together, communities can become more resilient, support one another through challenges, and create positive change for future generations.
Climate action isn't about being perfect. It's about finding practical ways to make a difference, whether that's through growing food, reducing waste, supporting nature, sharing skills, or simply getting involved in your local community. Hopefully this guide gave you the confidence to go and get stuck in!
Join ICAN today to start your climate action journey in Inverclyde!