Glossary of Key Climate Change Terms

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Adaptation – An adjustment in natural or human systems to a new or changing environment. "Adaptation to climate change" refers to an adjustment in natural or human systems in response to actual or expected climate change or its effects that serves to moderate harm (or vulnerability to harm) or exploit beneficial opportunities. Adaptation can be either anticipatory (e.g., building bridges higher to accommodate a future rise in sea level) or reactive (e.g., using snow machines to offset decreased snowfall at ski resorts) and either autonomous (e.g., migration of animal or plant populations toward areas with compatible habitat) or planned (e.g., changes in crop selection and planting schedules).