# Understanding Climate: More than Just Weather
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Chapter 1: Defining Climate
The term "climate" evokes the idea of a static concept, yet it encompasses far more than just the weather conditions we experience daily.
According to common understanding, climate refers to the average weather conditions in a specific area over the past three decades. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) defines it as:
“the statistical description in terms of the mean and variability of relevant quantities over a period ranging from months to thousands or millions of years. The classical period is 30 years, as defined by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). These quantities are typically surface variables such as temperature, precipitation, and wind.”
This definition highlights that climate is inherently physical, statistical, and numerical—capable of being stored in databases, visualized in graphs, and manipulated through computational models. However, it is essential to recognize that climate, unlike weather, is not something we directly experience; it is an abstract concept.
This understanding has evolved over time. Renowned Prussian scientist Alexander von Humboldt once remarked that “[Climate] encompasses all atmospheric changes that significantly influence our senses, including temperature, humidity, variations in barometric pressure, and even the purity of the air.” Humboldt was a polymath who meticulously documented natural phenomena and developed a groundbreaking perspective on biogeography, linking climatic conditions to the distribution of flora and fauna.
Everything in nature, according to Humboldt, is interconnected in complex and predictable ways. His holistic approach integrates human experiences with climate, transforming it from mere numerical data into a lived reality—an environment we inhabit.
Section 1.1: The Concept of Klima
The term "climate" traces its roots back to the Greek word “klima,” which translates to “inclination” or “latitude.” Scholars advocating for a broader understanding of climate have revisited the term “klima” to challenge the overly simplistic, statistical interpretations commonly presented by organizations like the IPCC and WMO.
Klima seeks to address the question: “If climate transcends weather, then what does it truly encompass?” While recognizing the significance of physical and statistical metrics, klima also encompasses human experiences and emotions, as well as the vitality of ecosystems that thrive within our atmosphere.
How do our livelihoods adapt to changing conditions? What emotional responses arise from climate shifts? How do plants, animals, and other organisms react to these changes? These questions underscore the necessity of a more comprehensive understanding of climate.
After all, if we dissociate climate change from the human experience, it becomes challenging to understand why it matters. If climate is merely a collection of data points—temperature, precipitation, wind speed—one might dismiss it as insignificant.
Yet, climate represents far more than a series of numerical values. It embodies our experiences: the sensation of air on our skin, the rising costs of goods, the displacement from coastal homes due to rising sea levels, and the devastation of homes by extreme weather events.
Section 1.2: Experiencing Climate
Climate is the fabric of our daily lives. We can quantify aspects of our experiences—like a temperature increase of 1.5 degrees Celsius—but we cannot reduce the entirety of human experience to mere statistics.
If we aim to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees by 2050, we must acknowledge that climate is not merely a theoretical concept confined to reports; it is a pervasive force that influences our choices and actions. Each decision we make, in turn, impacts the climate.
Chapter 2: Engaging with Climate
To delve deeper into the implications of climate change on our lives, consider the following video resources that explore these themes further.
This first video, "Klima: A Read-aloud Storybook for Kids About Climate Change, Biotechnology, and Caring for the Earth," provides an engaging introduction to the complexities of climate change for younger audiences.
The second video, "How to Pronounce 'Klima' (Climate) Correctly in German," helps clarify the terminology, enhancing our understanding of climate-related discussions.
In conclusion, the concept of climate transcends mere meteorological data; it embodies an intricate interplay of experiences, emotions, and environmental interactions that shape our world.