The usual weather conditions in a place over a long period of time, including temperature, rainfall, and wind. It can also mean the general mood or situation in a group or society.
From Greek "klima" meaning "region or slope of the earth," from "klinein" meaning "to lean," referring to how the earth’s tilt affects sunlight. Over time it came to focus on the typical weather in those regions.
Originally, climate was about how the earth "leans" toward the sun—that tilt quietly runs the planet’s entire weather system. Now we also talk about "political climate" or "school climate," borrowing the idea that long‑term conditions shape everything that happens.
While 'climate' itself is neutral, climate discourse has often overlooked gendered impacts of environmental change, such as how women and marginalized genders are differently affected by resource scarcity and displacement. Policy language historically centered male-dominated sectors and decision-makers.
When discussing climate, acknowledge that impacts and responsibilities can be gender-differentiated without stereotyping any gender as inherently more caring or responsible. Use inclusive terms like 'communities' or 'people most affected' rather than assuming a single representative subject.
Women scientists, organizers, and Indigenous leaders have been at the forefront of climate research and activism, frequently under-credited in mainstream narratives despite their central contributions.
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