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Glossary of Terms

Albedo
Refers to the snow and ice pack covering parts of the earth, and its ability to reflect solar radiation. Since white reflects heat, the snow reflects the heat of the sun. When snow and glaciers melt, the earth loses an important mechanism for regulating the temperature of the atmosphere. In addition, glacier and snowmelt provides an important source of drinking water for much of the world, especially Asia. When these freshwater sources disappear, populations suffer.

The melt and loss of albedo also creates a feedback loop
that intensifies climate change
– the darker areas of the earth revealed under the snow hold more heat, and thus help warm the earth.
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