As we look back on a year alarmingly full of climate events and their devastating aftermath, and after COP27’s sobering look at the state of global warming and our imperfect efforts to turn it around, it’s natural to feel concerned and discouraged about the future.

Global leaders are about to meet for another UN climate summit - COP27 starting in Sharm el-Sheikh on Sunday - and the reality of climate change for many people can be overwhelming.

Climate change has led to extreme weather events such as floods and drought. These events have become more frequent and more severe. Natural disasters associated with climate change have a devastating effect on people’s lives, destroying homes, roads and others key infrastructure.

COP27 delegates will be relying on UN climate science agency studies to make decisions about future energy plans

Leaders, diplomats, campaigners and scientists descend on Sharm el-Sheikh in Egypt for talks on tackling climate change.

U.N. Secretary General António Guterres issued a dire warning about climate change at the COP27 climate conference in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, on Nov. 7

Your jargon-busting climate glossary.