Glossary

climate change (KLY-mut CHAYNJ) Climate change is the change in an area's normal climate conditions (such as rain and temperature) over a long period of time.

economy (ih-KON-uh-mee) A country's economy is the way it runs its businesses, trade, and finances.

Great Depression (GRAYT dih-PRESH-un) The Great Depression was a time in the 1930s when the economy was greatly troubled. Many people were out of work, hungry, and homeless.

pandemic (pan-DEM-ik) A pandemic is an epidemic that has spread all over the world.

social distancing (SOH-shull DIH-stan-sing) Social distancing is a way to stop the spread of a disease. It involves keeping at least six feet (2 m) away from other people, or staying at home.

vaccine (vak-SEEN) A vaccine is a weakened or dead form of a disease that is swallowed or injected into a person. This causes their body to fight the germs, and gives them the antibodies to fight that disease’s germs if the body comes in contact with them again.

virus (VY-russ) A virus is a very tiny germ that causes diseases. A virus can only be seen with a special kind of microscope.