Deaf scientists and sign language specialists have collaborated to introduce numerous new signs to the British Sign Language (BSL). This expansion of the BSL lexicon includes climate-related terms such as "greenhouse gas" and "carbon footprint," which previously lacked official signs.

Before these additions, individuals like children, teachers, and scientists often resorted to finger-spelling lengthy and intricate scientific terms. Dr. Audrey Cameron, who is profoundly deaf, leads the sign language initiative at Edinburgh University. The project has successfully integrated 200 new environmental science terms into the BSL dictionary.

Dr. Cameron shared how her own scientific career was impacted by the lack of vocabulary, leading to exclusion from vital meetings and discussions.

"I participated in research for 11 years and attended numerous meetings, but I never truly felt engaged because I couldn't comprehend what people were saying," she informed BBC News. "My desire was to converse with individuals about chemistry, but unfortunately, I lacked the ability."

Liam McMulkin, a biology teacher based in Glasgow, has also actively taken part in the workshops focused on creating signs. These workshops are organized by the Scottish Sensory Centre. "The remarkable aspect of sign language, particularly within the realm of science, is its visual nature," he elucidated.

"Some of the concepts are abstract, yet sign language has the potential to significantly aid children's comprehension."

Mr. McMulkin illustrated his point with the sign for "photosynthesis," demonstrating how one hand's flat shape signifies a leaf while extending the fingers - resembling the sun's rays - with the other hand.

"When I perform this action [bringing the sun hand towards the leaf hand], you can observe that the leaf is absorbing the energy," he elaborated.

The science glossary initiative, partially funded by the Royal Society, has been operational since 2007 and has introduced around 7,000 novel signs to British Sign Language (BSL). These signs have been developed to provide support to deaf students in educational settings.

Detailing the sign creation process, Dr. Cameron expounded: "We compile a list of terms from the school curriculum and collaboratively devise accurate yet visually representative interpretations of their meanings."

The latest signs are centered around themes such as biodiversity, ecosystems, the physical environment, and pollution. An online video glossary has been created to showcase these terms.