Climate Change

Climate change describes long-term shifts in Earth’s climate, including changes in temperature, rainfall, wind patterns, and the frequency of some weather events. Earth’s climate has changed many times throughout history due to natural processes such as volcanic eruptions, changes in the Sun’s energy, and slow shifts in the planet’s orbit. In recent times, scientists have observed that the climate is warming faster than in many earlier periods, and they study both natural and human factors to understand these patterns.

Climate is different from weather. Weather describes conditions over short periods, such as a rainy afternoon or a hot day. Climate describes the usual patterns of weather in a place over many years. For example, a desert climate is usually dry, while a tropical climate is usually warm and wet. Climate change refers to changes in these long-term patterns, not daily weather events.

One important part of studying climate change is understanding the role of gases in the atmosphere. Some gases, often called greenhouse gases, help keep Earth warm enough for life by trapping heat from the Sun. These gases include carbon dioxide, methane, and water vapor. When more of these gases build up in the atmosphere, they can hold more heat. Scientists measure the levels of these gases to see how they change over time.

Climate change can affect many parts of the environment. Warmer temperatures may change how ice forms in polar regions and mountains. Oceans can become warmer, and sea levels can rise when ice melts or when water expands as it heats up. Changes in rainfall can affect farms, forests, and freshwater supplies. Some plants and animals may shift where they live as conditions in their habitats change. Scientists use tools like satellites, weather stations, and computer models to track these changes and describe how they develop.

Human activities contribute to climate change mainly through the release of greenhouse gases. These gases come from activities such as using fossil fuels for energy, raising livestock, and certain types of land use. By studying these sources, researchers can understand how human actions affect the climate and how patterns differ from natural changes.

Scientists around the world work together to observe climate change and record its effects. They compare data from different regions, study ice cores and tree rings from the past, and track changes over decades. This information helps create a clearer picture of how Earth’s climate is changing and how these changes may continue in the future.