What Is Climate Change?

Climate change refers to long-term shifts in average weather patterns, such as temperature, rainfall, and wind—lasting decades or longer. While weather describes short-term atmospheric conditions, climate refers to the typical patterns observed over years.

Sometimes, “climate change” and global warming are used interchangeably, but they're not identical. Global warming specifically describes the rise in Earth's average surface temperature. In contrast, climate change encompasses global warming and its wide-ranging effects, such as melting glaciers, rising sea levels, shifting precipitation patterns, and increasingly extreme weather events.

Is the Earth’s Climate Changing?

Though Earth's climate naturally fluctuates over millennia, recent data clearly show a rapid warming period. Since the early 20th century, average global temperatures have increased significantly, leading to noticeable environmental consequences.

What's Causing It?

While natural phenomena like volcanic activity and solar variation do influence climate, the current warming trend is largely driven by human activity. The combustion of fossil fuels—coal, oil, and gas—along with deforestation, releases greenhouse gases (CO₂, methane, nitrous oxide), which trap heat in Earth’s atmosphere similarly to a greenhouse's glass panel .

Effects Around the Globe

The impact of climate change is widespread and severe:

• Melting ice and glacier retreat

• Rising sea levels

• More frequent extreme weather: storms, heatwaves, droughts

• Disrupted ecosystems and habitats

Why It Matters

Even a seemingly small temperature rise (1–2 °C) can trigger major disruptions:

• Loss of biodiversity, as species lose habitats

• Strained water resources, agricultural systems, and food security

• Increased health risks, including respiratory problems, heat-related illness, and waterborne disease

What You Can Do

Although the challenge is global, action starts locally:

• Reduce personal use of fossil fuels

• Support a shift toward renewable energy

• Participate in climate advocacy and sustainable policies