What is climate change?

Climate change refers to long-term changes in our planet’s temperature and weather patterns. There are many factors that influence the climate, both natural and human-caused. However, for the last two centuries, human activity has been the primary driver of climate change – sometimes also called “global warming” due to the overall warming trend depicted in the image below:

What is climate change?

Climate change refers to long-term changes in our planet’s temperature and weather patterns. There are many factors that influence the climate, both natural and human-caused. However, for the last two centuries, human activity has been the primary driver of climate change – sometimes also called “global warming” due to the overall warming trend depicted in the image below:

What is causing the change?

Scientists point to six greenhouse gases, predominantly carbon dioxide and methane, that trap heat in the atmosphere. We need some of this gas to protect us from the icy vacuum of space, but too much causes problems, including:

• Supercharged storms
• Increased risk of wildfires
• Drought/crop loss
• Extreme heat
• …and more

Who is it affecting?

Climate change affects all of us, in ways you might or might not be aware of. Beaches are shrinking due to sea level rise, “tornado alley” has shifted from its historical range, grains are losing their nutritional value, and airplane rides are bumpier.

Still, climate change doesn’t affect all of us equally. Those with fewer resources are more vulnerable to increased food costs, storm damage, and extreme temperatures.