Climate Change is the shift in average weather conditions over a long period of time. When the climate changes, it affects how and where people live. Climate change is caused by human activities, including burning fossil fuels like oil, gas and coal for energy. Burning these fuels releases carbon dioxide, which traps heat in Earth’s atmosphere and causes the planet to warm. It also affects other gases in the atmosphere, like water vapor, methane and ozone.
The Earth’s average temperature has risen over the past century. It is now warmer than it has been for thousands of years. This warming is mostly due to humans increasing emissions of heat-trapping greenhouse gases. Scientists know this because of careful studies of temperature data, such as those recorded by weather stations and ships. Temperatures in the past have been influenced by factors such as volcanic eruptions and ocean currents. However, the overall trends are very clear and they have withstood decades of scrutiny.
Scientists are working to understand what is causing the climate change we are experiencing. They have discovered that human activities are the primary cause, but there are other factors at play as well.
In the United States, the hottest days of the year are now warmer than they used to be. The polar ice caps are melting, and sea levels are rising worldwide. Many communities and homeowners are affected by these changes. The impacts of climate change are expected to grow and worsen as global temperatures continue to rise.
It is widely believed that the increase in average global temperatures over the last few decades has been much faster than in previous centuries or millennia. This phenomenon is illustrated graphically in a graph often referred to as a hockey stick. The graph shows how temperatures remained relatively flat for many centuries (the shaft of the stick), then began to rapidly increase in recent decades (the blade of the stick).
There are a few prominent scientists who continue to doubt the scientific consensus on Climate Change. Some of them have financial ties to the fossil fuel industry. Other skeptics have made claims that are contradicted by other research, or by their own previous work. But the vast majority of scientists, from every field, have accepted the science and the evidence.
Scientists agree that the most important step is to limit the release of greenhouse gases and other pollutants. This can be done through policies and practices such as reducing energy use, increasing the amount of renewables on the grid, using less water in agriculture, and planting trees.
The scientific community is also working to find ways to adapt to a changing world. For example, by preparing for rising sea levels and other environmental changes, cities can plan to protect their citizens and businesses. As the world warms, there will also be opportunities to develop new technologies and products that can help people deal with these challenges. In addition, many people are making personal choices to reduce their impact on the environment. A recent study found that one of the main reasons that women in the United States are choosing to have fewer children is because they are worried about the effects of climate change on their families’ lives.